Club Boss Set to Bike Ride 650km for Sick Kids

Michael, a pioneer of improving regional health care, has taken on the challenge with the hope of raising $100,000 for the charity which has been a saving grace for families in the far western NSW mining town. 

“Living out in regional NSW in Broken Hill, I personally know lots of people that have had to use the Ronald McDonald House,” Michael said.  

“It's unfortunately a service that's needed in regional areas, so I thought why not face up and do the kilometres and raise some money for a good cause?" 

The Treasure Life Ride is from Whyalla in South Australia to Port Lincoln and will take place from 18 to 22 March 2024. 

Michael has been riding between 30 and 60 kilometres per morning, four times a week training for the event — losing 40 kilograms in the process!

“This is the most training I've probably ever done in my life, and certainly the most training I've done in the last decade,” Michael said. 

“The training is going well other than a few mechanical problems such as punctures along the way and our bike computers playing up.” 

A father himself, Michael feels particularly compelled to help the charity which is there for parents and caregivers in their time of need. 

“It's the toughest time for these families and I couldn't even imagine going through it,” Michael said. 

“I was blessed with a healthy daughter, so I can't even imagine what it's like for these families to go through it all.” 

Fundraising for the ride has already begun with pledges of up to $35,000 made by industry partners, as well as a huge Gala Fundraiser Day held last weekend which raised a further $4000.

Saturday’s charity day begun at CSC Gym Broken Hill from midday, where teams raced to 100,000 metres on a stationary bike, before enjoying a BBQ lunch, with a DJ playing all afternoon and prizes for the winners and best dressed.

The fundraising bonanza didn’t stop when the sun went down, with a Gala Charity Ball also taking place on Saturday night at the Musicians Club. Guests enjoyed local art raffles and auctions, a three-course dinner, as well as plenty of live entertainment. 

“The arts community out here is quite robust and active, and the Club has always been a massive supporter of the arts community over the years, and they are always a supporter of anything the Club does, so there was plenty of artwork from local artists in the raffle,” Michael said. 

“We had an old antique wooden aircraft propeller that's been painted by Johnny Simons as part of the auction items,” which was sold to the North Broken Hill Cricket Club for $2500.

As for his recovery routine post-ride, he is doing it in true Michael Boland fashion. 

“I don't know if I should say this, but after a ride we head down the Club for a beer,” Michael shared. 

“There's no better way to loosen up.” 

Michael has been an advocate for regional healthcare for the far west of the state, introducing a new GP and clinic into Broken Hill last year, and this year he is hoping to bring two new MRIs in, as well as breast coil technology for breast cancer detection. 

To donate to Michael’s ride, click here.