THE Red Sky Riders came through Bridgetown last week, as the midpoint of their eight-day, 1000km fundraising bike ride.
The cyclists were riding for West Australians living with cancer in support of the SolarisCare Foundation, which provides free services to WA cancer patients and their carers.
The funds raised from the ride help SolarisCare to maintain four Cancer Support Centres, complete with libraries and relaxation areas, and deliver over 7000 free complementary integrated therapies per year. They also provide free courses for carers, survivorship programs and exercise clubs for cancer patients.
The cyclists started the ride on Saturday February 21 from Perth’s CBD, riding through the towns of Harvey, Dunsborough and Augusta before arriving in Bridgetown for a two night stay.
They left on Thursday morning to complete the journey via Wagin and York before returning to Perth on Saturday February 28.
25 riders have participated in this year's event, along with a fantastic support team. While In Bridgetown the riders were happy to share their stories as to why they decided to participate in such a challenging ride.
Alison Doran is a first time Red Sky Rider and said she decided to take part in the ride following one of her children being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma two years ago.
"My eldest child had Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 21," Mrs Doran said.
"During that time I became aware of the amazing work SolarisCare does and the support they receive from the Red Sky Ride.
"I am having an amazing ride and it has been a huge personal challenge. The group of riders and volunteers are so supportive but the pain and suffering we go through on rides has nothing on what cancer suffers go through.”
John Hassell is also a first time rider. He said he thought it would be a great experience.
"It was suggested to me as a bit of a fun thing to do," Mr Hassell said.
"Then I got told it was 1000km over a week and it was too late to back out. It has been an amazing experience, testing my endurance, meeting really exceptional people and having fun.”
Clare Nash is participating in her second ride and is doing the ride this time for a friend who recently passed away from cancer.
“This is my second ride and it’s personal this year. My friend Sue, diagnosed with melanoma, died early last year. In her last stages we used SolarisCare services and they really looked after us, so this is my way of saying thank you," Ms Nash said.
"Sue's favourite thing was cherries so I have two cherries tied to my bike. The atmosphere of the ride is full of fun and laughter which helps make us forget the pain of the daily rides. It was a great way to meet people from all walks of life who have the same vision, passion and commitment.”
