Cycling for change

A GROUP of 12 dedicated cyclists from Geelong and Ballarat recently completed a mammoth ride to help raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer.

Pedal for Prostate was formed in 2014. Each year they go on a week-long ride to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Since their formation they have raised more than $160,000, not including this year’s ride.

The cyclists rode from Canberra to Ballarat from February 23-29, covering about 900 kilometres and 10,000 metres of elevation across the seven days they were on the road.

Group member Mark Woodhead said the group intentionally challenged themselves, knowing that the pain and difficulties they experienced were just a shadow of what people with prostate cancer endured.

“We don’t make it a leisurely ride; we make it so we test ourselves.”

Mr Woodhead said making people aware of the risks of prostate cancer and how they can be minimised was an important role of Pedal for Prostate.

“Men can be a bit stubborn and we all neglect our health to a point. We want to get the message out there that they should be getting the tests done, particularly if they have a family history of it.”

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Australian men. Each year about 3,500 Australians die from the disease.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia recommends that men over 50, or 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, should talk to their doctor about testing for prostate cancer.

Mr Woodhead said the group was always happy to welcome new members, with cyclists currently ranging from 19 to 65 years old.

“We’re open to people that want to join if they have an interest in cycling.”

The group raise their money through barbecues, raffles and highway collections as well as through online donations.

Donations can be made at give.everydayhero.com/au/pedal-for-prostate-2020.