Royal Far West ride close to making $500,000 fundraising goal

The 2019 ride crossed 450 kilometres over three days, with the 63 cyclists passing through south-west NSW towns including Albury, Holbrook, Wagga Wagga, Coolamon, Rankin Springs, Ungarie, Weethalle, Wyalong, West Wyalong and Lake Cargelligo.

The Royal Far West charity provides health, education and disability services to children and their families living in rural and remote communities.

Children in these areas are up to five times more likely than those living in urban areas to have challenges with their developmental health, and greater difficulty receiving the services and support they need because of where they live.

During the fundraising ride, cyclists called into primary schools, speaking to the children, answering their questions and giving them rides on their bikes.

Bathurst-based cyclist Nathan Taylor was a popular new participant, accompanied by his wife Annette and daughter Charlotte, who attends the Royal Far West centre in Manly. Nathan joined the ride determined to raise funds to give others access to the type of care his family has received.

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Royal Far West's chief executive officer Lindsay Cane said everyone they met along the ride - teachers, parents, former Royal Far West clients, local government, business and community members - had all been incredibly generous.

"Every year I am overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit shown to us as we cycle through each town. We are in debt to all of these wonderful people. Bringing the ride to these towns is one way we can give back, show our support and be more involved in local communities," Ms Cane said.

Donations to the Ride for Country Kids are still being accepted at rideforcountrykids2019.gofundraise.com.au.

Ms Cane said the ride would not be possible without the support of partners FDC Construction & Fitout and HP and Charles Sturt University.