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The Lions Club of Ingham and the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride members holding the pink underwear that is part of the Wombats group tradition. Photo credit: Victoria Velton
The Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride has officially wrapped up for 2026, with 140 riders completing the three-day journey while raising vital funds for childhood cancer research.
The annual charity ride stopped in Ingham on day two, Thursday 23rd July, after riders completed the first 112-kilometre stage from Townsville. The group continued north through the Hinchinbrook region before finishing the ride in Cairns on Saturday 25th July.
Among those joining the ride this year was Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto, who returned to his hometown of Ingham as part of the Wombats riding group.
Mayor Dametto completed the opening leg from Townsville to Ingham and said being part of the event was a proud moment.
“Yesterday I was able to join the Wombats for the first leg of the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride, 112 kilometres yesterday from Townsville all the way to Ingham, and it just made me so proud to be a part of the group and be able to contribute in some way,” he said.
“This charity is all about finding a way so we have a world without childhood cancers. That’s a world that I want to live in one day.”
Ride President and rider John Masson said the Ingham stop marked another successful stage of the 26th annual event, with all seven riding groups arriving safely after a fast day on the road.
“We had the wind behind us. It was probably one of the fastest days on the road for all the groups,” he said.
The riders were divided into seven groups, each named after an Australian animal, with groups catering for everyone speed abilities. The ride has raised more than $8 million for the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia over 26 years, supporting research into childhood cancers and treatments.
John said one of the institute’s key projects involved analysing childhood cancers to identify genetic mutations that may respond to specific treatments.
“The goal is to reduce the mortality from childhood cancer to zero,” he said.
“Thirty odd years ago, 80 per cent of kids died. Now only 20 per cent die, and let’s hope in another 20 years it will be near, if not zero.”
The Ingham Lions Club has been supporting the ride for more than 20 years, joining Lions Clubs across North Queensland in supporting the riders along the route.
Member Pat Lynch said the club was proud to contribute to an event that aligned with the Lions’ commitment to supporting important causes, with the Ingham Lions Club also making an annual donation towards the fundraiser.
For Wombats group rider and Communications Coordinator Jeanie McIntosh, the event is something she looks forward to. After participating for seven years, Jeanie said the friendships formed between riders, volunteers and the towns they visit were one of the most special parts of the experience.
“What we love about the ride is the whole community gets involved from towns along the way, the Lions, the road crew, and everyone supporting us,” she said.
“I’ve been seeing the same people for seven years, so you really miss people when you don’t see them.”
Each riding group has developed its own traditions, with the Wombats known for their light-hearted approach, matching pink socks and team camaraderie.
One of their traditions involves a pair of pink lacy underwear, which riders must wear after being nominated for doing something silly during the ride. Even Mayor Dametto found himself taking part in the tradition.
After three days on the road, the riders crossed the finish line in Cairns having once again pedalled in the kilometres to help create a future without childhood cancer.
This year’s ride aimed to raise $300,000, with the current total sitting at $260,000 following the conclusion of the event. Community members can still support the cause through the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride fundraising page: www.tcbr.org.au/event/tcbr-2026/donate
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