From 24 – 31 October, Curtin’s Chief Information Officer Peter Nikoletatos will take part in a non-stop ride across Australia with eight cyclists and support crew in the inaugural Perth2Sydney Cycle Challenge. At an expected average speed of 26kph the event is estimated to take 7 days, with the possibility of setting a new world record.
Peter will be supporting Strike a Chord for Cancer, which aims to help children suffering from cancer through the gift of music, and Ovarian Cancer Australia, which provides support and advocacy for people affected by ovarian cancer.
The ride will consist of two teams of four bicycle riders per team, cycling a 4,200 km route non-stop from Perth to Sydney, with one rider from each team on the road at any point in time.
The teams consist of an Australian University Team (Team Higher Education,) and Team Microsoft. Team Higher Education is made up of Peter Nikoletatos (Curtin University), Christopher Dean, Frank Herb (University of Newcastle) and Brett Buchel (University of Notre Dame), while Team Microsoft is represented by Michael Pidcock, Gary Denman, Colin Weir and Neil Jackson.
In order to successfully cycle non-stop, two riders will each cycle for two hours per stretch, followed by a six hour break while the other riders take over. After some rest, food and a shift driving one of the support vehicles the riders will then return to their bikes for another two hour stint on the road.
The expedition is expected to be physically punishing due to extreme weather conditions and unpredictable winds across the Nullarbor, not to mention exhaustion, white line fever and aches and pains which will inevitably stem from each rider’s gruelling daily efforts.
Peter is a keen cyclist, having completed five Ironman Triathlons and is a member of the Lance Armstrong Foundation Livestrong.
“For me it’s about challenging the mind and body, in that order!”, he says.
Your donation and support is much appreciated. Please help make a difference by making a secure online tax deductable donation at Strike a Chord for Cancer Foundation (Riding In Memory of Evie) and/or Ovarian Cancer Australia
You can also follow the ride on Twitter via @pnikolet and/or @CurtinCIO.
