A GROUP of 26 intrepid cyclists have thrown their support behind families with a sick or injured child by riding 1000 kilometres through regional South Australia to raise more than $350,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The challenging Ride for Sick Kids South Australia, which started in Adelaide and wound its way through the Fleurieu Peninsula, South East, Murraylands and Adelaide Hills, was completed in just seven days and finished in early December.
Along the way, the group of riders visited local communities and schools, raising important funds for the charity.
All proceeds from the ride will be donated to RMHC's SA chapter, which includes Ronald McDonald House Adelaide and the Ronald McDonald Learning Program, which provides educational support for youngsters who are forced to miss out on schooling because of medical treatment.
One of the riders taking part in the event for the time was Des Shillabeer from the South East community of Keith, whose local participants teamed up to raise $15,000 towards the grand total.
"A good friend of mine from Keith had ridden in two previous rides and invited me along," Des said.
"He and his family have used Ronald McDonald House and as a family they invited me to join this year as the ride went through the South East."
An experienced cyclist of about 25 years, Des didn't stray too far from his usual routine of about 200km a week in the saddle in the lead up to the 1000km adventure.
He said a particularly tough section of the ride was a 202km stretch from the Tailem Bend raceway to Kingston, riding into a stiff headwind.
He said the "shorter" and hillier 130km legs were also challenging, but the cause made it all worthwhile.
"Having met some families from this area that have used Ronald McDonald House, and taking part in the ride, brought it home to me on a personal level on just how important the service is," Des said.
"Also, having lived in the country for 30-odd years I know what it's like to be a long way away from hospitals and medical assistance."
Des said they were received with great warmth by communities along the way, with the group donating bikes to three schools to raffle off and RMHC handing out giveaways.
The charity also gave communities an insight into the work they do and what the Ride for Sick Kids represented.
Since the inaugural bike ride across SA in 2012, more than 8,000 kilometers have been travelled, raising $1.89 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities South Australia.
RMHC SA executive officer, Julie Black said the charity were grateful for the generous support they received from the SA community.
"On behalf of RHMC South Australia, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported and donated to the cause," she said.
RMHC provides a home away from home for families, allowing them to stay close to their sick or injured child while they receive treatment in nearby hospitals.
Last year, RMHC SA provided more than 14,350 nights of accommodation to over 270 families, enabling families to stay close together during the most challenging of times.
