What are we doing?
From 1st - 9th August a small but committed group of bike riders plan to ride from Sydney to Brisbane for the charity "Spinal Muscular Atrophy" (SMA).  This means riding 1100kms over 9 days!

What is SMA?
People with SMA generally appear normal at birth; the symptoms develop as early as three months in the most severely affected, around one to two years of ages in the moderately affected, and more rarely in the late childhood or adult years in mildly affected individuals. SMA is the number one genetic killer of children under 2 years of age yet very few people have ever heard of it.  1 in 40 people actually carry the gene.

Do you know anyone with SMA?
Yes.  My good friends Peter and Peta Wright's second daughter, Amelia has type II SMA.  She is a beautiful young girl that functions mentally like you and I.  She laughs, plays and enjoys the company of her older sister and younger brother as young children do.  However, sadly, many aspects of her life are a real challenge.  She requires the assistance of a wheelchair, eating can be a challenge, as can breathing. 

Have you ever cycled this far before?
No.  This will be the longest event I've undertaken in both distance and days.
What made you want to sit on a bike seat for 9 days?
A number of reasons.  What I'm doing pails into insignificance compared with children and parents that have to manage the challenge of living with a disability everyday.  However difficult parts of the ride are, we all have to remember we are lucky to have the physical capability to be able to sit on a bike and take part.  Further, I hope that our efforts over the week give all those living with SMA a sense that there are a lot of people thinking about them, and trying to make a difference for their quality of life.

What are the goals for the bike ride?
Raise money:  All funds raised from this event will help children and families living with SMA.  Some of the benefits include funding assistance for expensive equipment.

Raise awareness:  We stay in 9 towns during this bike for life journey, and we'll be visible on 1100 kms of NSW and Qld road.  We plan to take all opportunities to generate awareness and understanding for SMA.

Research grant:  We aim to generate enough funds to contribute to a medical research grant to the University of Western Australia endeavouring to find a cure for SMA.

What can you do to help?
The good news is you don't have to sit on a bike seat for 1100kms!!!  You can make a donation to SMAAA by sponsoring me for this bike ride.  All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible and you'll be making a real difference to peoples lives.  Additionally you can spread your awareness of SMAAA and this ride to others, and encourage them to take a look.

By donating to the "bike for life" ride, you, like me will be helping to make a difference.  Thank you.