PREPARATIONS are under way for the 11th annual Sydney to Hunter Cycling Classic, with riding clubs training hard for the charity event on Thursday, September 9.
Cyclists will cover 350 kilometres in the three-day ride which starts at Rouse Hill Town Centre and ends in the Hunter Valley.
They will be raising awareness for ONE80TC, an initiative of Teen Challenge NSW, which helps men 16-35 with life-controlling problems such as drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.
The Rouse Hill Green Travel Club will be taking part in the challenge and have planned a test run in the lead-up to the event this Saturday.
Around 50 members will embark on a 70-kilometre bike ride at 6.15am, while the leisure riders set off on a 10-kilometre ride at 8.30am.
Green Travel co-ordinator Sue Wiblin said the club enjoyed supporting various community initiatives.
``The ONE80TC ride has been going on for a few years and really fits our program,'' Ms Wiblin said.
``This is an ongoing charity that actually works well and we're glad to support it.''
ONE80TC CEO Mark Anthony will be one of the 90 cyclists taking part in the challenge in September and said it was great to combine bike riding with a good cause.
``This charity brings fathers to residential training areas to help them restore their lives,'' Mr Anthony said.
``It's the second year we have started at Rouse Hill and, from now on, it will continue to begin here.''
Having raised $750,000 to date, ONE80TC is aiming to raise $75,000 this year.
Cyclists must register to take part in the five-star bike ride which includes three nights' accommodation, therapeutic massage each day, meals, event jersey and full road and mechanical support.
Details: www.one80tc.org
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