A determined group of cyclists has braved the fire-scarred Grampians and endured scorching 42-degree heat as part of a week-long ride to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.
The Pedal for Prostate team—18 riders strong—set out from Ballarat to Geelong, passing through the Grampians and south-west Victoria. Since the event began in 2014, it has raised nearly $250,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
On the first day of this year’s journey, February 22, 2025, the team rode 100 kilometers in extreme heat, before tackling the Grampians' mountainous terrain, climbing thousands of meters over three days.
Supporting Rural Communities Along the Route
A key moment of the ride was passing through Halls Gap, where the cyclists had the chance to give back to a community recently devastated by bushfires.
The event, originally launched by a group of police officers from Ballarat and Geelong, has continued to grow in both participation and impact. With one in five men affected by prostate cancer, the riders are committed to supporting research efforts and raising awareness about the disease.
A Passionate Team with a Strong Legacy
Among this year’s participants are Peter Carey, who was part of the inaugural ride, Mark Woodhead, who joined the following year, and Ben Woodhead, who at 24 years old is the team’s youngest cyclist after first joining in 2019.
Though they consider themselves "amateur cyclists" who primarily ride for recreation, the team has taken on impressive endurance challenges, including:
- Canberra to Ballarat
- Wagga Wagga (NSW) to Geelong
- Adelaide to Geelong and back
- Seven peaks in seven days
Over the years, the riders have covered thousands of kilometers while raising significant funds for cancer research.
Overcoming Extreme Conditions
Saturday’s 42-degree heat was far from the toughest test for the team. In February 2024, they endured four consecutive days of 44-degree temperatures while riding through Adelaide.
“The weather is unpredictable, but that’s part of the challenge,” one of the riders noted.
The team expressed gratitude to their supporters, including sponsors such as Warrnambool’s Morgans Financial Limited, whose contributions have helped make this year’s event possible.
