More than 500 cyclists braved the cold and wet on Saturday morning to take part in Ride Around the Lake, a charity event raising money for homeless youth.
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Taking off from Lakeside Park in Kanahooka, about 530 riders showed their support for the cause, cycling either a full 40-kilometre circuit around Lake Illawarra or taking it a little easier on the 10-kilometre option.
So far, $42,000 has been raised from registrations and donations, with more to be added to the tally, to go towards the Lighthouse Youth Initiative.
The organisation accommodates and supports homeless youth aged between 16 and 24, and helps source training and employment opportunities for disengaged youth.
Lighthouse community service manager and one of the event's organisers Josh Hammann said the money raised would help the charity to expand the service.
Among the lycra-clad riders were current residents of the youth housing supported by the event, who rode on donated bicycles, 50 students and staff from Cedars Christian College and 81-year-old Ted Bartlett. One of the event's more mature entrants, Mr Bartlett was this year's highest individual fund-raiser.
"We had eight-year-olds up to 81-year-olds, a real great mix of elite cyclists down to recreational ones and families as well," Mr Hammann said.
Donations can still be made to ridearoundthelake.com.au.