The 16th annual Bras ‘n Bikes event will add some glitz to the roads on October 29, when hundreds of riders will enjoy a scenic 140-kilometre ride and raise money for local charity Bloomhill Cancer Care.
The successful event, which attracted 320 riders last year, is run by Girl Torque, and while a lot of fun and frivolity is had on the day, group leader Judy Noakes says the organisers are keen to raise as much money as they can for Bloomhill.
Noakes says a few Girl Torque members have reached out to the Buderim-based charity for help with either cancer diagnosis or for support when someone they love is going through a cancer battle.
“My husband Chris Carroll was diagnosed with cancer and what I needed from [Bloomhill] was the emotional support and counselling,” she says.
“There are so many sides to Bloomhill that people don’t realise are there.
“They don’t just support women, but also men who are undergoing cancer treatments, and they are also there for their friends and families and give them a place to turn to for help.”
While Carroll has been cancer-free for five years, Noakes says the club’s passion for supporting the charity has only grown over time into an “emotional and practical attachment”.
With 85 members and 30 more pending, Girl Torque has been providing a social connection and a source of camaraderie for local women, and Noakes says the Bras ‘n Bikes event was one of the few occasions when the guys could join in the fun.
“We used to offer bras to the guys on the day for a $2 donation, but now they just can’t wait to shop around, put on bras and get their pink on,” Noakes laughs.
“I reckon the blokes are even more excited to dress up than us girls and some of the outfits they turn up in are very thought provoking.
“The stigma around guys wearing bras on the day has definitely gone and they are really keen now.”
This year’s route is expected to take around two hours and will incorporate some scenic country areas, some highway, some winding roads and places Noakes says those who live outside the Sunshine Coast have probably never seen before.
Participants are in with a chance to win a $2000 travel voucher from Coolum Cruise & Travel and see amazing trikes from TourOz Trikes on the route, as the Yandina business came on board as a major sponsor this year.
“For the second year in a row, we will start and finish at the Yandina Bowls Club so those who aren’t riding can enjoy some barefoot bowls until we get back at lunch time,” Noakes says.
Riders need to gather at the Yandina Bowls Club at 7.30am on October 29 to register, with pink bras and attire ready to go.
The ride starts at 9.30am. Registration is $20 per bike and this can be pre-purchased at bloomhill.com.au/online-shop.
