The Buderim 9 Challenge is an iconic annual charity event that Argon Law was proudly involved in as the principal sponsor for many years.
The challenge is a 76km community cycling event held every year on the last Sunday before Christmas, covering nine hills around Buderim. It is a 3-hour event presented by the Sunshine Coast Cycling Club and the Cerebral Palsy League (now CPL).
Participants have the opportunity to become members of the exclusive Buderim 9 Club while helping CPL who support Queenslanders with cerebral palsy and related physical disabilities. Proceeds change the lives of many families on the Sunshine Coast in a small but meaningful way.
The Buderim 9 Challenge is an unforgettable experience of fun, challenge, and community support that bring together people from all walks of life for a good cause.
The 2015 Buderim 9 Challenge took place on Sunday the 18th of December, attracting 237 riders and raising more than $16,000 in direct funding.
2015 also saw a record number of sponsors on board with eighteen official sponsors contributing either financially and/or in-kind to the success of the event. Many other small businesses donated gifts and prizes for the day. Our thanks also extend to multiple Paralympian Games winner Chris Scott OAM, and Australian Junior Cycling Champion Dan Fitter as our 2015 Ride Ambassadors.
This years event’s Perpetual trophy for the Highest Fundraiser was granted to Josh Paix, who raised more than $3,000. Josh, who lives with cerebral palsy, is passionate about making a positive difference to people and families of the Sunshine Coast living with cerebral palsy.
Buderim 9 with roughly 55% of participants completing course on Sunday the 17th of December. The riders cycled up (and down) nine of Buderim’s toughest hills to raise awareness and funds for Sunshine Coast disability service, the Cerebral Palsy League (CPL).
For the third year in a row, the recipient of the prestigious Argon Law perpetual trophy was Josh Paix (18) of Burnside – the Highest Fundraiser of the 2016 Buderim 9 Challenge raising $3,042.
Josh has also been a keen supporter of the Buderim 9 Challenge since its inception 6 years ago and is a regular participant in the hilly challenge, whilst actively raising funds to support this valuable cause.
Josh was joined by event organiser Dave Wighton, Principal Sponsor Argon Law’s John Gallagher and Josh’s long-time mate, Max Quaglio (also living with cerebral palsy) at Becker Helicopter Pilot Academy for a 30 min scenic flight, all thanks to the generosity of Becker Helicopter Pilot Academy.
And another repeat for Best Effort went to Steve Roscarel of Kunda Park who rode a BMX and completed 5 hills in 2 hours and 51 minutes – an astounding achievement.
Manager of CPL’s Sunshine Coast service, Carmel Smith, said this year’s event has been by far the most successful with 250 riders, 9 hill sponsors, 12 in-kind supporters and many amazing donations of goods, time, sweat and money!
“Last year raised more than $16,000 to support children and families on the Sunshine Coast with cerebral palsy,” Ms Smith said. “We estimate we’ll reach our target of $20,000 this year to support children and families on the Sunshine Coast with cerebral palsy,” Ms Smith said. “We are so grateful for the efforts and generosity of all those who continue to help make this event such an extraordinary success.”
Following the event, John and the Argon Law team thanked clients, business associates and stakeholders at an intimate festive gathering in Buderim.
Held at the Buderim Tavern, more than 60 guests enjoyed celebrating the end of 2016, getting into the spirit of the upcoming Buderim 9 Challenge charity ride and heralding in the new year with festive fare.
John said it was a pleasure to host and acknowledge our valued business colleagues and clients and to give credit to the sponsors and supporters of the Argon Law Buderim 9 Challenge.
“Argon Law is joint organiser with Sunshine Coast Cycling Club and Cerebral Palsy League and together we recognise the Buderim 9 Challenge has obvious multiple benefits:
On behalf of the entire Buderim 9 organising committee, I’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to our numerous sponsors and in-kind supporters of this year’s event. Without their generous contributions, the event just wouldn’t be!”
A record 302 riders registered for the personal challenge to get over the Buderim 9 in 2017 – cycling up (and down) nine of Buderim’s toughest hills to raise awareness and funds for Sunshine Coast disability service, the CPL – Choice Passion Life.
177 or 58% of riders completed the 9-hill course, with the event on track to reach its $20,000 target raising funds in support of local children and their families living with cerebral palsy.
John Gallagher congratulated all involved in this inspirational event.
“Argon Law has been an avid supporter of the event for the past six years and the Buderim 9 Challenge is a fabulous example of individuals within our community and local businesses coming together for a common cause and a bit of fun and personal challenge.” Mr Gallagher said.
“We are so grateful for the efforts and generosity of all those who continue to help make this event such an extraordinary success.”
Manager of CPL’s Sunshine Coast service, Carmel Smith, said this year’s event has been by far the most successful with 302 riders, 9 hill sponsors, 13 in-kind supporters and many amazing donations of goods, time, sweat and money!
“We estimate we’ll reach our target of $20,000 this year to support children and families on the Sunshine Coast with cerebral palsy,” Ms Smith said.
There was a new recipient of the prestigious Argon Law perpetual trophy – Marcel Govers from Singapore – the Highest Fundraiser of the 2017 Buderim 9 Challenge raising $1235.
And this year, two ‘best effort’ awards were presented: Tony Williams and vision impaired, Dean Cameron completed the eight hills on a Tandem bike! Once again, Steve Roscarel of Kunda Park who rode a BMX and completed all nine hills – an astounding achievement.
Event organiser, Greg Paix said it was a fantastic event this year for many reasons.
“The Argon Law Buderim 9 Challenge just keeps getting bigger and better each year,” said Mr Paix. “The enthusiasm of all riders and their efforts in fundraising, the valued contributions of sponsors and supporters, a passionate organising committee and more than 50 hardworking volunteers – all contribute to the success of the event!
