Have a question?
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about joining a Smiddy challenge, fundraising and training for the event below.
You can also read the Terms and Conditions - Participant Registration for Challenge South Australia.
About the challenge
Is a Smiddy event hard?
They can be; they’re called a Smiddy challenge for a reason. But we’ve found that the most rewarding things you can do in life are very rarely easy. A Smiddy Challenge is designed to push and challenge you—but it will also change you for the better; it can renew your focus on life, and remind you what’s important and give you a rare sense of achievement that you have not only done something really special, but contributed to a higher purpose.
Mater Smiling for Smiddy represents the core values of community, teamwork, mateship and philanthropic spirit. Wearing a Smiddy jersey is a privilege—when you join us, you will understand why.
Do I need to be a hard-core cyclist to join?
No, you don’t! Our events draw men and women each year who range in age from 20 to 65 with varying sporting abilities and experience. Some are very new to cycling, while others have been doing it for decades! What they all have in common is a big heart, a great attitude and a determination to push beyond their comfort zone.
I want to take on a cycling challenge, how fast do I need to ride?
We typically average between 26-28 km/h, depending on the prevailing conditions and terrain. The Mater Smiling for Smiddy peloton is a very supportive environment and we aim to support every rider to ride as much as possible. Very often it is the slower riders in the group who earn the most respect and admiration from their peers in the peloton, but you will be supported all the way.
Will I get a chance to meet other people before we go?
Absolutely! We have organised monthly training rides, as well as two training weekends, so everyone can get to know each other and how the Mater Smiling for Smiddy peloton rolls. You can also join in the fun of our weekly Wednesday River Loop which rolls out of Adam Smiddy Park, Park Rd, Milton each Wednesday at 5.30 am. There will also be regular email and phone communications leading up to your challenge.
Can I do a Smiddy event as a team?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage our participants to bring along their mates to take on the challenge together—and fundraising is always easier when you can share the load!
But regardless of whether you join as a team, a solo rider or volunteer road crew member, the great thing about Smiddy is, you’ll be embraced into the Smiddy community and have training, fundraising and socialising options galore. Bringing along a mate or two just makes this experience extra-special.
Want more information? You can call the team on 0731638000 or leave your details and we'll be in touch shortly.
What other events do we run?
Mater Smiling for Smiddy run a number of events throughout the year, we’re also a premium charity partner of the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival; the world’s largest triathlon by participation. Mater Smiling for Smiddy also conduct weekly river loop cycles event Wednesday on the beautiful Brisbane River, host training rides and more.
To find out more visit the Mater Smiling for Smiddy homepage.
What payment options are available?
You can pay your registration via credit or debit card or via your Paypal account.
We offer two payment options as part of our standard registration process;
- Full payment at registration
- 25% deposit at registration and three equal monthly payments (for credit card payments only)
No promotion codes required for these payment options—just complete your registration and select your desired option.
Should you require a different payment option, including company invoicing, please contact the team.
Fundraising and training
How will I reach my fundraising target?
Scared of fundraising? Feel uncomfortable asking for donations? This isn’t uncommon. One of the things we hear the most from new participants is how their mindset around fundraising changes during their Smiddy journey and how much fun it can be if you approach it just the same way you would approach your training, work or other parts of your life. Fundraising is only a part of a bigger picture that is philanthropy and we are confident when you meet some of the incredible people involved in the 'Smiddy community', you will stand proud in your role as an advocate for cancer research, prevention measures and patient care at Mater.
To help you smash your fundraising goals we have developed a number of fundraising resources to help you out.
How much support will I receive with training and fundraising?
As soon as you register, your dedicated fundraising team from Mater Smiling for Smiddy will work with you to create a comprehensive and personalised fundraising plan. Someone from the Smiddy team will contact you regularly with ideas, advice, encouragement and plenty of inspiration! The team are all passionate cyclists, committed to our cause of funding cancer research at Mater; you can rest assured that we'll be there every step of the way to assist you with both the physical and fundraising preparations needed to take on your challenge.
You can have as much, or as little, support as you want. Smiddy 'river loops' depart at Adam Smiddy Park in Milton each Wednesday morning at 5.30 am (with coffee afterwards) and are a great way to meet fellow Smiddy riders. We hold several training rides so you'll be comfortable within the Smiddy peloton; and our triathletes enjoy team functions and activities that put mateship into the sport of triathlon for you and your supporters. We also offer fundraising tips and workshop opportunities; and can work with you to map out a fun and achievable fundraising plan.
Why would I choose a Smiddy event?
We are the ‘home made with love’ version of charity challenge programs. Our program has been dubbed a “journey of friends” for a reason and not because we’re cliquey, but because everyone in the Smiddy fold is part of the fold, full stop. We’re boutique. We’re genuine. We are not strangers to each other. You, your family, loved ones and supporters are on this journey with us. The team at Mater Smiling for Smiddy are all past Smiddy riders/participants. We get it.
Do I need a connection to cancer?
No, you don't. Everyone has their own story and reason for wanting to get involved. The fact you are interested in something bigger than yourself shows us that you're already a Smiddy person. Our riders and triathletes are motivated by a variety of reasons. Simply looking to challenge yourself? Go for your life! That's why many Smiddies have signed up and we'll cheer you on as you do it! We can guarantee that your Smiddy journey will offer more than you expect—and you'll be thankful you took on the challenge.
Where do my donations go?
Your fundraising efforts directly support a comprehensive research program at Mater, which encompasses both biomedical and clinical research to provide a full bench-to-bedside approach to cancer, from early diagnoses through to advanced care.
