Yarraville’s Mat Elkan is a man on a mission.
The architect and novice cyclist plans to ride 210 kilometres this Sunday in the 22nd Bupa Around the Bay – Ride for a Child in Need.
Elkan says he only recently took up riding after winning a bicycle as a prize.
His training for the gruelling event, Australia’s largest one-day bike ride, has involved cycling to work most mornings.
Riders can choose from 11 different distances, ranging from 20 kilometres to the full 250-kilometre Port Philip Bay circuit.
This year’s event aims to raise $1.2 million for charity partner The Smith Family to support more than 2000 disadvantaged students.
The Smith Family’s Victorian general manager, Anton Leschen, said more than 350,000 Australian children regularly missed out on at least two essential items, such as school books and new school clothes.
“If kids miss out on the things they need for school, then they’re not going to succeed,” he said.
“If we can reach our fundraising target, we can put a significant dent in this figure and support more children and young people in need to succeed in their education.”
For more information or to sponsor Mat Elkan’s ride, visit aroundthebayfundraising.com.au
