Woodend cyclists have raised close to $160,000 for the fight against cancer in the past three years.
Spokes of Hope’s 14 members completed their third Ride to Conquer Cancer on October 25, collecting more than $55,000 for the cause this year alone. In all, they’ve raised $157,000 from three charity rides since 2012.
The 200-kilometre ride from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula last month benefited the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Team member Daron Jacks said all crews were thrilled with this year’s successful event, which raised more than $2.9 million.
“The weekend was a challenge, with hot northerly head winds working us hard for the final 50 kilometres,” he said.
“We were rapt to be greeted by supporters at the finish line at Albert Park, and our team was a constant talking point for our orange team colours.
“And we were a jovial team; we laughed all weekend. We were all pretty tired after some solid riding.”
The cyclists said the hard work they’d put into training and fundraising was nothing compared to the hard road travelled by friends, family and colleagues affected by cancer.
The team, one of the top fundraisers in the state, is third on the overall tally.
A large part of this year’s total was collected during a single night in July.
Ride to Conquer Cancer won’t be held in Melbourne next year, but Spokes of Hope will continue riding and fundraising, Mr Jacks said.
