DESPITE the terrible weather and dangerous conditions 20 passionate cyclists arrived in Port Macquarie last week after a huge 540km journey.
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Joined by a support crew the four day journey was undertaken to raise funds for the KIDS Foundation - and that they did.
In total they were able to smash the $60,000 mark which was an outstanding effort according to the organisations CEO and founder Susie O'Neill, who participated in the ride herself.
"It was a great ride and a fantastic effort from all involved," she said. One of those involved was first timer Kirsten Lodge from Sydney.
"I didn't even know about the foundation but I was told by a friend who competes in the Ironman event," she said. "It was a wonderful experience raising so much money for the kids. We were all strangers before this and now we are all good mates. Yes it was painful but it was nothing compared to what some of the kids go through."
Leaving Coolangatta on Monday morning the hilly 180km day one ride took the group through the most picturesque scenery, the hinterland of Mount Warning.
Day two consisted of a 170km ride to Coffs Harbour with a fundraising function arranged by local Paul Courtney and Andrew Wellington.
The next leg of the ride was 120km and took the group to Southwest Rocks where the community welcomed them with a sign and a big cheque donated by the Seebreeze Hotel.
The last day of the ride ended in Port Macquarie where they were welcomed by athletes and family as the KIDS Foundation is the official charity partner of the Toyota Australian Ironman Championships.
The KIDS Foundation is a not-for-profit charity that provides injury recovery programs and camps to support children and their families. Equally important is their prevention program because more Australian children die from injury than any illness or disease.