A group of Shoalhaven cyclists are hitting the saddle this weekend to take part in the annual MS Sydney to the 'Gong Charity Ride.
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And it's all in aid of a mate, lost to brain cancer earlier this year.
Around 20 local cyclists have come together to be part of a team of 30, taking part in Sunday's (November 3) 90km ride from Sydney to Wollongong in aid of Multiple Sclerosis, in memory of Kangaroo Valley resident Ian Boyle who unfortunately lost his battle with brain cancer.
Ian was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2014 and given three to six months to live.
Through a positive program and a willingness to live, along with a lot of medical intervention, he managed to live for four and a half years.
Cycling was one of his passions and he took part in a number of fundraising rides over the years, including being a member of the Real Aussie Group team.
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It is the fifth year the Real Aussie Group, under the banner of Real Aussie Sheds, has taken part in the charity ride.
Team member and friend John Behrendt said Ian was an "inspiration".
"He was an inspiration to a lot of people," he said.
"He was positive and gave a positive spin to everyone. He taught a lot of people a lot of things about living life in the worst circumstances.
"We are dedicating this year's Sydney to Gong MS Ride to his memory.
"Three of our riders also have a family member afflicted by MS."
The group has already raised $4000 and is hoping to reach its goal of $4500.
Local riders taking part in this year's ride includes Denise Evans, John Saunig, Javier Quirque, Isaac Quirque, Wayne O'Keefe, Graham Longfield, Aaron Bailey, Ashley Johns, Graham Johns, Paige Baker, Austin Baker, Greg Baker, Marcquis Hepburn, Steve Case, Phil Patterson, Tim Atkin, Richard Barnes, Graham Brown, Michael Jones and John Behrendt.
If anyone wishes to support this local group visit www.msgongride.org.au and make any donation you desire, it will be much appreciated.
The MS Sydney to Gong ride is one of Australia's premier community cycling events, taking riders on a spectacular journey into the Royal National Park and onto the coastal roads of the Grand Pacific Drive.
Over its 33 year history it has become a Sydney cycling tradition, famous for its atmosphere, spectacular scenery, wonderful volunteers and the generosity of its riders and supporters.
Since 1981, hundreds of thousands of cyclists have taken the challenge raising over $33 million to support people with MS.
The ride is capped at 10,000 cyclists, with this year's event long been sold out.