March 2026 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

22 March: Tomorrow I fly from Brisbane to Victoria to begin the 20th anniversary Smiling for Smiddy Challenge — 664 km and 8,016 m of climbing from Tuesday 23rd to Saturday 28th.

Not my longest ride, but without question my steepest. The “up, up, up” of hills will never be my favourite, but I’ll keep faking it till I make it — because the downhill on the other side is always worth it.

I’ve put in the kilometres. I’ve lifted the weights I didn’t want to lift. I’ve eaten my body weight in protein bars. I’ve endured the 2am calf and foot cramps that feel like time has stopped. I’ve trained through heat, rain, fatigue, and life.

And now… it’s go time.

I’m equal parts nervous and excited about what awaits our 80‑strong peloton. There’s something powerful about riding with people who share the same purpose: to push ourselves so that others get more time with the people they love.

A Moment That Hit Close to Home

From 12–16 March, I was back in New Zealand for a very special wedding — my dear friend Juicy Jane, someone I’ve known since the 90s. It was a beautiful day, full of joy and love, and everyone was so genuinely happy for her and Sean.

But someone very important was missing: her sister, Saucy Sally, who I travelled around Europe with back in the day. Sally passed from breast and bone cancer nine years ago.

The wedding was held on the family’s stunning property just south of Christchurch — the same place where Sally had her own wedding. The marquee, the atmosphere, the small touches… so many similarities, yet uniquely Jane. It felt like Sally was there, woven into the day in all the ways that matter.

The photo I’ve chosen for March is of Sally’s children, Emily and Sam, on Jane’s wedding day — a reminder of why I ride, and who I ride for. RIP Sauce. Congratulations, Juicy.

Gratitude Before the Start Line

I am forever grateful to the friends, family, and organisations who have backed me — with donations, sponsorship, raffle prizes, time, encouragement, and belief.

A special thank you to: 

Amy & Az at Powerhouse 4053 

Jez at Limitless Training 

Mei at Coco Bella Beauty 

The team at Melt Hair 

Kirsty & Matt at Yamba Shores Tavern 

Marty — for the generous dozen of vino

Your support means more than you know.

To my training buddies — thank you for every long day in the saddle, every Mt Sandgate when we were meant to be climbing real mountains, every quick out‑and‑back to Nudgee when I was time‑poor, every 5‑hour ride through our “endless summer.”

Thank you for the music, the singing, the stories, the magic, the hydration, and the heart. I could not have done this without you.

Why This Matters — And Why I Need You Now

This is the moment. Months of training, fundraising, early mornings, late nights, and endless kilometres have led to this week.

But the ride is only half the story. The real impact comes from the donations.

Cancer doesn’t care about timing, convenience, or fairness. It affects families every single day — and research is the only way forward.

If you’ve been thinking about donating, if you’ve been meaning to get around to it, if you’ve been waiting for the right moment…

This is it. This is the moment that turns effort into impact.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

1–21 March Ride Stats

• Distance: 696.9 km
• Time in the saddle: 35h 59m
• Elevation: 7,913 m
• Temps: 18.6°C – 33.4°C
• Rainfall: 90.4 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

February 2026 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

February felt like more of the same rhythm - kids settling into a new school year, work ramping up, riding, fundraising, eat, sleep, repeat. The familiar juggle of life, but with purpose woven through it.

Early in the month, I joined an official Smiddy Training Ride. It was great to meet new riders, put faces to names, and feel the energy building as we inch closer to the March challenge. There’s something special about riding alongside people who share the same goal and the same “why.”

I also booked a table for Boom Box Bingo to support fellow riders with their fundraising. Given our karaoke prowess on the bike, I was quietly confident we’d take out the win… alas, the universe had other plans. Still, it was a brilliant night and a great reminder of how fun this community is.

Our team was deep in preparation mode for our Soirée event, chasing last‑minute raffle and auction items and doing everything we could to make the night a success. Numbers were down, which was disappointing, but the people who were in the room were absolute gems — generous, warm, and fully behind the cause. The evening had heart, and that’s what matters most.

Mid‑month, Megs, her girls, PJ, and I celebrated her early 50th before she and Adam jetted off for five weeks in Scotland and Europe. Happy Birthday, Megs — what a way to kick off a milestone year.

