Another grueling ride has just finished with Thelma Hutchison and Mark Ellis representing the Rotary Club of Glenferrie in the annual Rotary Against Ovarian Cancer (ROCAN) Ride to Conference 2026. There were 30 riders, a long course 1,000kms in 7 days and a short course 700kms in 7 days. We chose to complete the short course. Despite having our bikes properly set up, wearing quality cycling gear, and using plenty of chamois cream, we complained endlessly about saddle-sores, chafing and butt bruising.
District 9800 Governor Peter Shepheard joined us for dinner in Bendigo, and the following morning wished the cyclists well as he officially set us on our way. Over the next 7 days we rode through Heathcote, Maldon, Maryborough, Lexton, Ararat, Halls Gap, Stawell, finishing in Horsham in time for the Annual Conference. The weather was mostly favorable, just one day of inclement conditions, and with a strong tail wind on the final day into Horsham.
Fundraising has been steadily climbing. There were some standout fundraising totals from cyclists with a wide network of business connections and generous donors. Thank you to club members who donated to our fundraising and to the Club Board for supporting the cause. The cycling group was recognized at the Conference and collected $1,500 from attendees. Fundraising is open until 30 June 2026 and if you wish to donate to the cause please click on either or both of the following links -> RoCan 2026 fundraising page for Thelma and/or https://www.mycause.com.au/page/385994/mark-ellis-ride-for-a-cause-rocan-2026 All donations are tax deductible.
Funds raised from the 2026 ride will be shared equally between Ovarian Cancer Australia for research and the Fight
Cancer Foundation which provides accommodation for cancer patients and their families from regional and rural communities.
The ride is open to anyone – all you need is a good bike (pedal power or electric), energy, commitment to the cause, and time for training. We can guarantee you will meet terrific people, have 7 days of healthy exercise, and a whole lot of fun along the way. Let us know if you wish to join us in 2027 when we will once again Ride to Conference in Warrnambool.
Mark and Thelma
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