Login
Login

Deanna & Stefan

Grand Velo Taiwan

My Activity Tracking

0
kms

We're fundraising for... Ronald McDonald House

Deanna Varkanis

I've challenged myself to not only learn how to ride a road bike, but undertake the mammoth task of riding 7 days across Taiwan: tackling 766km in distance, and 11,047m in hill climbs. This will be no easy feat yet it's a challenge I embrace, riding in honour of my beloved dad, the late George Varkanis. 

Grand Velo Taiwan will be difficult; I'm nervous as hell and my legs hurt just thinking about it, but nothing compares to the incomprehensible pain of losing someone you love. My Dad was only 55 years old when he passed away from a rare and aggressive cancer in mid-2018. He was my hero - fit, healthy, and no stranger to the saddle... but cancer knows no boundaries, and his loss has been the hardest challenge I've had to endure since. What's a couple of 100kms on a bike?

Dad loved cycling and had the privilege of riding alongside many great mates, many of whom have continued riding and fundraising on these epic world tours.... on behalf of some pretty epic causes. I'm proud to be joining them in March 2024, riding in support of Ronald McDonald House and the tireless work that they do for sick children and families in need.

I appreciate your help and generosity along the way!

Stefan Marchesi

The first time I ever jumped on a road bike was in March 2014, riding up a hot Norton Summit in South Australia with George. I instantly loved it. Fast forward 10 years and I'm training for my third overseas ride, saddling up next to my wife and a group of guys and girls I'm lucky enough to call my mates!

This wouldn't have been possible without my late father-in-law, George, whose bike I'm honoured to ride as I summit these mountains, raising money for awesome charities along the way.

Please help us hit our goal with any donation, big or small. Cheers and keep peddling!

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$5,907

My Goal

$10,000

Select amount to donate

$20
Your gift of $20 could help provide a family with a home cooked meal after a long day in the hospital.
$60
Your gift of $60 could help provide 2 weeks of clean linen for a safe place to sleep while baby is in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
$160
Your gift of $160 could help provide a nights accommodation for a family while their child is sick or injured.

Or enter an amount

$
Donate

Thank you to my Sponsors

$1.02k

Maria Varkanis

Proud beyond words , containing my tears but just know I feel so blessed to call you both my children .Dad will be by your side on this ride , so ride with love and heart and no fear and you will soar .🚴🏻‍♀️🚴‍♂️ Lots of love … always Mum 💙💙💙💙

$701

Gina & Reidy

So proud of you both! Let’s go Dream Team 💛

$332.80

Max Marchesi

Bonizzi

$251

Dean Rowlings

Read it and weep it Jesse

$211

Luisa And Julian

Good luck Zio Stef and Zia Deedee! Make sure you stretch those quads!

$200

Jana And Harrison Hughes

As the great Paul Sherwen would say, make sure you pack your suitcase of courage! Can’t wait to follow the journey, good luck 😁

$168.80

Jack Clifton

Keep up the great work guys proud of you both xx

$158.25

The Mooneys

Your strength and determination is beyond.

$111.83

Domenic Brizzi

Smash it

$111.83

Adele B

Go Stef and Dee!!!

$105.50

Annabel & Dylan

Good luck peddling those pins!

$105.50

Charlotte Hawkins

$105.50

Sezzie And Milzy

Wow! Look you incredible people go! What an amazing journey and achievement this will be! So extremely proud of you both! Xo

$105.50

Annabel Lampard

$105.50

Em & Trav

All the best guys, you will smash it! 🚴🚴‍♀️

$105.50

Alexia Varkanis

So proud of you both and I know dad would be too!! ❤️

$105.50

Zane Lawrance

$105.50

Molly Connell

Amazing work Deanna and Stefan let’s goooo

$105.50

Nicola Mori

$105.50

Holly Sperou

$104.50

Tazzy And Jake Spencer

This is incredible D, wishing you the best of luck in Taiwan. No doubt your Dad will be smiling from above guiding you through the ride. He would be so proud!

$104

George Marchesi

Safe riding have fun

$84.40

Pietersz Family

Aunty D and Uncle Stef, I am so proud of you both, all the best and all my love. Love Gigi x

$63.30

Ella And Henry

$63.30

Cath Alban

Such an inspiration D. You're going to smash it. x

$63.30

Joshua Brown

Wear appropriate socks this time.

$63.30

Jake

Awesome ride for an awesome cause.

$63.30

Zoe & Paul

Love watching your magic unfold 🦋

$63.30

Evie & Mihali 🤍

$63.30

Luke Seaburgh

Great work Dee!

$63.30

Katherine Brown

Go for it guys! You are amazing!

$63.30

Anonymous

$63

Dannielle Hokin

So proud of you guys!! Keep on going!

$61

Anna Axarlis

Safe riding and what a great way to honour your dad.

$60

Matty Smith

I'm helping

$60

Ben

well done taking on such an amazing challenge.

$52.75

Jesse

You win this round Dean. Go get em D and Stef 💪

$52.75

Dianne Sperou

Well done Deanna and Stefan xxx

$50

Ally Barron

Incredible challenge. Fantastic and wonderful charity. Amazing!

$50

Paul Hicks

Great effort Dee, good luck!

$42.20

Ellie Vince

Good luck D, you’ll smash it!

$21.10

Anonymous

$21.10

Mitchell Turner

For the swan

$21.10

Adelle Connor

Surprised the jimney doesn’t get weighed down with those bikes on the back, Cheesy. Killing it D!

$21.10

Your Home Designs

Proud of you guys!

$21.10

Jade Roworth

So proud of you my love :)

$21.10

Alexia Kogios

$21.10

Morrie

Inspirational Dee

$21.10

Michele A Scott

Fantastic goal which you will undoubtedly achieve Dee. Enjoy the journey to the start of race as well as the race itself. All of it matters when you reach the end ... Best Wishes, Michele, BFWG.

$21.10

Nick Nolan

$21

Colin Joseph

$20

Drew, Aimee & Louis