Over 250 participants and over $70,000 was raised for cancer charity Challenge, which supports kids living with cancer at the 2015 KTM Ride4Kids, Australia’s biggest dirt bike charity event, at Broadford on Sunday, 13 September.

It was a great day for motorcycle enthusiasts of all levels and a welcome relief for children and their families who flocked to a sun-kissed motocross track at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex for a leisurely dirt bike ride with professional KTM racers including Toby Price, Wayde Carter and Mason Semmens.

Event organisers Craig Gathercole and Matt Manning, who are both Challenge dads, were ecstatic with the turnout and the money raised.

“We had some Challenge kids here and Toby Price was magnificent with the kids all day. Watching Wayde Carter, Toby Price and Mason Semmens ride around with the kids is what it’s all about. It’s a big buzz for them,” Craig said.

“Raising as much as we did to provide Challenge the services that they provide to children living with cancer has also been remarkable,” Craig added.

Jessica Robertson won a 2016 KTM 85 SX dirt bike for her sterling fundraising efforts which saw her raise in excess of $12,000 whilst Lachie Stewart and Hayden Fogarty both raised over $10,000.

Australia’s number one off-road rider, Toby Price, flew back early from South America especially to take part in the Ride4Kids: “A huge storm forced the cancellation of the Rally of Chile so I asked KTM Australia if it was possible to change my flights to come back a couple of days earlier.

“We had around 250 riders out there. It was the biggest turnout we have had in my time. The Broadford track was unreal. It was a great day for the kids,” Toby said. “It’s an event I really like being at and supporting a great cause for Challenge,” Toby added.

Challenge CEO David Rogers was thrilled with how the day turned out in almost-perfect conditions: “Along with Motorcycling Victoria, KTM Australia, and with the talented and passionate people this sport has, the 2015 KTM Ride4Kids has been an overwhelming success.”

“This event in its own right has raised over $700,000 for Challenge which is an outstanding reflection on the motorcycling community,” he added.

Motorcycling Victoria CEO Wayne Holdsworth was ecstatic by the success of the KTM Ride4Kids: “MV is very pleased with the achievements of this year’s event. “It’s fantastic to hear that everyone enjoyed themselves at Broadford and we’d be very proud to continue our relationship with Challenge to continue to support the KTM Ride4Kids.”

The success of KTM Ride4Kids in 2015 was made possible by the outstanding support from Jeff Leisk and KTM Australia, together with Peter Stevens Motorcycles, Monza Imports, Fox, O’Neal, Evolution Motorcycles, MXTV, Force Industries and Scott.

“In particular, we’d like to thank Motorcycling Victoria for providing the venue at no cost and what a great venue it is,” Craig added. The real winner here is kids with cancer and Challenge,” David added. You can still donate to Challenge by visiting www.challenge.org.au.