Last week, after months of dedicated training, John Barton and Brett Schmidt rode as part of the MGD/ Traction team in the 2022 Chain Reaction Challenge.

Despite the challenges the past few months have brought, the peloton of fifty riders set out on Saturday, 25 March, ready for the seven-day, 1000-kilometre cycling challenge through the beautiful Tasmanian highlands.

Launceston hosted the first few days of the challenge, and provided a clear and crisp Autumn day for the first day of riding, chasing the banks of the Tamar River for 85 kilometres. The Ritchie Portes loop was tackled on day two, named after the local legend’s training track, before they set off to Devonport on Monday.

Day four was the longest distance of the challenge, with the peloton riding 183 kilometres from the coast to inland Tarraleah. This tough day confirmed the strong team mindset that had formed over the previous days and reflected the growing comradery.

The team woke on day five in an old hydro community, with an abundance of small towns as their scenery while they headed into the ‘big smoke’ of Hobart. On the final day, they headed out to Bruny Island, before completing a Hobart loop (featuring Mount Wellington) for the final length of the ride.

The team raised $1,517,538 (at the time of writing) to support AEIOU Foundation and Traction.

AEIOU Foundation helps thousands of children with autism to develop life skills that support them to engage in everyday life, and participate at home, in the community, at school, and in the workforce.

Traction engages local communities and serves those most in need by providing a safe, inclusive, action-based environment where vulnerable youth build self-esteem, find a sense of belonging, discover their potential, and create their own future.

MGD are firm believers in the life-changing work of these charities and would like to extend the utmost gratitude to anyone who has generously supported the challenge.

You can find out more about the ride over on the Chain Reaction blog.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and is not intended to constitute financial product advice. Any information provided or conclusions made, whether express or implied, do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of an investor. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice.