ONE-HUNDRED years, 100 riders, and one big adventure for Peter Hickey.
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On Thursday, May 15, Mr Hickey will set off with 100 other riders to cycle over 330 kilometres from Bourke to Nyngan over three days.
And he's doing it for a good cause- to raise vital funds for children's charity, Royal Far West.
Established in 1924, Royal Far West is one of Australia's most enduring and respected charities dedicated to connecting kids in rural and remote communities to the care they need.
The charity supports children's developmental, mental and behavioural health so they can reach their full potential.
"They provide a lot of support for developmental and mental health issues," Mr Hickey said.
Annually, the Ride For Country Kids raises vital funds and awareness for the services of Royal Far West.
Since its inception over a decade ago, the event has raised over $3.9 million.
This year, the total goal for the 100 riders is $750,000, with Mr Hickey setting a personal goal of $4000.
Raising this money is something that he said means a lot, especially because of his own connections to the cause.
"I know local families that have benefited from Royal Far West," he said.
"And I work in the disability sector, so I know how important these services are. If these kids can get the support and treatment early in life, then that sets their life up ... and they're less likely to have ongoing issues and to require ongoing support."
But, raising money for a good cause isn't the only reason Mr Hickey signed up for the Ride.
An avid cyclist, Mr Hickey said he was looking for a challenge, and having moved to Bathurst around seven years ago, he admitted that he hasn't travelled any further west than Dubbo.
An awfully big adventure
Now is his chance.
"It's an adventure, doing it with 100 other riders is going to be a bit of a thrill, and we're doing it for a good cause, so it's going to be great," he said.
Mr Hickey said he was also looking forward to the ride's end, when Royal Far West members would join participants for a charity dinner.
"That Saturday night, May 17, Royal Far West is holding their gala dinner, essentially celebrating their 100 years, which should be really nice," he said.
Though Mr Hickey has set a goal of $4000, he has currently only raised just over a quarter of his goal.
He said that he would encourage anybody looking to support his ride to donate here, at his fundraising page on https://www.rideforcountrykids.com.au/fundraisers/peterhickey.
Anybody looking for more information on the Ride For Country Kids is encouraged to visit the website at https://www.rideforcountrykids.com.au/event/rfck/ or Royal Far West.
