Riding for Research

Riding for Research

The Tour de Brisbane, the city's annual premier cycling event, goes beyond just a thrilling ride. It's a chance to make a real difference by raising crucial funds for life-saving transplant research, in partnership with The Common Good, the research initiative of Prince Charles Hospital and one of Merlo's major community partnerships.

Merlo's Founder Dean Merlo and CEO James Wilkinson have been avid supporters of cycling for a cause since they first participated in the Cycle of Giving in 2015.

Over time, the ride grew and integrated with the Tour de Brisbane in 2019, bringing together riders, including transplant recipients, who continue to pedal for a purpose.

The Common Good is the charity partner of the Tour de Brisbane, and funds raised by riders go towards supporting research on transplant research, heart disease, lung disease, mental health, and dementia - conditions that impact up to 90% of Australians, including many of the riders and their loved ones.

Frank vs Mt Cootha on 2 April 2023

Frank Fuchs is a Merlo Account Manager who spends much of week on the road speaking with wholesale café and restaurant customers. On Sunday 2 April 2023, Frank swapped his car for two wheels to ride in the Tour de Brisbane.

An avid cyclist, who dons his lycra at least three times a week, Frank jumped at the chance to participate in the Tour De Brisbane’s 110km ride and represent Merlo Coffee. He has been cycling for over 8 years and a 110km ride is his standard weekend trip.

Other than a flat tyre along the way Frank finished the 110km in three and a half hours and has the medal to prove it!

The ride took the participants through Eagle Farm, the Legacy Way Tunnel up Mt Cootha, and back through the Legacy Way, ending at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

About the Common Good

The Common Good is committed to helping people live healthier, longer lives by supporting groundbreaking and life-saving medical research.

The areas of lung disease, mental health, heart disease, and dementia are issues that affect nearly everyone in some way, and The Common Good has quantified one hour of research time into a dollar value of $48, naming each hour a Time Token.

Donors can contribute towards these Time Tokens, directly funding the hands of researchers supported by The Common Good, who carry out vital research that impacts the lives of 90% of Australians. With just $48 funding an hour of research, every dollar counts.

You can find out more about The Common Good and their quest for life-changing medical breakthroughs HERE.