SCOTT Sunderland has ridden in the biggest races on the planet.
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Next week Inverell’s famous cycling son embarks on another major ride.
Sure Sunderland’s professional riding days are well over but not his passion for riding, coaching and now, charity fundraising.
He’s about to cycle from Dubbo to Wagga Wagga in aid of Royal Far West.
That ride starts in Dubbo on Monday and finishes in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday.
It covers 470km.
Sunderland said it was Royal Far West’s first ride to fundraise and create awareness across the country.
“We would like people to become more aware of just how important RFW’s roll is in providing the much needed help for medical and learning needs for our country kids in rural NSW,” Sunderland told The Leader.
“Children should never be over- looked, forgotten, or discriminated against when it comes to medical care and education because they are born and live in the rural country areas of Australia or anywhere else!
“Royal Far West has brought vital medical help to many children and their families for over 80 years, in and around the area of NSW in which I grew up and started my cycling career. “
He hopes people will give generously to enable RFW to continue their amazing work helping and caring for kids so that they too can grow up to live their dreams – just as he has.
The charity bike ride from Dubbo to Wagga Wagga will raise money for the work of Royal Far West – providing specialised health care for country kids who cannot obtain the services they require near home.
The 470km ride is designed for cycling enthusiasts who are keen to challenge themselves, have fun and make a contribution to charity at the same time. Teams have already registered from law firm Wotton and Kearney, construction firm FDC, insurance brokers PSC and of course Royal Far West.
Sunderland will lead The Royal Far West team.
The former professional cyclist is now a coach and sports manager as well as a friend and supporter of Royal Far West.
He is a former Australian National Road Champion who won his national title as an 18-year-old before embarking on a long career in Europe.
Scott has ridden the Giro d’Italia three times, the Vuelta a Espana four times and finished the Tour de France twice.
The route for the charity ride will be Dubbo – Peak Hill – Trundle – Forbes – West Wyalong – Temora – Wagga Wagga.
Organisers will hold fundraisers and events en route to attract donations and to engage with local communities, schools, branches and families and friends of Royal Far West.
Raffle prizes that are up for grabs at these events include biking apparel, meals out, toys, bikes, assorted wines, a home entertainment system and a week of beachside accommodation at Royal Far West.
“We commend Wotton and Kearney and FDC for their creative and practical approaches to fundraising, project contributions and volunteerism,” said CEO of Royal Far West Lindsay Cane.
“Their efforts have got this event off to a great start. It will be a great spectacle as the ride passes through each of the towns on the route, and each stop will feature different activities for the locals to enjoy – so come on out to meet the riders, join the fun, and help Royal Far West take care of country kids.”
For further information on the ride and to sponsor a rider or a team go to: http://ridingforcountrykids2013.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home