Twelve-year-old Kip Nicholas isn’t just cycling for fun—he’s riding for a cause that affects millions of Australians. This May, the young Burdekin local signed up for the May50K challenge, an annual fundraising initiative supporting research into multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease with no known cure that affects three out of four women diagnosed and strikes the average patient at just 30 years of age.
Initially setting himself a target of 50 kilometres and $300, Kip had already surpassed both halfway through the month. Not one to coast, he upped the challenge to 80 kilometres and a new fundraising goal of $800.
“I really enjoy riding and I enjoy the fact that I am helping find a way to know more about MS,” Kip said. “It’s also a great way to stretch my muscles from sport and spend time with my family in the afternoon.”
Kip formed a riding team with his mum Louise, calling themselves the Barra Bike Duo—a nod to both their shared love of cycling and local pride.
“We started riding together before May50K kicked off,” Louise said. “Him deciding that he wanted to cycle made me really proud.”
When Louise isn’t available, Kip rides with his dad, and sometimes the whole family joins in. One of his longer rides took him 17km through Burdekin backroads and into town.
“He’s checking regularly—‘what are we up to, Mum?’—so he’s really gotten into it,” Louise said. “It’s heartwarming to know he’s contributing to something bigger, and the support from friends and family has been great.”
With just a few days left in May, Kip continues to tick off kilometres and donations. And while his sights are set on the finish line, he’s also looking further ahead—with purpose.
“Together, we can leave MS where it belongs—behind us,” he says.
You can support Kip’s 80km challenge by scanning the QR code.
"I really enjoy riding and I enjoy the fact that I am helping find a way to know more about MS."
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