Cycling 100 kilometres each day for a week sounds like a tough ask to even an experienced rider, however Port Macquarie mother of three Veneka 'Neikz' Jones is taking on the challenge.
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She is joined in a 50km per day ride by Newman College secondary teacher Chris Pincott and former Port Macquarie resident Liz Awili-Jandara, who is completing 8km per day.
All three cyclists are on the campaign for this year's Ride for Autism which started on July 5 and ends on Sunday July 12. The campaign is raising money for children with autism with free virtual rides covering 25km, 50km or 100km.
Ms Jones said it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of the village. Her son, Braidy was diagnosed with autism.
"I took on this crazy ride challenge for myself of 100kms per day over the eight days.
"I have taken my strength from being a mum and watching the challenges my son now faces as a result of trying to be accepted by a very judgemental world.
"My kids will always have my love and support in all they face; they will always be my world.
"I'm a non-rider, I'm just a mum but the cause is driving me. I'll be riding 100kms each day on the stationary bike.
"As a family we've faced a hell of a lot of challenges from the education department and other sectors of the government. I'm self-driven but I have a goal to prove that we can do this."
Mr Pincott teaches year 11 and 12 in Port Macquarie and says he sees the challenges faced by students with autism on a daily basis.
"I will be riding 50kms per day around Port Macquarie to raise money for people with Autism and to support likewise students with autism," he said.
"We are riding for autism to help create a world where no-one on the autism spectrum is left behind. Kids with autism should not be set aside and it's quite hard seeing these kids get pushed to the back.
"People on the spectrum see, hear, feel and experience the world differently. For many, simply coping with the everyday can lead to confusion, anxiety and isolation.
"By coming together and taking action, we can help provide opportunities for people on the autism spectrum to participate, engage and thrive in the world around them."
You can support the cycling campaign HERE.
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