Late February rolled into a girls’ weekend in Hawke’s Bay, NZ, and it was magic. So many vineyards, so little time. Craggy Range stole my heart, and Tony Bish Wines in Napier was another standout. The mornings and evenings were crisp, but the days were glorious — perfect for exploring, laughing, and celebrating B’s birthday on the Monday morning before our flight home.

Why I Keep Riding?

February was steady, full, and quietly meaningful. The training, the events, the fundraising — it all adds up. Cancer doesn’t slow down, and neither can we. Every kilometre, every raffle ticket, every shared moment with this community brings us closer to better treatments and more hope for families facing the hardest battles.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

February Ride Stats

• Distance: 1,367.5 km

• Time in the saddle: 60h 43m

• Elevation: 13,821 m

• Temps: 24.5°C – 33.4°C

• Rainfall: 68 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

January 2026 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

A new year, a fresh start — and in the Year of the Fire Horse, it felt fitting to kick things off with a bit of giddy‑up energy.

I saw in the New Year with close friends, plenty of champagne, oysters, and a divine medley of salads. The perfect blend of celebration and connection to set the tone for the months ahead.

January was also a chance to catch up with friends I’d had to postpone toward the end of last year when life got a little too full. Slowing down long enough to reconnect felt like a gift.

Holiday riding meant tackling some bigger hills — including the climb up to Mt Glorious. The endless “up, up, up” is not exactly my love language, but the hill‑climbing kilometres were banked, and the views (and bragging rights) were worth it.

Our local post‑ride spots continued to appreciate our patronage, and we were endlessly grateful for the icy‑cold refreshments waiting for us after every sweaty, scorching ride. Brisbane turned the heat right up this month, and hydration became a sport of its own.

In a fun twist of fate, I somehow managed to win a Ninja Slushie machine at our new local — a perfectly timed prize considering the temperatures. Nothing says “summer cyclist survival” quite like a frozen drink on demand.

Why I Keep Riding?

January was a reminder that every new year brings new energy, new challenges, and new reasons to keep pushing. The kilometres, the climbs, the heat — they all serve a purpose. Cancer research saves lives, and every ride brings us closer to better treatments, better outcomes, and more time for the people we love.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

January Ride Stats

• Distance: 2,002.4 km
• Time in the saddle: 77h 4m
• Elevation: 18,245 m
• Temps: 19.1°C – 37.1°C
• Rainfall: 72 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

December 2025 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

December was its usual whirlwind — the mad dash to close out the year at work, thanking clients for their support, squeezing in as much riding as possible, keeping the fundraising momentum going, and still trying to be a mum and sleep occasionally. The festive season never fails to test the juggling skills.

We organised two more donut drives, this time moving from the PA Hospital to the RBH thanks to our wonderful cycling girlfriend Libs. Spending half‑days in a hospital foyer was confronting and humbling. We watched people walk through the doors carrying hope, fear, exhaustion, and courage — often all at once. And the ones who looked like they had the least to give were often the most generous, emptying their purses and wallets when they realised we were fundraising for cancer research. Those moments stay with you.

The annual Mater Christmas Breakfast was held at the Convention Centre, and it was an honour to get a photo with the incredible Sister Angela Mary, who turned 100 in August. A true living saint — her presence alone inspires you to do more, give more, and be better.

December also meant kilometres for days. We took on the Rapha 500 — 500 km between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. A Kiwi pro rider, Cameron Jones from sunny Nelson, smashed out the entire 500 km in one day, which made our back‑to‑back 100 km days over the silly season feel a little… amateur. Naturally, we decided the only appropriate response was to toast him with “hydration” after every ride. The weather was spectacular, the company even better, and the kilometres rolled by with ease.

Lady Gaga also rolled into town, so off we went to rock out with half of Brisbane — because balance is important.

And of course, another 0–100 money board was doing the rounds on social media, keeping the fundraising energy high right through to the end of the year.

December was big, busy, and beautifully chaotic — the perfect finale to a year of riding with purpose.

