Boaty Boys to ride 350km in support of women affected by domestic violence

LENNOX Head fitness and men’s mental health support group the Boaty Boys will ride 350km to raise funds for women affected by domestic violence.

The three day Ride Against the Wind Challenge, run in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond, will be held from March 27 to 29.

Riders will cover 120km on day one from Bonalbo to Eltham, before travelling to Uki on day two, with the final leg finishing at Lennox Head.

The Boaty Boys formed about five years ago as a fitness and support group for men in the region and regularly undertake fundraising challenges for charity.

Boaty Boys event organiser Grant McGregor said this year’s ride aimed to draw attention to the scale of domestic violence in NSW.

“Each year we attempt a different challenge and this year we wanted to do something around the theme of domestic violence,” he said.

“We know NSW Police receive about 350 calls every day relating to domestic violence, so that’s why we’re riding the distance.”

Funds raised will go to the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect to support delivery of the Love Bites program in local schools through Ballina Rotary clubs.

 

The program focuses on respectful relationships, healthy communication, consent and violence prevention among teenagers.

Additional funds will be used to provide mobile phones for women leaving abusive relationships.

The event will also include a charity gala night with silent auctions at the Eltham Hotel, while the final stage of the ride will feature a police escort and a community event hosted by Club Lennox Sports

About 50 Boaty Boys members will take part, with another 50 places open to community riders.

Participants will stay at prearranged campsites each night, with meals provided by Rotary and support vehicles assisting riders along the route.

“Our group has been a game changer for a lot of guys, myself included,” McGregor said.

“We hold ourselves to a high standard, with the community always front of mind.”

Registrations are available via Eventbrite.