Leigh's Long Ride

Back in August 2011 I decided to take part in the Long Ride to help raise awareness of prostate cancer and to help raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, little did I realise then how bog this would become and how generous people could be.

My father suffered from this disease a few years ago and I myself am fast approachiung the age that regular check ups begin, so the cause is pretty close to my heart (or bumhole as I've been told).  Having already taken part in the Pink Ribbon ride for breast cancer awareness, I felt I wanted to offer more, and to be challenged more, to attempt a longer ride.

What could be longer than The Long Ride?

The Long Ride is a week long motorcycle ride that sees around 1000 riders from all around the country and overseas converge on Darling Harbour, Sydney (November 12, 2011).  Throughout the week the riders meet at predetermined points along the main route (Sydney - Nyngan - Broken Hill - Loxton - Hamilton - Queenscliff - Sale - Canberra - Sydney) before we are jpoined for the ride into Darling Harbour.

Along this route more than 30 towns and cities will be visited where the locals will be made aware of theb issues of men's health, especially prostate cancer.  While this is the main route, riders from other centres will make many more stops on their own journeys  as they meet with the main group.  Riders coming from Perth will be riding through almost 70 towns.  Some riders will have competed almost 5000 kilometres by the time they arrive in Sydney.

While the major purpose of the ride is to raise awareness of prostate cancer and mens health in general, another primary goal is to raise as much funds as possible for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
I'll be joining with the riders coming in from Western Australia; Queensland; New South Wales; and South Australia on November 9 in Apollo Bay before heading to Queenscliff along the world famous Great Ocean Road.

Initially I set myself a target of raising $5000 and through the very generous natuire of family; friends; and work colleagues found that this was probably going to be too low.  The target was quickly raised to $10,000 and things are looking good.

As well as individual donations many people have chipped in with other fund raising events like morning teas; bake off's; raffles and the like and to these people (you know who you all are) I give a huge thank you as your contributions has helped significantly.

Through the help of another rider, based in Queensland, Arnold Keuker, I have also been able to secure some corporate sponsorships / donations which will see me wearing the companies logos on a riders vest to promote the very generous nature of these businesses.  These companies deserve a massive thank you -

• Saferay Pty Ltd
• Sorani Tiling Conttractors
• TMC - The Macintosh Corporation
• Ugly Fish Eyewear

Funds have also bveen raised through the very generous donations of other businesses who have provided prizes for raffles and sporting events.

• The Meredith Golf Club
• Mercure Hotel, Geelong
• Mercure Hotel, Spring Street
• Bunnings
• The Dog Rocks Hotel, Batesford
• The Esplanade Hotel, Queenscliff
• Donaghadee Wines
• Tasman Meats

I can't thank everyone enough who has helped me so far, this goes along way to helping us beat this terrible disease.

If you would like to donate to the Long Ride pleased visit http://pcfafunbdraising.org.au/leigh_wilkins