Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer (B2GC)

A Ride Making a Real Difference

The Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer (B2GC) is a well-known annual Queensland event, that sees thousands of cyclists ride 100kms in one day, from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. There are also 60km and 40km options for those not quite up to riding 100 km!   

Formerly run by Bicycle Queensland, the event is now managed by the Mater Foundation, a charitable organisation that focuses on advancing cancer research and providing support to cancer patients. The Mater Foundation uses the funds raised from the event to contribute to this research.

Merlo came on board as the official coffee partner of the event to support the Mater Foundation and their work in advancing cancer research and healing. At the end of the event, all participants were well caffeinated with a Merlo espresso or two at the Broadwater Parklands.

Supporting People Like Shelley

At the age of 30, Shelley had a tumour removed from above her collarbone and was heading into her fourth round of chemotherapy when she decided to take control of the direction her life was taking.

Shelley is a musician, who came home one night and decided she was at breaking point because she didn’t have the energy needed to keep going.

Fate had it, that a new gym opened next door to Shelley, and this was the start of her transformation into ‘Shred with Shelley’, and the opportunity to keep herself accountable. This soon became a community of followers who inspired her daily.

Well into her new regime and lifestyle, Shelley started to feel unwell and a visit to her GP found a lump above her collarbone. Two months later, after it had continued to grow further, a needle biopsy came back inconclusive. Eventually, the lump was causing so much pain that Shelley was scheduled to have it surgically removed.   The results from the surgery were she had Hodgkin Lymphoma—a blood cancer.

Prior to the surgery, Shelly was very disciplined with fitness and nutrition, so much so that it became her whole life.  Since her surgery and subsequent chemotherapy and radiation Shelley has become more relaxed.

Shelley road in the B2CG event last Sunday to support cancer research.  This same research is what enables her to be diagnosed, treated, and then head into remission all in the space of 12 months. According to Shelley, it is through events such as the B2CG that patients are able to receive a better quality of life.

Merlo Account Manager Frank Suits Up Again

Our very own Frank from Merlo’s sales team donned the lycra again and took part in the B2GC. Completing a 100km ride in just over 2 hours is quite an accomplishment, and it's even more commendable that he did it to raise funds for research and medical treatments.

We are looking forward to next year's event to see if Frank can surpass his own time.  Participating in events like the B2GC not only provides a personal challenge but also brings the community together for a common purpose.

Merlo is proud to support an event that will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of patients in need. For more details on the B2GC event click here.