Just over 30 Dapto High School students got on their bikes on Thursday to do their bit for drought relief.
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Fatigue almost got the better of many halfway through their Ride for Rain charity ride around Lake Illawarra.
But the smoky haze around Lake Illawarra spurred the boys and teachers alike to keep going.
"It just reinforced to the boys why they wanted to do the ride," teacher Paul Creighton said.
"They were keen as to raise funds for those who have been affected by the fires, especially in the central west areas of NSW.
"It was the boys idea to do this ride. They wanted to do their bit to help those affected anyway they could.
"They called it Ride for Rain in the hope we get some rain in the areas where it is needed."
Each of the 31 participants who took part in the 42.3 kilometre ride also donated $10 each to the fundraiser.
Mr Creighton added others who couldn't take part in the ride also donated to the cause.
"We hope to use the funds to help some communities in the central west of NSW such as Mingan and Warren," he said.
"We have a bit of a relationship out there as well as connection through family."
The ride, which started and finished at Dapto High, took about three hours to complete.
The rain the students hoped for stayed away but a couple of flat tyres and fatigue tested their mettle.
"It was great to see when the going got a little tough, the boys stood up to be counted," Mr Creighton said.
"Many of the boys have been through a lot of resilience type projects at school as well as Top Blokes program.
"This ride was just another way of challenging their resilience and the camaraderie they have developed throughout the year for a good cause.
"It was also good to see the whole school community get behind the Ride for Rain charity ride. Dapto High fosters a real good community spirit."