Forty cyclists rode from Goulburn to Kiama on day three of the four day Bondi2BlueMtns Ride to Remember on Monday.
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The 650km journey taking in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow is held annually to raise funds to support the work of Dementia Australia.
The charity ride has raised more than $500,000 since 2016 and this year hopes to raise another $150,000.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death among women.
Dementia Australia provides information, education and services for half a million Australians living with dementia, and the 1.6 million people involved in their care. Its goal is to help people live as well as possible and support vital research to find a cure. .
Day three involved cyclists riding from Goulburn to Bundanoon, Berry and Kiama.
They just managed to competed the 155km with 1800m elevation before a big storm followed them into Hindmarsh Park.
Founder Nick Young said it turned out to be a very hot and humid day for the third leg but it was great to be back in Kiama after doing a postponed Bondi to Berry ride last year because of the COVID-19 lockdown.
This year they reversed the leg of the route from Berry to Kiama.
"It is amazing the lift in temperature we experienced here after Lithgow and Goulburn. It was very sticky here today," he said.
Mr Young said the riders had been coming to Kiama for five years to raise funds for Dementia Australia.
He said they received a great reception from the council when they reached out in 2016 and the event has grown every year with great support from the community.
"The relation we have with Kiama is priceless to us," Mr Young said.
"A lot of our riders here are from families who have been affected by dementia and they have been joined by some of our sponsors who do a lot of work with dementia.
"One of the reasons we like to keep coming to Kiama is to acknowledge the great work you do in this community."
Also riding for the fifth year was Andrew 'Reidy' Reid, of Bondi Rescue,who is a Dementia Australia ambassador and chef Jason Roberts.
Reid said he takes part every year for his mum who suffers dementia and is looking forward to the final leg of the ride on Tuesday from Kiama to Bondi.
He said the 40 riders are hoping to raise another $150,000 this year.
"This is great. One of the things they encourage is for people with dementia to do exercise," he said.
"And I would like to encourage more people to get out there on their bikes. It is a great way to slowly prevent dementia.
"This is good fun because it is just a great community event. Everyone is awesome doing the fundraising and people here always donate a lot of money. It is special and I am just lucky I get to do it as part of this team."
Kiama Mayor Mark Honey welcomed the riders back to Kiama describing it as a dementia and cycle friendly town.
Mr Young said the riders would give back to the community by staying the night at Kiama Shores and dining at the Kiama Leagues Club.
For support people can call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 and Bondi2BlueMtns Ride to Remember donations can be made this week at www.bondi2berry.com.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
