by Matt | Aug 13, 2024 | Club News, MTB Academy, NEWS, Sports
Raising funds for Rare Ovarian Cancer research.
By Nick Verhoeven, Cathedral Mountain Bike Academy Coordinator
On June 1st the Cathedral Mountain Bike Academy held its first ‘CMBA 4 Charity’ ride between Mt Fox and Greenvale. At a distance of 122km, this was going to be a test of physical endurance.
The Academy had decided to raise funds for Rare Ovarian Cancer and had a goal of raising $10,000. I’m pleased to advise we smashed the goal by organising and cooking at the TCS Open Day, assisting the Leos with a BBQ in the Senior School Quad, and hosting a couple of bake sales. Additionally, riders sought donations from friends and family, and by knocking on neighbours doors.
Some interesting facts from the ride:
- We had 20 students partake in the ride and were assisted by seven Parents who also rode.
- A total of 14 people in 11 vehicles supported the riders who stopped every 20km to grab some food and drink and generally have a rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Collectively the riders covered a total distance of 2,619 km, which is the distance from Mt Fox to Melbourne.
Thank you to our supporters and the 132 donations… we are proud to say that we raised a huge total of $17,661 for Rare Ovarian Cancer research.
The CMBA plans on holding another Charity Event in 2026.
by Matt | Feb 4, 2022 | MTB Academy, Sports
Welcome, Nick Verhoeven.
The Cathedral School is proud to welcome Mr. Nick Verhoeven as the new Mountain Bike Academy Coordinator.
Head of Junior School, Mr. Luke Baills highlighted Nick’s enthusiasm for the sport and strong organisation skills as key factors of his appointment “Nick is passionate for the sport of mountain biking and is a highly organised and connected member of the North Queensland community. We are excited to support Nick as he builds on the outstanding work of Charlize Penny, Jesse Smith, and Tom Hollis (founding students of the MTB Academy in 2020)”.
Nick also has a connection with the school through his daughter Alyssa who is currently studying Year 12 at Cathedral.
“A little about me… I am married and the father of three children, Alyssa, and twins Shannon and Jordan.” Nick said. “I was originally involved in Athletics, represented Australia at the 1990 Oceania Games in Fiji and spent some time at Penn State University in the USA. Following a few injuries, I took up riding, specifically Mountain biking due to it being more nature based and allowing for exploration on dirt roads and trails. I generally compete in Mountain Bike races over 70km in length across the country and ride a Single-Speed, ie No Gears.”
Locals may also know of Nick via his involvement with Townsville financial business Hallerwealth over the past 21 years. “After a long career in the Finance Industry, I was looking for a change in lifestyle and a position I could bring my passion for riding, being active, and enjoying the outdoors. I had originally planned to take six months off and plan for the next challenge, but after only two months, this incredible opportunity arrived. The fact this position became available at an amazing school was just a bonus.” said Nick. “The reason I love Mountain biking is that it allows an outlet to the crazy, busy, and stressful life we all live in. Riding is my meditation and allows me to forget about work, deadlines, everything that is happening in the world, and just focus on the trail whilst enjoying the outdoors and all it offers.”
“My aim for the Academy is to allow an avenue for all students to get involved in an activity that is not only fun and healthy but can literally take you places, either riding to school or the shops, riding for pleasure, or getting involved in races locally or other locations in Australia, or around the world. Mountain Biking is a Commonwealth and Olympic sport so the opportunities are endless!”
Pictured: Nick competing at the Mackay Mountain Marathon.
“My aim for the Academy is to allow an avenue for all students to get involved in an activity that is not only fun and healthy but can literally take you places, either riding to school or the shops, riding for pleasure, or getting involved in races locally or other locations in Australia, or around the world. Mountain Biking is a Commonwealth and Olympic sport so the opportunities are endless!”
The MTB Academy is open to all students Prep to Year 12. All you need is a can-do attitude, a bike (any bicycle), helmet and a smile. If you don’t have a bike or helmet, Cycle de Vie can give you all the help you need with 1% of all sales coming back to the Academy.
Pictured: Nick working hard all the way to finish the 2020 Paluma Push.
