It’s intense, it’s draining, but it’s for a good cause.
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The 2017 Tour de OROC was launched on Wednesday morning.
This year the ride will begin in Mudgee on October 2, travel through Dunedoo, Gilgandra, Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Nyngan, Narromine and Trangie, and finish in Dubbo six days later.
All money raised will go towards the Macquarie Homestay Regional Patient and Family Accommodation facility. The two former Tour de OROCs raised almost $300,000 and chair of the committee Mathew Dickerson said he was hoping to add another $100,000.
The Tour de OROC team are also hoping to take back their world record of the most logos on a jersey from England.
It was a tough ride, Mr Dickerson said, with long days – often beginning in the dark – and temperatures that hit up to 40 degrees.
“If people don’t financially support the event there’s no point us riding in it. We’re not going to ride for the fun of it, it’s tough,” he said.
As well as the riders contributing $3000 to take part in the ride, money was also raised through sponsorship and local community fundraisers.
Macquarie Homestay chair Rod Crowfoot said the bike ride identified the large area Dubbo Hospital served. He said she hoped Macquarie Homestay would be a home way from home for people in hospital during very stressful times.
“We need 25 core maniacs, I mean riders, to go and commit their bodies pout their bodies to the challenge this year,” Mr Dickerson said.
Sponsors or riders can contact Mr Dickerson on 0418 628 439 or go to the Tour de OROC Facebook page.