AN unlikely introduction to cycling has Pingelly grower John Hassell pedaling for a charity fundraiser across WA.
His wife Michelle took pity on him using what he describes as a "dodgy" bike on the farm and presented him with a road bike which triggered his latest, and second, journey cycling 1000 kilometres around the State's south.
Today Mr Hassell will be on his way to Wagin from Bridgetown in what he said last week would be the hardest leg of the eight-day trip.
He started on Saturday in Bunbury and will travel via Dunsborough, Augusta, Bridgetown, Wagin and York to Perth when he finishes this Saturday.
The ride is part of the SolarisCare Red Sky Ride raising money for cancer support services across the country.
It forms part of the Red Sky series of events which focus on helping provide support services free of charge to those with cancer, their families and carers.
Mr Hassell said he was drawn to the cause as anyone who has had a loved one affected by cancer would be.
"There's not a soul that doesn't have someone close to them that hasn't been affected by cancer," he said.
"My grandmother died of cancer, my aunt died of cancer, my father has had skin cancer, my sister-in-law has had breast cancer, my brother-in-law's had cancer.
"It affects you pretty strongly when they get these diseases, because it's damn scary.
"I've had friends from the bush who since I've been doing the ride I've encouraged them to get this type of treatment and they really do appreciate it."
Mr Hassell said his first SolarisCare Red Sky Ride last year was a challenge physically and emotionally after having the father of a long-time friend cheer him on after finishing cancer treatment on the same day.
"I was physically buggered, I was emotionally a bit of a mess and I really struggled that leg of the ride, it was hard work," he said.
"It's all very well finding a cure for cancer, and it's important, but it's also important to help reduce their hospital stays and requirements.
"There's some pretty good documented evidence that complimentary care improves the outcomes out of the mainstream care."
Mr Hassell has seen his own health improve since taking up cycling, including dropping 20 kilograms.
He has been training with weekly long rides in the lead-up to this year's event and is looking forward to the support riders receive along the route.
Rachael Oxborrow
Grains writer for Farm Weekly.
Grains writer for Farm Weekly.
