Caption: Matt Wilson with his niece Arielle Wilson and the Team Arielle bike he will be taking on the Scrapheap Adventure Ride to raise funds for Down Syndrome Australia. Picture: Richard Dobson

Pedal to metal for Arielle

by Olivia Lancuba

For Mona Vale’s Matt Wilson, the road ahead is about far more than two wheels, dirt and adventure.

This October, the first-time rider will climb aboard his motorbike for the Scrapheap Adventure Ride, a gruelling journey from Wisemans Ferry to Barradine in northwest NSW, and he’ll be doing it for his five-year-old niece, Arielle, who was born with Down syndrome.

“I’m riding in honour of my niece,” Matt said.

Arielle has already played a starring role in the adventure, helping her uncle decorate her uncle’s bike.

Matt has also emblazoned the machine with custom “Team Arielle” stickers featuring her face.

“She loves the bike. She wears the T-shirt and points to the Team Arielle sticker.”

The event, which has been running for 16 years, has raised more than $1.2 million for Down Syndrome Australia.

Matt is encouraging supporters to get behind the cause and donate via scrapheapadventures.com.au. The ride is running from October 2 to 4.

With thanks to dailytelegraph.com.au