Charitable Dunsborough man to take on ride of a lifetime for children in need

A long-term Dunsborough rider is embarking on the ride of a lifetime in the name of charity.

Miles Kennedy, 74, will ride nine days across the Nullarbor on his motorbike to New South Wales to take in in the Variety Charity’s Adventure Ride, next Sunday, September 18.

Raising money for disadvantaged children, participants will ride from the northern NSW town of Tamworth for a six-day round trip of the state’s north, with a goal to raise $60,000 for the charity while also injecting more than $75,000 in tourism dollars into towns they visit along the way.

No stranger to the charity, Mr Kennedy has helped raised $3 million dollars for Variety since his first ride in 1995.

“It’s a very focused charity, and focused on the most vulnerable people in our society, namely, disadvantaged children so that appeals to me but there’s a huge element of fun with this charity for the participants who raise the money,” he said.

“You’re getting out, seeing things and having a good time while cognizant of the needs of those persons who are far less advantaged than we are.”

Prior to departing for the country’s east on Wednesday morning, the veteran rider has already raised $10,000 and hopes to double it in the week or so it takes him to traverse the near 4000 kilometres to NSW.

Variety NSW/ACT Motoring and Events Manager Victor Sheil said riders were preparing their bikes for an incredible adventure.

“The Adventure Ride is not a race or a contest of any kind — it’s an adventure exploring the countryside by motorbike,” he said.

“Riders do all their fundraising before hitting the road — helping kids and their families who are doing it tough and providing much needed support to regional communities.

“It’s a terrific way to help two groups of people at once — kids and businesses who all deserve a fair go.”

Those wishing to donate to Mr Kennedy’s ride and the cause can do so via https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/fundraisers/mileskennedy.