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It was a weekend for inspiration, not just perspiration.WA’s inaugural Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer raised just over $4.6 million for the WA Institute for Medical Research , and its director, Professor Peter Klinken , has vowed that “we will engage in our pursuit of integrated cancer care and research with the same passion and commitment that characterised all in The Ride.”

Professor Klinken was one of 30 WAIMR staff members and 1,219 riders who did the two-day 200km round trip between Perth and Pinjarra a few weeks ago.

Each rider raised a minimum of $2,500 for cancer research and each of the hundreds of support crew raised at least $500 each.

One of the major sponsors, Mining and Civil Australia (Maca) raised more than $500,000 and flew in workers from South Australia to take part in the ride.

Cancer survivors could, if they chose, be identified with a yellow flag flying from their bikes. WAIMR’s Carolyn Monaghan said it was inspirational to see the bright yellow pennants fluttering among the riders.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere,” she said. “Even before we left, everybody was excited and the music was pumping. Along the way the support crew and hundreds of other people waved and clapped and shouted their encouragement. The crew staffed three pit stops along the way, as well as a great lunch. They provided sunscreen, water and energy food.

“Everybody had their names printed on the back and side of their bikes, so people could call out riders’ names to urge them on, even though they didn’t know them. It also made it easy to ride up to another cyclist and start chatting.”

The first riders made it to Pinjarra in just over two hours, but the organisers emphasised it was not a race, but a ride to be enjoyed. The campsite was a sea of bright blue two-man tents and sponsors also provided communal tents with bean bags and big television screens.

“The crew served us up a brilliant dinner and a great buffet breakfast as they pumped our tyres and fixed our bikes,” Carolyn said. “Sunsuper’s coffee was the best!”

The cyclists rode to Pinjarra along an inland route and returned along the coast.

“We were united in a powerful community movement of hope,” Professor Klinken said. “It was much more than a two-day trip for me. What moved me most were the stories of how The Ride impacted on people personally, how meaningful and enduring it was.”

Registrations are already open for next year’s ride.

Published in UWA News , 12 November 2012