Far South Coast RFS safety officer Marty Webster is taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge, aiming to raise $500 by riding 600km. 

Funding raised through the challenge goes to the Children’s Medical Research Institute to assist developing treatments and to find a cure for childhood cancer. 

After his nephew took part in the ride last year, Mr Webster decided to join in and is cycling as part of a five-person team mostly made up of his family members from Melbourne called Team Gordon. 

“I thought it was a good opportunity to raise money for a worthwhile cause,” Mr Webster said. 

“Raising money to help research is the primary thing, but I spend too much time at the computers now and it is great to get out, stretch your legs and get your body pumping.”

Starting on Wednesday Mr Webster will have a month to ride the 600km, a personal target which he has set for himself.

He will complete this target by riding to work once a week from his home at Pambula Beach, going on a loop of Bald Hills most mornings as well as a longer weekend trip. 

Participants of the ride log their kilometres on an app which uploads information to the Great Cycle Challenge website to keep track of the riders’ statistics. 

When asked how training was going for the ride, Mr Webster said he was “hurting” when he began but he was “getting better quickly”.

“I certainly find I’m better for the rest of the day if I do exercise in the morning,” he said.

“It also pays to be fit for all of us as we are going into the fire season.” 

They 6046 riders taking part in the challenge have already raised $778,000 and all start riding on Wednesday. 

To donate to Mr Webster’s cause, visit www.greatcyclechallenge.com.au/teams/teamgordon.