Why I Keep Riding

December reminded me once again why this challenge matters. Cancer doesn’t take holidays. It doesn’t slow down for Christmas or New Year’s. Every kilometre, every donut drive, every early morning, and every act of generosity helps fund research that gives families hope — and time.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

December Ride Stats

• Distance: 1,872.9 km
• Time in the saddle: 69h 18m
• Elevation: 11,899 m
• Temps: 16.9°C – 35.6°C
• Rainfall: 86.6 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

November 2025 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

New kit day!  Everyone loves a new kit day.

November delivered everything I love about this time of year — more riding, more sunshine, more weekend shenanigans, and the start of what us girls like to call our “endless summer.” Bigger kilometres, longer days, and plenty of laughs along the way.

We kicked off with Melbourne Cup — the race that stops the nation — celebrated at the track this year with the team. Then it was a quick flight across the ditch to join old school friends for the New Zealand Racing Cup. A whirlwind few days of fun, friendship, and fresh air.

Back in Brisbane, we rolled straight into our first donut drive to raise funds for the 20th year of Smiling for Smiddy. The Mater Foundation is aiming to raise $2 million for cancer research across the 2026 Victoria five‑day challenge and the 2026 Noosa Triathlon — an incredible milestone, and one I’m proud to contribute to.

One of the highlights of the month was the 20‑year Smiddy breakfast, where riders past and present came together to celebrate the power of the peloton. There’s something special about being in a room full of people who understand the heart, grit, and purpose behind these rides — on and off the bike.

During the breakfast, all riders for the March 2026 Victoria Challenge were presented with our new Smiddy kits, redesigned to mark the 20‑year anniversary. A fresh look, new colours, and a reminder of just how far this community has come — not just in kilometres, but in the impact, we’ve made through world‑leading cancer research. It was a proud moment, and a motivating one.

November also marked the start of early Christmas lunches and parties, which somehow always arrive faster than expected. Between the social calendar and the warmer weather, I found more time — and more motivation — to put extra kilometres through the legs.

Why I Keep Riding?

November was full of joy, connection, and momentum — but also reminders of why this challenge matters. Cancer touches families in ways big and small, and every act of generosity, every kilometre ridden, and every dollar raised helps fund research that gives people hope.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

November Ride Stats

• Distance: 1,261.3 km
• Time in the saddle: 49h 20m
• Elevation: 7,900 m
• Temps: 15.3°C – 34°C
• Rainfall: 143.6 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

October 2025 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

October was a month of learning, celebrating, riding, and — unfortunately — worrying. A real mix of life’s highs and lows.

I stepped away from the business for five days to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. The cohort was a brilliant mix of people from across Australia, representing every corner of the commercial and government sectors. It was intense, inspiring, and exactly the kind of challenge I love.

We also celebrated Fuchsia turning 21 — such a milestone birthday and a privilege to be part of her special night.

But October also brought news none of us wanted. My buddy Scotty, who had just announced his move into retirement after a long, stellar executive career, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was waiting on further results. The uncertainty was awful. The waiting game of October was crap — there’s no other way to put it. Watching a close friend and his wife sit in limbo, albeit positive, was a brutal reminder of why I ride.

One of the most meaningful moments of the month came from PJ, who took the plunge and did “Rock the Chop”, cutting off her hair to be made into a real‑hair wig for a patient undergoing cancer treatment. Such an incredible gesture, and one that hit close to home. Watching your child choose kindness like that… It’s a moment that stays with you.

Spring had well and truly arrived. The cooler mornings were fading, replaced by Brisbane’s classic spring pattern: warm days and plenty of rain. Our weekend rides grew longer, steeper, and sweatier as the 100k club kicked off again in earnest. With the heat creeping in, hydration became the golden rule — and we all did our best to follow it.

Why I Keep Riding?

October reminded me that cancer doesn’t care about timing, plans, or life transitions. It barges in uninvited and turns everything upside down. That’s why I’m committed to this ride, this training, and this fundraising. Research gives people like Scotty — and so many others — a fighting chance.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

October Ride Stats

• Distance: 1,332.5 km
• Time in the saddle: 54h 11m
• Elevation: 10,130 m
• Temps: 12.6°C – 38.7°C
• Rainfall: 102.7 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

September 2025 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

Spring has officially sprung, and September arrived with a burst of celebrations, travel, and sunshine — a welcome shift after the winter grind.

