When Jacob King finished the Busselton Ironman, he began searching for his next challenge. Reading about endurance cyclist Lachlan Morton’s record breaking 14,200 kilometre lap of Australia gave him direction. Jacob decided to attempt his own unique ride, to the four extreme points of mainland Australia, and to do it in just 90 days. “Ninety days, because that’s all the annual leave I had!”
Unlike Morton, Jacob is no lifelong cyclist. He has only been riding recreationally for a few years, with a background in triathlon rather than road cycling.
“I would hardly call myself a cyclist,” he admits.
What he does have is determination and a clear purpose, raising $100,000 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity he has supported for years.
“Children are the most deserving of our support. Through Captain Starlight, wish granting and the Starlight Express Rooms, you know funds are going to good use. With help, I think we can reach the goal and bring joy to as many sick kids as possible.”
His preparation was short but intense: six months of building endurance, plenty of physio, and long solo rides in the heat and rain. Training was squeezed in on days off from his shifts at Goonyella Riverside Mine, sharpening both physical and mental resilience.
On the road, Jacob is never alone. His father travels alongside him, taking care of camp, meals, bike maintenance, logistics and even massage.
“He’s up before me and goes to bed after me. I couldn’t do this without him.”
The toughest test so far came in Cape York, eight punishing days of corrugations, choking dust, little sleep and an injured knee. Running on adrenaline and caffeine, he pushed through before seeking help from a GP in Atherton to manage the inflammation. From there, he carefully rebuilt his mileage to stay in the ride.
Mechanical setbacks have been minor, mostly punctures, and Jacob credits motorists, especially truck drivers, for their courtesy and space on the highways.
When the ride feels impossible, Jacob reminds himself why he is out there.
“My pain and discomfort are voluntary and temporary. The kids in hospital didn’t choose their battle. They don’t get the option to give up, so neither do I.”
That sense of purpose was reinforced early on when Starlight’s Effie phoned to thank him. She shared how the charity had supported her family when her younger sister was unwell, a story Jacob carries with him on the road.
Support has flowed in from everywhere, with strangers offering accommodation, encouragement and donations, and an online community rallying through the 4 Points Challenge Facebook page.
Jacob still has many kilometres to cover before the finish line, but his mission remains clear.
“Whether it’s donating directly, interacting with the socials, or simply spreading the word, that’s the best way to support us. Together we can reach the target and bring joy to children who need it most.”
| Donations to support Jacob’s ride can be made through the official 4 Points Challenge Facebook page, which also shares daily updates and the live tracker. Just search ‘4 Points Challenge’ on Facebook to follow his journey and contribute. |
