Opportunity to ride pillion will raise funds for Queenslanders with spinal cord injuries

Corinda’s Brett Poulson described his “grin factor” as huge following his first motorbike ride after he sustained quadriplegia.

Next month, Brett will be one of the lead riders at the Steel Horses Cruising Motorcycles Social Club’s inaugural Backbone Run on his modified Yamaha trike. Brett is pictured right on his previous bike, a Honda.

“After sustaining C5 quadriplegia in a rugby game in 1983, I spent 17 years travelling in the back of vans and taxis,” Brett said.

“I missed being out on the open road, so I began to research some alternatives and set about sourcing people to modify a Honda trike for me.

“By making the sidecar accessible, it provided an alternative for me and meant I didn’t have to transfer onto a bike seat, which would have been an almost impossible task.”

Five years on and Brett uses his trike to travel everywhere – from work to scenic trips to the Coast.

“While it mightn’t have the street credibility of the Ducati I owned as an 18-year-old, the enjoyment, independence and freedom is priceless,” Brett said.

The Backbone Run on Sunday, 16 October will leave from Harry’s Diner, Windsor at 9am, with the entourage cruising to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where they will enjoy a barbecue lunch generously supplied by the Rotary Club of South Brisbane.

Steel Horses Ride Captain “Boots” said the Run was supported by the Rotary Club of South Brisbane and would be an unforgettable day.

“As a fundraising event for the Spinal Injuries Association, we’re offering people the tremendous opportunity to enjoy a scenic ride as a pillion passenger with a Club member,” he said.

“With only 30 seats available, bookings for the Backbone Run are essential. Please phone Club Secretary “Sugar” on 0417 636 158 to make sure you don’t miss out on this great opportunity.

“We are asking every participant to make a $200 donation to the Spinal Injuries Association.”

The Rotary Club of South Brisbane is pleased to be involved in the Backbone Run by providing a meal and refreshments at the culmination of the event.

Spinal Injuries Association Chief Executive Officer Bruce Milligan thanked the Steel Horses and Rotary Club of South Brisbane for their support and said the funds raised from the Backbone Ride would buy essential equipment for members of the Association.

“As the peak body for people with spinal cord injuries in Queensland, we support and empower our members to live as independently as possible,” he said.

“This generous support from these community Clubs will make a lasting, practical difference in the lives of people who have a spinal cord injury.”