GC SUNS General Manager of Football Operations – Marcus Ashcroft, is preparing to ride alongside dozens of cyclists on the 250km CareFlight Base to Base challenge next week.

The nine-hour bike ride will see a group of 29 elite cyclists, athletes, celebrities and executives depart from Toowoomba CareFlight Base and finish at the southern plaza of Metricon Stadium.

With the event marking a first for the fitness fanatic, Ashcroft is weary the gruelling ride will be one of triple-premiership player’s greatest tests.

“It’s definitely going to be a mentally challenge experience, given I have never been on a bike for longer than five hours before, but I’m willingly to face my fears because it’s for a worthy cause,” said Ashcroft.

With each CareFlight rescue mission costing approximately $12,500, Ashcroft said the organisation was heavily reliant upon the support of the community and fundraising efforts to operate the expensive exercise.

“It’s extremely difficult for an organisation to operate without the necessary funds and resources available, so we’re desperately trying to get behind CareFlight and hope the Queensland digs deep into their pockets to help out the fundraiser,” Ashcroft said.

With the stadium precinct located as the finishing point for the charity ride, Metricon Stadium Manager David Bennett told goldcoastfc.com.au that the stadium team would be working tireless with event organises to ensure the success of the 2013 CareFlight Base to Base Cycle Challenge.

“We will be working with the organisers of this great charity event to develop some festivities in the southern plaza of Metricon Stadium, so we hope everyone comes down and cheers on the participants as they cross the much-awaited finish line,” said Bennett.

With the fundraising tally edging closer to $40,000, GC SUNS members and fans can make a donation via the link below.