We kicked off the month by celebrating another lap around the sun for “Sister of the Second” Sheree. Then it was off to Perth for a long weekend with Lisa, where we somehow managed to bump into AFL great Ben Cousins. A chilly few days filled with amazing food, wine, and sightseeing — the perfect little escape.

Back on the East Coast, I headed straight to the nation’s capital to help a girlfriend move into her new apartment and plan our November Cup Weekend adventure in Christchurch. We also squeezed in her birthday celebrations because September clearly wasn’t done with the festivities.

Our Hudson Hotties quarterly lunch was hosted at Sas’s beautiful new home — an afternoon of sunshine, laughter, and possibly one too many “one more, then no more” gin roadies. Her garden was the perfect backdrop for catching up with the girls.

To top it off, some of my old triathlon friends reunited for a night out supporting Nicole in her burlesque performance. Feathers, sequins, razzle dazzle — it was a brilliant evening and a reminder that life is better when you show up for your people.

Amid all the social whirl, the weather finally turned a corner and the kilometres on the bike started to climb again. Longer days, warmer mornings, and that unmistakable spring energy made it easier to get out and ride. Roll on spring.

Why I Keep Riding?

September was full of joy, connection, and momentum — all things that fuel me as I continue training and fundraising. Every ride, every kilometre, every early morning is for a purpose bigger than myself. Cancer research saves lives, and I’m committed to doing my part.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

September Ride Stats

• Distance: 882.8 km
• Time in the saddle: 47h 24m
• Elevation: 5,374 m
• Temps: 10.5°C – 30.6°C
• Rainfall: 0.8 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

August 2025 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

August… where do we even begin? It was a month of highlights, lowlights, and everything in between — a reminder that life doesn’t always follow the training plan, but it always gives you perspective.

Early August was my birthday, and we escaped to beautiful Noosa for a weekend of pure relaxation. Bush walks, sunshine, good food, and not a bike in sight. Winter seems to be my unofficial “off‑bike getaway season.”

I also loved catching up with four of my aunties and uncles who were holidaying on the Sunshine Coast.

But August also brought a curveball: I ended up off the bike for six weeks. Not ideal when training for Smiddy 2026 in Victoria, but it pushed me into more PT sessions — and into discovering muscles I’m still not convinced I actually need. (LOL)!

To add to the chaos, we moved out of our home for five weeks while our insurer finally completed a very prolonged repair job. So it was back to bustling New Farm, where our life in Brisbane began in 2002. I loved being back — walking the familiar streets, reconnecting with old friends, and even catching up with my unofficial cycling coach from years ago, Jacqui G, who trained with me for my first ever Smiddy ride in 2016 (Adelaide to Uluru, nine days, 1,770 km). A full‑circle moment, even if I wasn’t on the bike.

August also meant a big milestone for PJ — another lap around the sun. Yes, you are 16, not 26, even if it feels like we’re living with a fully grown adult. Love you, PJ… please keep rowing and obey your mother.  😊

This month was also Head of the River, and PJ’s school took out the glory for the third year in a row. Huge congratulations to all the rowers, teachers, volunteers, and proud parents who made it happen.

Why I Keep Showing Up?

August wasn’t a big cycling month, but it was a big life month. And that’s part of the journey too. The setbacks, the detours, the unexpected moments — they all remind me why I’m riding. Cancer doesn’t wait for the perfect training block. It doesn’t care about schedules or convenience.

So, I’ll keep showing up, doing the work, and fundraising for the research that gives families more time, more hope, and more tomorrows.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

August Ride Stats

• Distance: 529.8 km
• Time in the saddle: 47h 19m
• Elevation: 4,396 m
• Temps: 8.3°C – 28.1°C
• Rainfall: 24.8 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

July 2025 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

July was a month of chasing sunrises, squeezing in kilometres wherever I could, and trying to bank some fitness for the big months ahead. Between the cold mornings and the darker starts, I mixed outdoor rides with indoor PT sessions focused on building power (a generous term!) and strength.

Mid‑July brought a beautiful change of pace — a long weekend in the Hunter Valley with my dear high‑school friend Phillipa. Not a bike in sight. Instead, we swapped lycra for horse saddles, wine glasses, and a little nostalgia as we slipped back into the ease of our teenage friendship.

