Jesse’s 100km Fundraiser Fuelled by Friendship

Friendship in Action

 Jesse doesn’t live with diabetes himself, nor is he a family member navigating a diagnosis. He is simply a great mate.

When Jesse signed up for Around the Bay, choosing Diabetes Victoria as his charity partner was an easy call. A couple of years ago, one of his best friends, Emma, was diagnosed with diabetes. 

"Emma is maybe one of the most active people I’ve ever known," Jesse shares.

"Seeing her go from those early days of diagnosis through to where she is now, figuring out insulin doses at cafes, adjusting as she goes, and getting back into her active life, it’s amazing.”

 "Navigating all those unknowns and readjustments is massive. I love the idea of an organisation like Diabetes Victoria providing real information, support, and resources to help people through that transition."

 Jesse’s story is a powerful reminder that people living with diabetes benefit from a strong, caring network. You don't have to live with the condition to stand up (or pedal hard) for those who do.

16 kg of Pure Steel (and Squeaks)

When Jesse rides up to the starting line this October, he won’t be mounted on a carbon-fibre racing machine.

Rescued for just $80 from Second Chance Cycles in Collingwood, an organisation that refurbishes donated bikes, his 1999 Giant Farrago has already clocked over 1,700 kilometres on Strava under his care.

He’s hand-serviced it himself, with varying degrees of success.

"I rode to work one day after reassembling it and the handlebars just came off going down a hill," Jesse laughs. "I was like, 'Who’s the idiot who put this together?' …and then I realised, 'Oh right, me.'"

While it weighs 16kg (without bags or water) and features slightly misaligned brakes that Jesse notes “will slow you down, but they won’t stop you,” this 100km ride is officially the bike's farewell voyage.

To make matters even more reassuring, Jesse’s partner is acting as the ultimate mobile pit crew. She’ll be driving, meeting Jesse at rest stops with his brand-new, lightweight bike strapped to the back rack.

"It’s the most professional cycling setup ever," Jesse jokes. "Except one of the bikes is a 30-year-old mishmash of original parts." 

Jesse does stress that the new bike is for absolute emergencies only – like another handlebar incident. The sleek aluminium bike is for next year’s ride.

Fuelling the Ride

How do you keep 16 kilos of vintage steel rolling for 100 kilometres? According to Jesse, the secret isn't high-tech endurance gels, it's supermarket aisle lollies.

Recalling a highlight from his 50km Around the Bay ride last year, Jesse admits his fuelling strategy was simple.

"I was cycling on a flat stretch of road, mainlining Sour Patch Kids into my mouth. I looked down at my watch and saw I was doing 36 km/h. I thought: 'This is living.'”

Between packets of sour lollies, bananas at rest stops, and a supportive cycling community cheering everyone on, Jesse is ready to take on the 100km challenge.

Why Your Donation Matters

On his official fundraising page, Jesse jokingly wrote, "I think it's tax-deductible? Probably! You should donate either way."

Jokes aside, Jesse knows that every single dollar makes a direct impact on the 350,000+ Victorians living with diabetes.

"It’s a pretty grim time in the world in a lot of ways, so seeing people donate is just beautiful," Jesse says.

"When a friend donates $15 or $20 at the end of a pay cycle, they won't miss it in two months' time. But cumulatively, that money provides genuine, life-changing support for people navigating diabetes. It means the absolute world."

Help Jesse reach his goal

Jesse is putting his bike to the test so Diabetes Victoria can continue backing everyone living with diabetes, as well as the friends and families who support them.

How you can support:

• Donate to Jesse’s Ride: Head over to his fundraising page and throw a few dollars towards the cause. (Yes, it really is tax-deductible!)
• Cheer Him On: If you’re out on the Around the Bay course this October, look for the guy on the classic purple steel bike powered by Sour Patch Kids.
• Get Active: Inspired to ride? Registration for Around the Bay is open to everyone, whether you’re tackling 20km or 220km. Register or donate here.

Read more about our other Around The Bay riders: 

• Diabetes Victoria joins United Energy Around the Bay
• Fundraising as a Family over Fifty Kilometres