“We achieved great statistics this year. A record 302 riders entered. We also attracted Sunshine-Coast based former champion cyclist, Henk Vogels as official Buderim 9 Challenge Ambassador this year – he was so supportive of the event and the cause behind it.”
Joining Henk this year for the first time was Sunshine Coast local and international cyclist, Shara Gillow, who tackled the Buderim 9 as part of her preparations for National Championships early next year.
“The Buderim 9 ride is a brilliant challenge leading up to the Nationals in January where I hope to qualify for the Australian Team competing in the Commonwealth Games,” Shara said.
The Buderim 9 Challenge is proudly presented by the Sunshine Coast Cycling Club, CPL-Choice Passion Life and Argon Law.
Buderim 9 Challenge greatly appreciates its valued sponsors Argon Law, Harlequin Blinds and Security, Hall Contracting, Ray White Buderim, MacKellar Mining, Local Search Sunshine Coast, Kunara Organic Marketplace, Alpha Sport, Visione Cycles, Metsure Insurance Brokers, Wayward Slate, Mick’s Meat Barn, Buderim Lions Club, NP Noltis Prime, Berni and Pete Burnett, Becker Helicopters, Max Haulage, Fenwick’s Fruit Emporium, Infinit Nutrition Australia, The Various Artists and media partner, My Weekly Preview.
The rain on Sunday may have stopped the biggest field of Argon Law Buderim 9 Challenge cyclists to date from taking to the streets, however Sunshine Coast families living with cerebral palsy will still benefit from the popular annual charity ride.
Ride Ambassador and Australian Cycling Champion, Henk Vogels said that despite the annual 76km, 9-hill ride being cancelled early Sunday morning, high spirits and generosity still abounded among the cycling community.
“This year, our eighth, we had 319 cyclists from across the country and even overseas register to ride in support of raising funds for the local arm of CPL – choice, passion, life,” Henk said.
“Unfortunately, mother-nature was against us this year and the ride itself was cancelled, however all other elements of the event went ahead undercover at our new ride start at Buderim Wanderers Football Club.
“We were overwhelmed by the support and understanding of riders and sponsors regarding the cancellation of the ride, many of whom travelled a long way to be here this week – including from New Zealand and Hungary.”
Event organiser, Greg Paix, said a big shout out goes to the many volunteers who still showed up in the poor weather conditions, to help with the scaled back event under our wet weather plan.
“We are very grateful for the amazing work of everyone involved including the Buderim Wanderers Football Club who offered their club grounds as our new home base.”
Greg also confirmed fundraising was very high this year thanks to prize incentives from a number of sponsors.
“Last year saw more than 300 cyclists from around the globe and across the country join local riders take the 3-hour course, raising proceeds for families on the Sunshine Coast living with cerebral palsy.
“It looks like we will raise more than $20,000 after costs to donate to Sunshine Coast arm of CPL,” Greg said.
“Buderim 9 proceeds assist Sunshine Coast families living with cerebral palsy with the purchase of physio equipment, technical aids and family trips.”
“Excitement among riders was still evident on Sunday morning at the morning draw of various sponsored prizes.”
Abigail Jones of Brisbane was the lucky recipient of Velo Tours major prize. Abigail and her husband Patrick came up from Brisbane for the event and it was going to be her first Buderim 9 ride this year.
To be eligible, Abigail signed on and off, fundraised a minimum of $50 for CPL and was there for the draw. A very worthy winner and now she’s going to enjoy a cycling trip to the Tour de France valued at $4500 thanks to our sponsor, Velo Tours.”
Mt Coolum-based Matthew Wall took out the highest fundraiser prize of a sea plane trip thanks to Sister Act Travel, raising a total of $1176.
Following the event, Argon Law hosted a thank-you evening for Buderim 9 sponsors, supporters and ambassadors at the Buderim Tavern.
John said it was humbling to witness the growing generosity and support of Buderim 9 Challenge and its cause each year.
“We have nine major hill sponsors, contributing funds to and personnel at the event, more than a dozen in-kind supporters, three major partners, half a dozen ambassadors and almost 50 volunteers!” John said
“The value of contributions from our supporters is immeasurable and extremely valuable.”
Young CPL Ambassador, Alex Picken, brought the house to tears mid-way through John’s presentation on Thursday.
Using his Buderim 9-funded, eye-gaze speech generating device, Alex took the opportunity mid-pause, and said, “I have something to say,” which was profound in its context.
Alex went on to thank the riders and supporters of Buderim 9 for the generosity in funding his speech device, which now enables him to communicate clearly with his family and friends every day.
On Thursday 13 December, the Argon Law Buderim 9 Challenge Sponsor and Supporter thank you evening was held at the Buderim Tavern. The night was a great success enjoyed by all in attendance. Without the sponsorship and support of these incredible people the event would not be possible, so we say a very big “Thank You” to one and all for your contributions.
2018’s Buderim 9 Challenge was proudly presented by: the Sunshine Coast Cycling Club, CPL Sunshine Coast and principal sponsor, Argon Law.
2019
The Buderim 9 Challenge Ride marked its ninth year of success on 22nd of December 2019. Close to 300 riders took to the 9 hills of Buderim, challenging themselves to complete the 76km ride.
This year also marked the inaugural Disability Kids Ride, successfully hosted by Sunshine Coast Developmental Physiotherapy. The smiles from the kids said it all!
We were incredibly proud to lend our support again as Principal Sponsor of the event for the 7th year running, and be apart of the evening hosting pre-event celebrations for fellow sponsors and supporters of the Challenge Ride.
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