Preparing For Peaks & Supporting Ride2School – The Perfect Pairing 

It’s a ride that’s both feared and revered, and without a doubt, Australia’s toughest annual cycling event. It’s the Peaks Challenge, a 235km journey that includes a staggering 4400 metres of climbing, taking riders through some of the nation’s most picture-perfect terrain. 

Akin to a queen stage of the Tour de France, the ride attracts all manner of enthusiasts, from those who’ll easily finish in 8 to 9 hours, to others who just want to make the 13-hour cutoff time.

Year after year, since 2010 and the very first ‘3 Peaks Challenge,’ participants have put themselves through months of training and a day of pain and suffering for a thousand different reasons. 

One common denominator amongst the vast majority is simply a desire to help others.

Peaks 2026 will raise money for one of the most important causes of our time: getting more kids on bikes. In the 1970s, eight out of ten children either rode their bikes or walked to school. These days, the number has plummeted to just two in ten. 

Bicycle Network’s Ride2Schoolprogram is making fantastic inroads into getting more kids on bikes and, ultimately, helping them develop healthy habits for life. But more needs to be done; the programme needs to go nationwide, and fundraising is critical to its future success.

We caught up with three passionate Peaks riders who are thrilled to be fundraising for Ride2School and more kids on bikes – here’s what they told us.

Jeremy Young

What motivated you to fundraise for Ride2School? 

The raw challenge of Peaks Challenge was what first caught my attention, but it was the purpose behind the ride that truly inspired me. I wanted to do my part and help a new generation discover the freedom and joy of cycling, just like I have.

 How did I go about it? 

My fundraising journey was very much tied to my personal experience with the training towards the ride itself. I was open about my training and the challenge of Peaks 2025, the ups and the downs, and I think that resonated with my friends and family. People did not just donate to a cause; they supported my personal journey and helped me get to the start line with confidence.

 Any tips for new fundraisers taking on the challenge in 2026? 

My tip is to share your personal story. I was really touched by all the generosity and support I received. It’s always best to stay authentic, share your passion, and remember the incredible difference you are making for the kids, one pedal stroke at a time.

How many Peaks Challenges have you ridden? 

2025 was my first Peaks Challenge. 

Does it get easier each year? 

I can’t speak from personal experience yet, but I imagine it’s more about knowing what to expect. The first attempt was an invaluable learning experience that has left me feeling much more confident and prepared to tackle the challenge again next year. 

What are your top three tips for surviving the gruelling Peaks ride? 

Nutrition: Regular eating and drinking throughout the experience is non-negotiable. Do not wait until you feel hungry or thirsty to start refuelling. 

Pacing: It is important to ride at your own pace, especially on the long climbs. Knowing your limits and sticking to a sustainable pace will get you a long way. 

Mental encouragement: The mental aspect is often greater than the physical one. I found it very helpful for me to break the ride into smaller, manageable segments and staying positive is key to pushing through when the going gets tough. 

Dave Wichmann

How many Peaks Challenges have you ridden?  

2025 was my eighth Peaks.

Does it get easier each year? 

It’s different every time. Knowledge of the route certainly makes things easier but weather conditions are always different and each year I have a different target depending on my current fitness or who else wants to ride. This year my wife did her first Peaks so I wanted to ride with her and help her get close to a decent time. In 2024 I was on target for a PB time but hit the gruelling heat in the Omeo Valley and like many, watched the time evaporate with each draining pedal stroke. 

Your top three tips to survive the gruelling Peaks ride?  

1. For me, ride your own tempo. It’s great if you can hang onto a group, but busting your gut to hang on to an hour-marker group can be the end of your day. Ride within yourself and manage your rest really carefully, as much time can be saved by not stopping too often. 

2. Plan where you will stop. I generally try and skip Harrietville and make my first stop at Buckland where it’s less crowded and toilet access is usually instant. This helps keep your stop times down too. I skip Dinner Plain and go straight to Omeo. I’ve tried to push through to Anglers instead but by the time you get to Omeo you really need five minutes off the bike. Anglers is also great for a quick splash of water in preparation for the back of Falls. 

3. Know your body and how to fuel it – practice your nutrition during training. I use carbohydrate fuel in my bottles and supplement with gels because I really struggle to chew solid food during long events. Don’t try anything new on race day….you need to know what to expect. Monitor the conditions and drink more fluid if it’s hot. 

What motivated you to fundraise for the Ride2School program? 

Apart from the free kit! I just feel kids need help to get out from behind devices and do the basic outdoors type things we did growing up. I rode to school and loved it. My kids didn’t because it wasn’t safe and there was nowhere to secure the bike.

How did you go about raising money for your campaign? 

This year was my second attempt and far more successful than my first. I engaged the help of a friend who got me sorted with Instagram to post updates of training rides and direct friends and others to my donation page.  

Do you have any tips or advice for fundraisers taking on Peaks Challenge 2026?   

Start early. Incorporate it into your training. Post regularly on Instagram, and don’t be afraid to ask people for support. The worst they can do is so no, right? 

Heidi Sick 

How many Peaks Challenges have you ridden? 

I’ve completed one Peaks Challenge so far – the 2025 event. It had been on my bucket list for years, and I was determined to tick it off before turning 50 … though I ended up doing it right at 50! 

It was an incredible experience. When I was 14 I completed my first ride – the Great Vic Bike ride in 1988 where we rode from Melbourne to Sydney, that was another fantastic experience. 

Does it get easier each year? 

I can’t really say yet, since 2025 was my first! But I can tell you it was brutally tough. I followed the 10-hour training program, which gave me confidence that I was well-prepared. Having run marathons before, I found the Peaks Challenge actually tougher mentally – the physical strain was intense up the back of Falls, but it was the mental challenge that really pushed me. 

Your top three tips to survive the gruelling Peaks ride?

1: Train smart and be well-prepared – there’s no substitute for solid training. 

2: Fuel yourself regularly and stick with what you know. For me, coconut water tactically planted at two of the stations was a lifesaver for staying hydrated. 

3: Be efficient during stops – have a clear plan so you can get in, refuel, and get out quickly without wasting time. 

What motivated you to fundraise for the Ride2School program? 

Ride2School is such an amazing initiative, especially since funding was recently cut. As a mum of two boys who used to ride to primary school, I’ve seen first hand how programs like this encourage kids to get active and enjoy the freedom of riding. Supporting it felt like a no-brainer. 

How did you go about raising money for your campaign? 

I’m fortunate to work in a large company with generous colleagues who knew I was 

training for the Peaks Challenge. Their support and donations made a big difference and really motivated me throughout my training. 

Do you have any tips or advice for fundraisers taking on Peaks Challenge 2026? 

Tell your story – share why you’re riding and why the cause matters to you. I wrote about what riding bikes meant to me as a kid and how I want to inspire my boys to experience that same joy and freedom on two wheels, even growing up in the city. 

A heartfelt story connects with people and encourages support. And continue to engage through your networks, work, school and sports. 

The next Peaks Challenge is on Sunday, March 8, 2026. To register or for further details visit www.bicyclenetwork.com.au