About the 25th Anniversary Ride
This year we marked the 25th Hartley Cycle Challenge. Over two days in the Snowy Mountains, cycle teams took on long climbs, steep descents, early starts and changing weather, all with a clear purpose – to give people with disability the opportunity to live their best life. Many riders have returned year after year, which shows the strong connection people feel to Hartley and to this event.
The Cycle Challenge is Hartley’s major fundraiser. Over 25 years it has raised more than nine million dollars to support our work. The funds from this year’s event help us support 113 people with disability, including people living in supported accommodation, guests using our respite services and people in Specialist Disability Accommodation.
The event also helps keep our hydrotherapy pool running, which around 100 regular users rely on to stay mobile, manage pain and remain active. It helps maintain our homes and transport fleet, and it funds the everyday experiences and short breaks that matter to the people we support and their families.
At the Celebration Dinner, we recognised some outstanding contributions. The Karen Zeller Award for outstanding volunteering went to Jon Gowland, who has either ridden or volunteered in every Cycle Challenge since the second year and is known for turning up with water, fruit and lollies exactly when teams needed it.
The Milton Valentine Award, which recognises a rider who supports and encourages others, was awarded to Dylan Valentine, Milton’s son.
We also presented 25 year achievement medallions to Keith Speldewinde, Jon Gowland and John Thorn for their longstanding commitment to the event. In recognition of the 25th anniversary, all riders and volunteers also received a special 25 year medallion to acknowledge their involvement in this milestone year.
A weekend like this only works because a large group of people do the work behind the scenes. I want to thank Hartley’s event team for the significant effort they put into organising this year’s Challenge. Thank you also to our volunteers, ride coordinators, support crews and the very important chow crews.
Our principal sponsors, Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets and Canberra Toyota once again played a key role in making the event possible. Their investment, products and services reflect a genuine belief in what Hartley does and in the importance of inclusion and opportunity for people with disability.
To every rider, sponsor, donor, volunteer, staff member and family member who supported the 2025 Hartley Cycle Challenge, thank you. Your effort over one weekend directly strengthens Hartley and helps people with disability have opportunities to live their best life.
Hear from the Hartley Cycle Challenge Community
"The Hartley Cycle Challenge is a pampered ride and we love doing it every year."
"The volunteers are absolutely incredible and make the whole experience a delight."
"Everything is organised for you, I do not need to think of anything else but riding."
"This is the best and safest organised ride I have participated in."
"We love the opportunity to meet and raise funds for people with disabilities."
