A group of riders with a shared passion for Ronald McDonald House Charities who took to Wheatbelt roads as part of a 387km fundraising mission, have raised more than $220,000.
The eighth annual Western Australia Ride for Sick Kids left Kalamunda on May 4 before the journey that led the group of 20 through Northam, Toodyay, York and Bindoon.
The team, mainly made up of McDonalds employees and franchise owners, included Esperance father Malcolm Longbottom, who has braved the ride for three years as a way to say thanks to the charity that helped his own children.
Speaking to the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt Advocate mid-journey, Longy, as he is affectionately called, said the Ronald McDonald House is particularly important for those living in the regions.
"Our daughter nearly drowned when she was one - nearly 27 years ago, so we used the house then," he said.
"A few years later our last son was born and he has a genetic disorder - we have had extended periods of use over the last 18 years.
"Driving from Esperance, if you've got to go to Perth, that is a whole day driving there.
"Not everyone has family or people to stay with."
Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families, allowing them to stay close to their sick or injured child while they receive treatment in Perth.
Last year, Ronald McDonald House provided more than 16,000 nights of accommodation to more than 1450 families in need.
Longy said having access to the housing facility helps families emotionally and financially.
"One year in particular my wife spent seven months in Perth going in and out of hospital ," he said.
"The fact that you have people there in a similar situation makes you feel good.
"It also gave the family a place to stay when they would visit on the weekend.
"Imagine if you had to pay for a motel for seven months while you aren't working - it would be a horrendous bill."
He said the group of fellow riders helped him come back year-on-year.
"It's a great bunch of people," he said.
"They are all in it for a good reason and make it enjoyable for people like me who aren't cyclists."
Since the inaugural ride across Western Australia in 2012, more than 2800 kilometres have been travelled, raising over $2.5 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
For more information on the ride visit www.rideforsickkids.org.au/WA.
