The registration fee covers meals, rider support and safety services, and other operational costs associated with running such a major event. Each cyclist also will receive an official Cardiac Challenge 2024 rider’s jersey.

The Cardiac Challenge is a charity fundraising event. Therefore, in addition to paying the registration fee, every rider who signs up for the Cardiac Challenge must agree to raise a minimum of $500 for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
In order to assist riders in their fundraising efforts, each will automatically receive an online fundraising webpage as a part of the registration process for the event (whether they register as an individual or as a part of a team).
The Hospital Foundation has set a fundraising target of $400,000 for the 2024 Cardiac Challenge.
All funds raised by this event will be devoted to improving health care services in Far North Queensland.
For tips and ideas on how to fundraise, visit the “Fundraising” section.
Note: Riders who fail to raise the minimum sum required ($500) before the start date for the 2024 Cardiac Challenge (September 14), will not be allowed to participate in the event.

The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation is passionate about encouraging people to ride bicycles – not just during the three-day Cardiac Challenge, but all year round!
Cycling is a great way to get fit and stay fit. It exercises lots of muscles – including your heart. (That’s one of the reasons why so many doctors and nurses in the Cardiac Care Unit at Cairns Hospital ride bikes themselves and take part in the Challenge every year!)
“Sea Breeze” Sunday morning rides
If you live in the Cairns area and would like to develop your bike riding skills and/or enjoy meeting some other cyclists, we suggest you join one of our regular Sunday morning rides, which depart from the Esplanade, opposite  Sea Breeze Café at Cairns Hospital, at 6.30am.
The emphasis is on enjoying a ride with like-minded souls – not rehearsing for the Tour de France! 
We generally travel 50 to 60km and form different speed groups: you choose how much or how little you want to do.
We will support you, no matter what your level of cycling ability: offer advice about riding techniques and help you sort out any mechanical issues, if we can. Let us know if you need help and we’ll look after you!
If you wish to “push the envelope” a bit more, we can also suggest alternative ride routes and help you make contact with other cyclists, so you can ride with people who share a similar riding capacity.
Depending on the chosen route, the Sunday rides finish between 9.30am and 10am, and all the riders meet up at a local eaterie for breakfast and a chat.
Are you interested in checking out the Sunday Sea Breeze rides? Follow this link Cardiac Challenge Facebook Page to view the ride calendar, ride maps and details about other events and activities we are planning this year.
Other rides

She Spokes
The She Spokes women meet on Thursdays from 5.30am, with different riding groups for different ability levels. Check out their Facebook group HERE for further information.

• The Cardiac Challenge is not a race.
• For much of the event, you will ride in pack formation (as a legal requirement for our ride permit)
• You will be assigned to a specific pack before the event, based on your nominated average speed capacity. (Details will be emailed to you.) Try to get to know the other members of your pack prior to the ride (if you can). Facebook groups will be established for each pack, once packs are determined by our ride director and you will be invited to join the group you have been assigned to. This is a great way to get to know your pack and pack leaders before the event.
• On the second and third day of the Challenge, when riders are on quieter roads, some pack changes may be permissible, depending on numbers.
• Two pack leaders will be assigned to each pack. They will maintain contact with the official escort vehicles and police which accompany the packs for safety and support purposes.
• You will ride on public roads used by other traffic, so normal road rules apply. For example:
  • you must move to the left to allow vehicles to overtake;
  • ride in single file where appropriate;
  • no more than two abreast at any time.
• Be aware of fellow riders and other traffic. Be predictable. Indicate and call out your intention to slow down, stop or change direction
• You must ride in a safe, responsible and courteous manner, and obey the directions of event officials and pack leaders at all times
• Support vehicles are NOT allowed to closely follow riders, join them at drink stops or drive repeatedly past the ride packs in order to take photos/film footage. This behaviour could jeopardise the safety of everyone. Unless support vehicles are required to provide their riders with a lift up steep roads (such as the Kuranda Range), they should drive directly to the designated lunch stop, then on to the dinner/camp site.
• Drink stops will be stationed at 20km intervals along the ride route.
• Escort vehicles carry emergency  water supplies.
• It is the camaraderie and support of other riders that will motivate you to keep going when you are feeling tired, irritable or sore.
• The Cardiac Challenge proceeds in all weather – rain or shine. (But you won’t have to worry about cyclones, as September is outside the cyclone season!)

There is limited accommodation at Mt Carbine and Lakeland, however there are a number of accommodation options in Cooktown. We have exclusive access to campgrounds at Mt Carbine, Lakeland and the school grounds at Cooktown. If you decide to camp, and are unsupported, we will take your camping equipment and luggage in our transport trucks for the duration of the event. 

The Cardiac Challenge is a sporting adventure, not a luxury cruise, so keep it simple!

Here is a list of the basics:

• bike (well-maintained)
• bike helmet
• spare bike parts (including spokes)
• comfortable cycling gear, including your official Cardiac Challenge jersey (supplied)
• water bottles (or camelbak)
• sunscreen/sun hat
• energy-boosting snack foods
• fold-up chair
• tent and sleeping gear (if camping)
• toiletries
• personal medical supplies (including pain killers and lubricant!)
• “aprez-ride” clothing and spending money

a sense of humour and team spirit! 😉