Pedalling For A Purpose

Jacob King Takes On 4 Points Challenge For Starlight Kids

At just 27, Moranbah local Jacob King has set off on an extraordinary 17,000-kilometre bike ride around Australia, turning his wheels, and his heart, toward raising funds for seriously ill children.

On July 1st, Jacob departed from Mackay to begin the 4 Points Challenge, a self-designed route connecting the country’s four most extreme points: Cape York, Steep Point, Wilsons Promontory and Cape Byron.

“The 4 Points Challenge is a fundraiser of my own design,” Jacob explained.

“I will be attempting to cycle a full lap of the country, covering over 17,000km and reaching its four extreme points… The ride will be a solo supported record attempt and I am lucky enough to have my father Lee King come on board as my support crew.”

Riding up to 12 hours each day, Jacob expects the journey to take two to three months. But the true motivation powering each pedal stroke isn’t athletic achievement — it’s Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia.

“Starlight is a charity that works throughout the country bringing joy, happiness and laughter to sick kids doing it tough,” Jacob said.

“Every dollar raised will go directly to transforming their hospital experiences and helping them thrive.”

“I think children are the most deserving of our support and I know that when things inevitably get tough on the bike, it is their strength and courage that I will be leaning on to get me through.”

The support vehicle is helmed by Jacob’s dad, who’s been documenting their colourful daily adventures, from dusty corrugations to ice packs and mango sorbet. On Day 1, after final trailer prep the night before, Jacob was running on four hours of sleep when he left Mackay Cycles.

“After interviews with Mackay local news it was time to send the big fella off,” Lee wrote.

“He had several stops along the way and the first half of the day Jacob starting thinking, what he had got himself into.”

But Jacob pushed through, riding over 254km in 10 hours and 34 minutes on Day 1 alone.

From there, the journey wound through Ingham, Atherton, Tully and on to Cape York. The roads have been challenging, the weather unpredictable, and yet, Jacob remains focused on the mission.

“This is tough,” Jacob said after hours of bone-jarring corrugations, “but nothing compared to what the kids are going through in hospital.”

Along the way, Aussies have backed his mission by donating money, fuel, food and words of encouragement.

The northernmost point of Australia was conquered on Day 7, after a staggering 287kilometre ride lasting over 16 hours.

“Congratulations son,” Lee said.

“You should be very proud of your efforts and the fundraising you are achieving for the Starlight Foundation.”

To follow Jacob’s journey or support the cause, visit:
Live tracker: https://share.garmin.com/4pointschallenge
Donate at: https://starlightfundraisers.org.au/4-points-challenge

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Moranbah’s Jacob King is cycling 17,000km around Australia to raise funds for seriously ill children through the Starlight Foundation, tackling the country’s four furthest points in a solo-supported challenge. Photo source: 4 Points Challenge (Facebook)

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