Rider Kathryn Whalley is our current top fundraiser for Peaks Challenge x Ride2School 2026, with $9,199 raised. Her story is a great example of the impact fundraisers can have – read on for some fundraising tips!
Bicycle Network: How many Peaks Challenges have you ridden?
Kathryn Whalley: This will be number five.
BN: Your top three tips to survive the gruelling Peaks ride?
KW: It's not gruelling if you prepare well! My top tips are:
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practise eating and drinking well on training rides
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plan your kit options for various weather conditions well in advance to cut the stress on ride morning!
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be mentally prepared. It's a long day and a lot can happen. Long rides in training are just as important for the mind as for the legs!
BN: What motivated you to fundraise for the Ride2School program?
KW: Non-riding parents aren't encouraging kids to ride bikes. I can see the Ride2School program can educate both children and parents that cycling is fun, healthy and safe. I get so much enjoyment from cycling, I'm hoping that this program can help others find the same enjoyment by showing them how to get started.
BN: What's made your fundraising successful so far?
KW: Networking is key. We give to those who we know and trust. Money is hard to come by and people need to see it working. Ride2School can easily show that so it's easy to market!
BN: Do you have any tips for fundraisers looking to become Peaks Legends in 2026?
KW: Get involved in the program to really understand it and be passionate as to why we need children to be more active – then you can network with conviction. I pledge to fellow riders that we are raising money for the people that don't find it easy like us to ride a bike. We are raising money to break down the barriers. Also, outside of personal contacts and gatherings, social media is the main stream for getting the message out there. I just need to get better at it!
It's now six weeks out from Peaks Challenge 2026 – and it's not too late to use your ride to fundraise for Ride2School and become a Peaks Legend! As you push through the final stages of training, look to make it count with your fundraising. You can sign up here.
Every little bit counts, with some great incentives along the way!
If you raise $250, you receive a short-sleeved Peaks Legend jersey for free. Those who raise $500 receive a short-sleeved jersey and a pair of knicks – and those who crack $750 will receive the long-sleeved jersey as well.
If you raise over $5,000, you will be named on our Ride2School Honour Board, and the top 20 fundraisers will also be provided with gold bibs, numbered from 1 to 20. Be recognised for your contribution!
Already a Peaks Legend? Promote your fundraiser using our handy templates for Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn or Strava. You can download them here; see examples below.
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