By YASEMIN TALAT
HOPPERS Crossing businessman Michael Le is doing it for the kids when he gears up to take part in the annual Ronald McDonald House Charities Ride for Sick Kids Victoria.
The Hoppers Crossing McDonald’s licensee is currently training for the seven-day 700 kilometre bike ride around Victoria.
Mr Le endured his first ride last year and was determined to take on the challenge again this year.
“We did a great job last year, and I wanted to see if we can do it again this year,” Mr Le said.
Mr Le said as well as raising money for the cause it was also a personal challenge for him.
“It was my first time doing bicycle riding on the road,” Mr Le said.
“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said.
“It was just a case of grinding through it.”
But that did not stop him from doing it again.
Mr Le, who is one of 40 riders taking part in the challenge, has been riding 100 kilometres a week in preparation for the event.
“I’ve started to ramp up my training regime to really increase my cardio fitness levels,” Mr Le said.
“You have to put kilometres in your legs, because that’s the way you build,” he said.
Mr Le said he felt a personal connection to the charity, having lost family members to cancer.
“The course of this year’s ride is sure to be testing, but we know it’s nothing compared with the challenges faced by families currently staying the Houses with seriously ill children,” Mr Le said.
“Cancer is a subject that scares lots of people,” Mr Le said.
“But the best way to get involved is go to Ronald McDonald Houses and maybe volunteer, and there’s a lot of different ways one can get involved,” he said.
This year the RMHC Ride for Sick Kids is hoping to raise $250,000.
All funds raised will go toward the two Victorian Ronald McDonald Houses in Monash and Parkville.
To find out more or make a donation, visit www.rideforsickkids.com.au