We were also lucky to have one of our gorgeous former Au Pairs, Becky’s partner, Chelton, and daughter, Lalia, visiting from the UK.  An impromptu catch‑up with the G‑gang was exactly the kind of soul‑filling moment that reminds me how many wonderful people have woven into our family’s story.

Late July meant another weekend away — this time to chilly Montville with B and Baby B. No bike again, but plenty of bush walks, sleep‑ins, and fresh mountain air. While wandering the beautiful grounds of Spicers, I drew one of my Smiling for Smiddy money boards and raised $1,000 toward my $20,000 fundraising goal.

And then something happened that I’ll never forget. A lovely man from Toowoomba stopped to ask what we were doing as we filmed the money board draw. He nodded, walked away, and returned moments later with $300 — insisting it be split between our fundraising efforts. What a gentleman. What a human. He’s, my hero.

We also celebrated GG’s birthday on 30 July — reaching the dizzy heights of “Legs 11.” Midway through the year, we discovered he’s part of the school band and strings team (#whoknew), and July kicked off a string of concerts where we watched him sing his heart out. I may be biased, but the kid has the voice of an angel.

Why I Keep Riding?

July wasn’t my biggest month on the bike, but it was full of reminders of why this challenge matters. Community. Kindness. Family and Friends. And the constant awareness that cancer touches so many lives, which is why I’m committed to riding, fundraising, and pushing through the tough mornings.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

July Ride Stats

• Distance: 1,066.3 km
• Time in the saddle: 46h 38m
• Elevation: 10,037 m
• Temps: 6.2°C – 25.1°C
• Rainfall: 49.0 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

June 2025 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

June arrived with a sharp drop in temperature — winter settling in, long pants and arm warmers coming out, and the 4:30am alarm becoming a real test of commitment. The darker mornings and cold air made every ride feel a little more deliberate, a little more purposeful.

Early in the month, I escaped to the beautiful Sunshine Coast with Ange, Michelle, and Camryn for a girls’ weekend filled with beach walks, seafood, and long conversations that solved all the world’s problems. We returned to Brisbane just in time for a very special occasion: the 10‑year Remembrance Lunch for Leesa, Camryn’s mum, who lost her battle with breast cancer on 29 June 2015 at just 41. She left behind two daughters, a granddaughter, and a nine‑month‑old son.

It was a beautiful gathering — Leesa’s mum, daughters, and granddaughter all together — and a reminder of why I ride. Cancer steals people far too soon.

Ange’s identical twin, Jo, was there too, bravely navigating her own breast cancer treatment. Seeing her strength up close added another layer of meaning to every kilometre I ride.

June also brought heartbreak within my own family. My Uncle Lorkie, diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018 and prostate cancer in 2021 (which he beat), was diagnosed in April 2025 with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It spread quickly to his liver and kidneys. After 11 days in hospital and four days in palliative care, he passed away on 21 June at just 69. He leaves behind Aunty Sue and my cousins Brad, Patrick, and Kris. RIP Uncle Lorkie.

And my dear friend B’s dad passed on 11 June after a long battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia and malignant melanomas. Trial drugs gave him precious extra time with the family who adored him. RIP Mr McDonnell.

Amid the grief, life continued in its messy, beautiful way — mid‑winter Christmas parties with amazing neighbours and friends (Sheree, Ruth, Nat, and Scotty), laughter around the table, and the comfort of community.

Training this month was focused but challenging. Rain showers, cold mornings, and late starts meant our weekend rides often ended with a well‑earned hot coffee at a local café. The kilometres weren’t always easy, but they were always meaningful.

Why This Ride Matters

Every name above is a reminder that cancer doesn’t discriminate. It affects families, friendships, and entire communities. Research is the only path to better treatments, more time, and more survivors.

If you’re able to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation — big or small — helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

June Ride Stats

• Distance: 1,188.8 km
• Time in the saddle: 46h 9m
• Elevation: 12,262 m
• Temps: 5.2°C – 24.6°C
• Rainfall: 46.2 mm

Thank you for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

May 2025 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

May was a full month — both on the bike and off it — and every moment reminded me why I’m committed to riding for cancer research next March in the 2026 Smiling for Smiddy Challenge in Victoria.

