By Kirsty Ross
PUBLICANPeter McKay’s Push For Pink charity cycle campaign was yesterday approaching completion in Altona after a painstaking four-day battle from Sydney’s Circular Quay.
The 50-year-old is the first person to complete the 880-kilometre ride for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and the epic journey coincided with Pink Ribbon Day on 23 October.
It is the Hoppers Crossing resident’s second major ride – the first, in March 2005, was of a similar course for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Mr McKay, owner of the Lighthouse Tavern in Altona, hoped to raise $20,000 for his trouble, but thanks to more donations along the way, will end up with a figure more like $28,000.
Altona’s Pier St traders welcomed the tired party, including his two-man support team, with a street party barbecue feast.
The amateur cyclist pedalled an average 220 kilometres each day.
Star spoke with Mr McKay and event manager Phillipa Powell during a short break about 100 kilometres from Melbourne, on Monday morning before going to press.
Mr McKay said he was feeling the pain, with very sore knees, but was overwhelmed with excitement and emotion as he anticipated the finishing line.
“Every time the pedal turns, my knees turn,” Mr McKay said.
“Everyone’s been so supportive along the way, tooting and waving,” said Ms Powell.
The first of four punctures occurred at just 17 kilometres in, but it was mostly smooth sailing from then on.
Ms Powell said a highlight was meeting people affected by breast cancer along the way.
“They come up and everyone has a story to tell. There are a lot of really sad stories, but a lot of survivors, too – so that’s encouraging,” she said.
“One couple flagged us over about four hours after we started and offered us a donation. They knew the cause and wanted to support Pete.”
Generosity flourished, with three pubs along the way donating accommodation for the team, with patrons topping up the amount by $300 a night at each venue.
