Here at the Bowral Classic HQ our aim for the ‘In Focus’ Series is to highlight exceptional people who have one thing in common, that they ride for a cause.
This week we spoke to John Coleman, a gentlemen who is raising funds and awareness for the White Ribbon campaign to break the cycle of domestic violence.
So far John has beaten his target of $700 to reach $981, whilst his team ‘Ride Out Domestic Violence/3C Racing” have raised over $1550.
Here is John’s story.
“I have chosen the White Ribbon campaign. The reason behind this is simply the fact I cannot believe this type of cowardly behaviour is happening within our society.
You see it being mentioned at sporting venues, it is in the papers, it’s on the news, it’s on social media and it should not be happening. Our society is not impoverished, uneducated and non-caring. There are so many good causes out there, and I believe this one has an adverse effect on the morality of our society, we cannot let it be seen to be acceptable, it is not on any level.
As for my fundraising, I have done a bit of fundraising over the past several years, usually bike rides, most of the money I have managed to raise has been from family, friends and people I am associated with through my work.
My main form of fundraising is just by email, I add a note to my email signature and I also use Facebook – doesn’t everyone? Sometimes I am lucky enough to get the odd one or two more than generous donations that help things along. This time it has been a local business near where I live. He doesn’t want it advertised as he will be inundated with requests.
As for spreading the word about the Bowral Classic, it is all word of mouth, emails and Facebook
My training is on the go slow at the moment, I have succumbed to a bout of the dreaded lurgy! As for training, I have a work colleague who is doing the Bowral Classic with me and we ride most days of the week before work, early starts.
On the weekend I try to get a ride or two in and if the weather is not so kind I spend time on my indoor trainer while watching TV, it was good with the Tour de France highlights.
I like to get to around 150k + per week. I will have to concentrate on doing more climbing soon so my legs will get used to the expected level of pain! More metres up and less kilometres long!”
To support John Coleman visit his fundraising page on the Bowral Classic website here at bowralclassic.gofundraise.com.au/page/JohnColeman.
To find out more about the White Ribbon campaign visit whiteribbon.org.au.
Together, all fundraisers have raised well over $25,000 for the charities that are supporting the Bowral Classic. With the ability to raise more it’s time to band together and begin a friendly competition between you and your mates, to drive the funds raised upward of our goal of $200,000.
Get cracking at our website, bowralclassic.com.au/charity.
