They’re not hitting the road for a mail run, but these Australian ‘postie bikes’ are destined to deliver a different kind of message.
The Postie Bike Pilgrimage is raising funds and awareness for the Cancer Council in a trip from Bannockburn to Warrnambool, via The Great Ocean Road.
Kyneton organiser Callum Leemon said the pilgrimage had grown to 17 riders with plans to better the ride’s 2018 fundraising efforts of $12,576.52.
“Because we raised more than $5000, we were awarded a Cancer Council research award, which we named the Postie Bike Pilgrimage award, and directed the funds toward low-survival cancer research,” he said.
“Our target this year is to raise $15,000 for the Cancer Council Victoria.”
Last time the bikes made it to outback NSW but Mr Leemon said this year’s pilgrimage would be a little different.
“This year’s pilgrimage will be a two-day ride with some new pilgrims and different destinations/scenery,” he said.
“We are staying within Victoria to assist with any change in COVID restrictions/border closures.”
Riders will depart Bannockburn on October 8 and will return via inland country roads the next day.
The Postie Bike Pilgrimage will also have a support crew making the journey, including Callum’s father who battled bowel cancer and was part of the ride’s inspiration.
Fellow ride organiser Dean Beattie’s mother-in-law also survived breast cancer.
Together, Callum and Dean took part in the 2013 and 2015 Mystery Box Rally to raise about $9000 for Cancer Council Victoria. The Postie Bike Pilgrimage is their own initiative raising funds for the same cause.
The groups has had support from several local businesses including Eve-Trans, JEC Constructions and Mr Leemon’s own business Leemon Design. Sign Obsession has also supplied all stickers for the ride.
On Friday, the pilgrimage had raised $10,940 with their target in close range.
To donate, visit the Postie Bike Pilgrimage Facebook page or visit: fundraising.cancervic.org.au/fundraisers/postiebikepilgrimage
