The ride brings together 14 months of planning and training and will see Mr McKenzie arrive in Adelaide on Christmas Day and celebrate the New Year in Kimba. He will arrive at the Perth Town Hall on Australia Day, some 40 days after his journey begun.

The Back on Track – Big Bike Ride was developed after Mr McKenzie shared the cancer journey with several close friends and experienced a melanoma scare of his own.

Mr McKenzie has been touched by the generosity of individuals and businesses, particularly those along the route who have donated accommodation and fuel.

“This ride is not about me, it’s about helping and giving to this great cause. I am riding not only to raise funds, but also to raise awareness about cancer” Mr McKenzie said.

Funds raised from the South Australian leg of the ride will support cancer research through Cancer Council South Australia.

Each year, Cancer Council SA receives almost $200,000 from members of the community, like Mr McKenzie, who develop their own fundraising initiative.

“Cancer Council depends on the generosity of the community to enable it to fund vital cancer research, prevention and support services. We are continually inspired by the lengths that people like Mr McKenzie will go to, to help us in our fight against cancer,” said Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA, Associate Professor Brenda Wilson.

To find out more about supporting Back on Track – Big Bike Ride, contact Mike McKenzie on 0417 329 254.

Donations can be made via Mr McKenzie’s blog, which will be updated throughout his journey, http://www.mikesbikeride.blogspot.com/ or to Cancer Council, PO Box 698, Mornington Vic 3931.

Notes to editors:

Itinerary

December

Thurs 18^th                 Melbourne – Ballarat

Fri 19^th                      Ballarat – Ararat

Sat 20^th                    Ararat – Horsham

Sun 21^st                    Horsham – Kaniva

Mon 22^nd                  Kaniva – Keith

Tues 23^rd                  Keith – Murray Bridge

Wed 24^th                  Murray Bridge - Adelaide

Thurs 25^th                 Murray Bridge – Adelaide

Fri 26^th                      Day of Rest

Sat 27^th                    Adelaide – Port Wakefield

Sun 28^th                    Port Wakefield – Port Pirie

Mon 29^th                  Port Pirie – Port Augusta

Tues 30^th                  Port Augusta – Iron Knob

Wed 31^st                  Iron Knob – Kimba

January

Thurs 1^st                   Kimba – Kyancutta

Fri 2^nd                       Kyancutta – Wirrulla

Sat 3^rd                      Wirrulla – Ceduna

Sun 4^th                      Ceduna – Penong

Mon 5^th                    Penong – Yalata (Road-house)

Tues 6^th                    Yalata – Nullarbor

Wed 7^th                    Nullarbor – Bush Parking Bay