The crew clocked up more than 250 kilometres riding from Armidale to South West Rocks during the three-day event. 

Chairwoman Kay Endres said there was only laughter and smiles among the nearly 400 participants. 

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“We had more than 390 people going down from Armidale to South West Rock, and it was a huge success,” Ms Endres said.

“We did have a couple of spills, including one lady getting hit by a deer, but it was still really good. We’ve had great, positve feedback.”

The annual fundraiser began eight years ago when Armidale resident Johnathan Wheeler decided to make the trek with a group for his Duke of Edinburgh award.

It was so successful in raising raise much-needed funds and awareness for cancer research that the Wheeler family decided to make it an annual event.

Since then, hundreds of people have strapped on a helmet and joined the cause.

Ms Endres said the final sum was still being tallied but organisers were already proud. 

“We believe we have raised about $200,000 for cancer research,” she said.

“This is our eighth ride and we are hoping to hit $1.5 million dollars raised for cancer research.”

There were 391 registered participants, with 306 people on bikes and 85 people making sure everything ran smoothly.

The journey began with participants leaving Armidale on Thursday (April 26) and arriving in South West Rocks on Saturday (April 28).

Ms Endres said people could still make donations through the Tour de Rocks website. 

​“Anybody can do it, the average rider is 47-years-old so there really is no excuse,” Ms Endres said. 

“All you need is a mountain bike and a good attitude. We hope next year is even bigger and better than ever.”