The Solstice Challenge: 9 Hours of Riding - one BIG effort!

The siren sounded. It was 7 minutes past 7am and around 70 cyclists began their epic challenge to see our far they could ride in 9 hours – to change the lives of Zambian children.

On the 11th of June Challenge for Change (CFC) kicked off their first official fundraiser for Eagles Wings, “The Solstice Challenge”. The CFC group had decided to hold an event that would challenge all participants, regardless of whether they were semi-professional speedsters or a part time cycling hack. The Holden Driving Centre was an ideal venue with a flat 1.6km circuit that allowed participants and supporters to view the competing cyclists. Cyclists had a choice to ride as individuals, pairs or teams of four.

This day was always going to be memorable, with some participants setting ambitious targets with volumes of physical and mental toughness. We were thrown more challenges as the weather on the day could easily be described as “atrocious.” Rain, wind and a top temperature of around 15 degrees - it was tough! Dry warm cyclists were quickly soaked and cold. This was the way they continued for the 9 hours.

In reflecting on the Solstice Challenge, I’m amazed at the resilience of all cyclists. Many of my friends who were not involved were astonished that we actually went through with the event considering the conditions. Watching cyclists as they opted to stay on their bikes and ride was truly inspiring. Why would someone choose to put themselves in this predicament? Maybe we have been created and designed to do far more than sometimes we put our own limits on. Additionally, there was an understanding that this event will directly make an impact on the lives of children who live in poverty. It was amazing and encouraging to see people join together and persevere for a cause that is bigger than their own temporary discomfort.

At 7 minutes past 4pm the siren sounded and all cyclists could finally stop. Nine hours of cycling was complete. All cyclists where spent. Cumulatively, cyclists had ridden over 6100km. Competitors looked at distances covered, average speeds and enjoyed the fact they had completed something special for a special reason. The fact the weather was bad added to the sense of accomplishment. Everybody assembled immediately to celebrate and to acknowledge the prize winners for distances covered. Regardless of distances, the general consensus is that most cyclists rode the ride of their lives. Most achieved more than they set out to do.

We would like to thank and acknowledge the many people who contributed to make this day a success, the cyclists, officials, friends & family, the catering crew (delicious) and our newly established sponsor “Rocky Point Mulching”. Your support for underprivileged children is invaluable. We’d like to invite you to continue to partner with Challenge for Change as we advocate for the underprivileged children in Zambia.

Standby for more challenging events, so more lives can change.

Big A

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Acts 20:24