By Parker McKenzie
Two Ferntree Gully based-riders have set out to cycle 976km in 40 days, representing the 976 operating beds at the Apeksha Cancer Hospital in Sri Lanka which they are fundraising for.
Dhanu Perera and Anurudda Yatawara are a part of a group of cyclists who have already raised nearly $40,000 through Ride for Apeksha, with their eyes set on a fundraising total of $100,000.
Mr Perera said the pair would soon participate in the United Energy Around the Bay, a 210km ride around Port Phillip Bay on Sunday 9 October.
“The longest one I’ve done so far is the one I did on the weekend which was 150 kilometres, starting from Mordialloc, up to Port Melbourne and then back to Dromana,” he said.
“I try to do 50km a day on the trainer and on weekends I try to do at least 100 or 150kms. I’m going to be testing myself doing the 210km ride.”
The ride starts and finishes at Albert Park Lake while also crossing the Westgate Bridge, with riders choosing between 20, 50, 100, 200, 210 and 300km distances.
Mr Yatawara said the furthest ride he has done is 110km.
“I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be a milestone in my riding career,” he said.
“Since the beginning of the campaign in September I’ve ridden about 600km. Hopefully, I can make it to the end.”
Both men said they’ve lost family members to cancer, inspiring them to take part and fund the hospital in their country of birth.
“My aunt passed away from this deadly disease around 20 years ago,” Mr Yatawara said.
“I have experienced that in my family environment, which attracted me to this fundraiser.”
“My uncle had liver cancer around 10 years ago when I was back in Sri Lanka,” Mr Perera said.
“He passed away, so I do have a personal fight against cancer.”
Around the Bay attracts more than 10,000 riders each year, with more than 250,000 taking part since the vent was first held in 1993.
Mr Yatawara said plenty of people have supported their fundraising efforts for a great cause.
“I would like to say thank you to all of them, there have been people from all over the world and in the local community,” he said.
Mr Perera said he is hoping the fundraiser will promote the fundraiser to a large audience and raise as much money as possible.
You can find out more about Ride for Apeksha at www.rideforapeksha.org.au
