Horsham’s Lee Hutchinson, Damien Cook and Phil Edgerton along with former Wimmera resident Jeff Wallis rode the 146 kilometre course.

Hutchinson said the cause hit home for himself and the other riders – his mother, Kathy, is terminally ill with cancer.

“It was a sensational cause and it has effected myself personally and all the guys have been effected by cancer in some way,” he said.

“My mother is terminally ill with a pretty aggressive type of bone cancer. She has been my number one supporter during a lot of my rides.”

Hutchinson said the course was tough but rewarding. The course took riders through the countryside of Hepburn, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires.

“We compete in a lot of endurance races and the atmosphere of the event was great and the course was very picturesque,” he said.

“The course was pretty gruelling and was a bit breezy towards the end.

“You think you’re doing it tough in the last 30-40 kilometres but it’s nothing compared to what people with these sicknesses are dealing with. I don’t think you can raise enough money for these causes.”

Hutchinson said the group of riders often seek out these type of races. Cook owns Horsham Cyclery and has ridden overseas before.

“We do seek these out and we rode in the Great Ocean and Otway Classic about three months ago for another fundraiser,” he said.

“We do as may as we can and we made the decision across the weekend to ride in the Peaks Challenge at Falls Creek next March – that is rated at about the fifth toughest ride in the world.”

Hutchinson encouraged anyone with an interest in cycling to give the sport a go.

“Cycling forms a great foundation and not only for fitness and health but to also be able to support good causes,” he said.