The month started with a lovely community moment — PJ’s high school Mother’s Morning Tea, where I volunteered alongside a team of bright, respectful young women who took their tea-pouring duties very seriously. It was a small reminder of how powerful community spirit can be — something that runs deep through the Smiddy ride as well.

Meanwhile, GG took the stage in his first high school concert, dressed as a pirate castaway! He drew some curious glances at dinner afterwards — still in full costume and makeup — and absolutely loving the attention. There was also a Mother’s Day breakfast at his school — special, heartfelt mornings that make these years fly by.

At work, our team wrapped up the quarter with a long lunch that ended at sunset — a perfect pause before the next push forward.

On the bike, May saw a steady mix of Smiddy rides, #SOTS, and a few solo spins to keep the legs ticking over. All of it is in preparation for what lies ahead in March: 664 km and over 8,000 metres of climbing in just 5 days, through Victoria’s cycling heartland.

This month, we also celebrated Lisa Flint’s 40th birthday — a long-standing Smiddy rider who once trained with Adam Smiddy himself. Adam’s story is why we ride. He passed away from melanoma in 2006, just six months after diagnosis, at only 26 years old. That loss sparked a movement — and for 20 years, riders like Lisa (and now me) have carried Adam’s legacy forward, raising millions for life-saving cancer research.

I also launched my first 0–100 Lucky Money Board to kick off my fundraising campaign — a small but exciting step toward my goal.

And fittingly, May was Volunteers Month — a time to pause and reflect on the people behind the scenes who make events like Smiddy possible. They keep us safe, supported, and on the road — often unseen, always appreciated.

This ride is more than a physical challenge — it’s a chance to raise critical funds and awareness for cancer research. I’m riding for the people we’ve lost, the families still fighting, and the hope that one day, we won’t have to ride for this reason at all.

If you’re in a position to support my ride, I would be deeply grateful. Every donation helps fund research that saves lives.

👉 Donate here: https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria

May Ride Stats
Distance: 1,197.2 km
Time in the saddle: 46 hours 53 mins
Elevation: 12,393 metres
Temps: 11.6°C – 28.8°C
Rainfall: 55.6 mm

Thanks for reading — and for being part of this journey. ❤️

April 2025 Ride Update – Why I’m Riding for Cancer Research

I’m incredibly honoured to have been accepted into the 2026 Mater Smiling for Smiddy Challenge Ride in Victoria — a ride that means so much more than just distance and endurance.

This will mark 20 years since the very first Smiddy ride, created in memory of Adam Smiddy, who passed away from melanoma at just 26 years old — only six months after his diagnosis. Adam died on August 6th, 2006, and from that heartbreak, a beautiful legacy was born.

Since then, Smiddy riders have come together — year after year — driven by love, loss, hope, and the belief that together, we can change the future of cancer. In 2026, I’ll be joining a peloton of 60 riders carrying forward two decades of mateship, resilience, and purpose, as we ride in Adam’s honour and in support of vital cancer research.

We’ll cover 664 kilometres and climb over 8,000 metres in just five days, riding through Victoria’s stunning but challenging cycling heartland. The training has already begun — chasing sunrises in the early dark mornings, feeling the cold bite, but always remembering why we’re doing this. For those we’ve lost. For those still fighting. For a future with fewer goodbyes.

I’m riding with all my heart, and if you’re able to support me with a donation, I would be truly grateful. Your generosity doesn’t just back this ride — it fuels hope, research, and real change in the fight against cancer.

Thank you for standing with me.

Donate here;  https://fundraise.mater.org.au/fundraisers/michellegray/challenge-victoria 

Ride stats for April: 1,162.8km,  44h 44m,  13,915m

Temps: 15.2 – 30.2 degrees

Rainfall: 156.8mm

Will you support my fundraising?

In March 2026, I’ll be joining Challenge Victoria.

Why am I taking on this challenge?

Because I’m committed to making a real impact for cancer research at Mater.

As part of the challenge I’m aiming to raise valuable funds to support the work of Mater Research—Mater’s world-class research institute that’s investing in some game-changing work into the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer.

And this is where I need your help.

Together, we can help to give more families more time together; to make more memories. 

Will you support my fundraising by making a donation to my fundraising page today?