Why I Do the Ride

This year marks my sixth-year riding in the MACA Cancer 200 Ride for Research.

Every year, as the event approaches, people ask why I keep signing up to ride 200 kilometres over two days. The answer is actually pretty simple. There are three reasons I keep coming back.

1. I Enjoy the Ride

First and foremost, I genuinely enjoy the event.

I love cycling. I enjoy the challenge of preparing for and completing a long-distance ride. The physical effort, the early mornings, the kilometres on the road, the unpredictable weather, the headwinds, and sometimes the less-than-perfect road conditions all become part of the experience.

It's not always easy, and that's exactly what makes it rewarding. There is something satisfying about setting a goal that requires commitment and then pushing yourself to achieve it. The MACA Cancer 200 provides that challenge every year.

Just as importantly, it is a fantastic event. The atmosphere, camaraderie and shared purpose make it something I look forward to every year.

2. The Cause Matters

The second reason is the cause itself.

One of the things that sets the MACA Cancer 200 apart is that 100% of funds raised go directly to cancer research through the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

In a world where many fundraising dollars can be absorbed by administration, marketing, or third-party fundraising organisations, it's reassuring to know that every dollar donated is helping researchers do what they do best; find better treatments, improve outcomes and work towards cures.

For me, that connection is personal.

My uncle was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and received treatment through the Harry Perkins Institute using experimental therapies that were not available elsewhere. Thankfully, his treatment was successful. Seeing first-hand how cutting-edge research can directly impact someone's life reinforced just how important this work is.

When people support my ride, they can be confident that their contribution is helping fund research that changes lives.

3. Cancer Affects All of Us

The final reason is the most important.

Cancer has had a significant impact on my family.

I lost my grandfather to bowel cancer. He was a strong, healthy man and his diagnosis came as a shock to all of us. Watching him deteriorate so rapidly was devastating. Within six months, he was gone.

Like many families, ours has also been touched by breast cancer. While treatment outcomes continue to improve, the reality is that it remains something that sits in the back of our minds and is a reminder that cancer can affect anyone, at any time. As a husband and father of a daughter, that reality feels very close to home.

The truth is that almost every person knows someone who has been affected by cancer. Many of us have lost loved ones, and many more will face it in the future.

I ride because I want to do my small part to help change that future.

If spending countless hours training, riding 200 kilometres and raising funds can help researchers develop better treatments, improve survival rates and reduce the impact cancer has on families, then it is worth every kilometre.

Thank You

To everyone who has supported me over the past six years, thank you.

Whether you've donated, encouraged me during training, followed my progress or shared my fundraising page, you've helped contribute to something much bigger than a bike ride.

This year's ride will bring its own challenges, but my reasons for riding remain the same: I love the challenge, I believe in the cause, and I want to help create a future where fewer families have to experience the pain that cancer brings.

That's why I do the ride.

I’m on a mission to defeat cancer.

Cancer doesn’t just affect one person, it shakes up families, friends and communities. This year, I will be taking a stand against it. 

In October 2026, I’m joining a community of passionate riders to cycle 200km to raise vital funds for cancer research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

Every dollar pushes us closer to breakthroughs at the Perkins where brilliant researchers work tirelessly to find life-saving answers for some of the toughest cancers. But they also need our help to ensure their vital progress continues– no matter what.

 100% of the funds we raise will go back to the Perkins giving cancer researchers the support to continue their life-saving work so that our loved ones can live longer, healthier lives.

The Ride is more than just a test of endurance—it’s about unity. I'll ride alongside an incredible group of people who believe, as I do, that cancer can be conquered. Your support can turn this belief into reality.

I can’t do this alone. Will you help me to reach this goal?

Whether you join me on the Ride or support my fundraising, your generosity could be the key to saving our loved ones from this disease.

Together, we can beat cancer!