A GROUP of family and friends embarked on a special fundraising journey from Streaky Bay to Darwin on Monday morning.
The Cycling for Simone ride, to honour late jockey Simone Montgomerie and raise money for the National Jockey’s Trust, has been in the making for a year.
Simone’s father Peter Montgomerie, a former racehorse trainer who trained 2005 Melbourne Cup runner up On a Jeune, was the architect of the idea, with Simone’s sister Brooke Cupples and Montgomerie family friend Greg Irvine helping to organise the event.
Having aimed to raise $50,000 for the NJT, Brooke said she was amazed they had raised more than $100,000 before the ride had even commenced.
“It ended up being a journey we never imagined it to be,” she said.
“It’s amazing that everyone's got on board and we’re grateful.
“We always wanted Simone's memory to live on.”
Simone died in a race fall on the 2013 Darwin Cup day and Brooke said the ride would honour her memory and help families facing similar circumstances, through its donations to the NJT.
“They support jockeys, and their families, in every way you can think of,” she said.
“Jockeys that have life-changing incidents where they might be out of work for months or longer.”
The NJT provides financial assistance, makes home alterations for severely injured to jockeys, and provides mental health support.
“When a jockey passes away they are there to support the families of the fallen if they want counselling,” Brooke said.
“They also help rebuild their lives and help them with education.”
Putting in the hard yards on the 3010 kilometre trip are 15 of Simone's family and friends, from Streaky Bay, Port Lincoln, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and Darwin.
On Monday, Melbourne Cup-winning jockey and Cycling for Simone ambassador Kerrin McEvoy joined the group, which aims to reach Darwin on July 29 after rest days at Alice Springs, NT, and Mataranka.
Brooke said the group would complete the journey in 26 days; Simone’s age when she passed.
While the group were not natural cyclists, they spent as much time in the small saddle as possible during the past year in preparation for the momentous ride.
The journey will conclude when they cross the finishing line at Fannie Bay Racecourse, three days before the Darwin Cup, accomplishing a 26-day celebration of Simone’s life.
“Keeping her memory alive and helping people out in similar situations – it’s great we can do that.”
EP COMMUNITIES DRIVE CYCLING FOR SIMONE RIDE
Brooke Cupples and Peter Montgomerie originally envisioned the Cycling for Simone ride, from Streaky Bay to Darwin, as a two-person trip, but it has evolved beyond Brooke’s wildest expectations.
Brooke has been amazed by the support and generosity of family and friends, the local community, and a variety of sponsors who had helped raise more than $100,000 before the ride began.
“I was picturing $50,000, I would have been really happy with that,” she said.
“It ended up being this amazing journey, with everybody getting on board, and we never imagined it to be anything like it is.”
IGA Australia threw its backing behind the event as major sponsor, with Streaky Bay Racing Club, Streaky Bay Tourism, UBET and Darwin Turf Club also making big contributions to the cause.
Simone Montgomerie had a special connection with Darwin and the NT, achieving great riding success following her move from SA in 2009.
She became the first female to win the Darwin jockeys’ premiership, with 27 wins in 2012-13.
Brooke said donations could still be made via the Cycling For Simone everydayhero web page.
“You can see the different riders and even pick a rider to donate to,” she said.
“It all goes to the National Jockey’s Trust.”
There is also a Cycling For Simone website, with links to the everyday hero page, and Brooke said people could follow the groups’ progress on the Simone Montgomerie’s Legacy Facebook page.
