Ride The Far North: The 2025 QSuper Cardiac Challenge

Imagine cycling in tropical Far North Queensland during September – warm days, stunning scenery, and riding glorious hinterland roads with hundreds of like-minded others.

If this sounds good make sure you mark your calendar for September 20–22, 2025, when cyclists from across the country will gather in Far North Queensland for one of the most inspiring multi-day rides of the year – the QSuper Cardiac Challenge.

Spanning 333 kilometres over three days, the Cardiac Challenge is more than just a ride. It’s a rolling festival of community, scenery, and purpose – raising vital funds to improve cardiac services in remote and regional Queensland.

Riding to Save Lives

Since 2006, the event has raised more than $6 million for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF), directly supporting access to life-saving cardiac care. Each rider typically raises over $2,000 – with some passionate individuals exceeding $20,000 through grassroots fundraising in their hometowns.

Cardiac Challenge riders have raised millions of dollars for vital medical equipment over the years – and have had a lot of fun doing it.
The ride is on again from September 20-22 and you can enter via **www.cardiacchallenge.com.au**

An Unforgettable Route

The ride starts in Cairns, climbing the Kuranda Range into the lush green of the Atherton Tablelands. From there, the route winds through Speewah, Mareeba, Mt Molloy, Mt Carbine, across the remote beauty of the Desailly Range and Lakeland, and into Cooktown, where the Endeavour River meets the sea.

Along the way, riders hear directly from cardiologists about the challenges of providing heart care in FNQ – and how this event makes a tangible difference to lives across the region.

More Than a Ride

For long-time participant and Cooktown frontline emergency department nurse Dale Tan, the Cardiac Challenge is all about two things – community and helping those with cardiac desease.

“What I love about the Cardiac Challenge is the sense of belonging to a ‘family’,” he told Ride On. “The Cardiac Challenge community in Cairns and beyond is just awesome – I’ve even had Cardiac Challenge riders come out and support me on the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride route. Plus the fact it raises vital funds for ”

“Cardiac disease is endemic in the far north region of Queensland, it’s at a very high rate compared to the rest of Australia,” he continued.

“The enormous distances to travel for treatment and lack of resources in the far north’s regional hospitals are two of many challenges.”

Cooktown-based adventure rider and ED specialist Dale Tan.

Dale – who’s currently preparing for a bike-packing trip around Japan’s Mt Fuji, said the Cardiac Challenge is a lot of fun and the camaraderie is great for all levels of bike riders … plus riders help make a real difference.

“Everyone who rides the challenge are made to feel that they have contributed to the cardiac services of the Far North,” he said.

“In Cairns, where all referrals are made from places like Cooktown, many residents have been treated using the latest state-of-the-art equipment, some fully funded by the proceeds of the Cardiac Challenge.”

“I know, because I’m often the first responder for people with heart issues,” he added.

Get Involved

The Cardiac Challenge brings together riders of all experience levels who share a commitment to health, adventure and helping others.

The three days isn’t just about riding a bike – it’s about saving lives. As frontline health professional Dale mentioned, funds raised go directly to improving cardiac services in FNQ, including new medical equipment, patient care initiatives and outreach to remote communities.

If you’re ready to ride for a cause, visit www.cardiacchallenge.com.au to register, start fundraising, and be part of something truly special.