TO say Ben Ware doesn't back down from a community challenge is an understatement.
The Busselton resident has only been cycling for two and a half months, yet still decided to take part in a ride across Australia to raise funds and awareness towards the plight of asylum seekers.
Following the lead of fundraiser Gideon McDonald who last year rode from Yallingup to Adelaide for the Disabled Surfing Association, Ware has decided to make a similar gesture for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre from Perth to Melbourne.
McDonald even passed down his victorious bicycle and gear to Ware so he may take up the challenge.
Ware has been thinking about undertaking the task for over a year, not settling until he decided on the right outlet for his goal.
“It was either bike or kayak and I don’t have a kayak,” Ware said.
Preparing for the adventure was the next step, with Ware riding from Busselton to and from his work at Driftwood Estate each day.
Two fellow cyclists, Sarah Wilson and Elijah Newton were recruited to the team, with the three kicking off their 3500 kilometre journey across the desert.
With an original goal to raise $2000, Ware was encouraged by sponsors Reid Cycles to up their aspirations to $10,000.
As of Monday the team had reached $3,800 with plenty of time to reach the new benchmark.
For Ware, the choice of the ASRC was one that involved very little discussion as he believes it is applicable to the conscience of the whole country.
Ware said asylum seekers need help and the way they were being treated remains ‘mind boggling.’
The trio hopes to reach Melbourne by May 23.
To donate to their plight, visit their donation page at http://cycle.gofundraise.com.au/page/Rideforasrc
