CQUniversity graduate Katherine Spackman (now at ABC Radio Capricornia) has recently agreed to take part in a challenge of fitness and endurance that she has never seen the likes of before - all in the name of charity.

The annual Tour de Freedom invites cyclists from all over Australia to endure a 5-day journey to help raise funds for a new charity project. Details about how you can help raise funds just by ordering Krispy Kreme doughnuts are here: www.freedomriders.net.au .

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By student reporter Christopher Schwarten

Katherine Spackman

Organized by youth charity organization Teen Challenge, the event helps raise funds for projects that could help young people with life-controlling problems, such as addiction. This year's goal is to set up a drug rehabilitation centre for women in Toowoomba.

While the event is for a good cause, it is not going to be easy. The cyclists will have to travel along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria covering a total of over 700 km in just five days - an average of over 148 km each day.

The distance of the jaunt is something that Katherine, who, until recently has never been serious about cycling, is daunted by.  

"I agreed to do the ride last year, but I didn't know until early this year just how big it was. So for the past few months I've been trying to train myself up for it as much as I can. I'm only new to this and there are some serious riders going along for it."

Katherine's place in the event came about after members of her church started meeting for weekend bike rides. She was invited to join the Tour de Freedom at one of those rides by a friend of hers who had been through the rehabilitation process.

"I originally thought it was just some small easy ride that anyone could do. So I agreed, just really for support for my friend. If I had known how big it was at the time, I probably wouldn't have agreed, because I wouldn't have thought I'd be up to it. But I'm glad I did. It will be a good opportunity."

Not only does Katherine look forward to the challenge she has set for herself, she is also excited about contributing to causes she strongly believes in.

"It is a very important cause. There aren't any drug rehab centers for just women. I think I also feel quite strongly about it because I have a good friend who has had to go through that sort of experience, so it's good to try and help people with their problems as best we can. Whether that means supporting our friends through tough times or raising money for a women's rehab center. It's just good to help towards these issues.

The event will see up to 75 cyclists of varying ages, paying $3000 of their own money just to take part in the event.

"There was an issue of whether I could get the money together to do it, but I have that settled now. Regardless of the money I had to pay, I think it will be worthwhile, not just for the cause, which I believe is very important, but also for myself."

In order to raise money for the rehabilitation center, organizers are asking people to sponsor a rider through the events website.

"That's my next challenge now. Getting enough sponsors to make the trip worthwhile. I've had a good response from some people, particularly within my community but I've got a lot of work to go yet."

The event will take place from 19 October - 23 October 2008. Sponsorship and more information can be found at: www.freedomriders.net.au