Teen cyclist rides 435km for cancer research

A 14-year-old boy has raised more than $4000 for lymphoma research by cycling from Secret Harbour to Wave Rock.

After one of his friends was diagnosed with lymphoma earlier this year, avid cyclist Guy Pertwee decided to ride the 435km journey with family friend Tim Harris to raise money for cancer research.

“I had heard about Wave Rock, and I always thought about doing a long trip there. I always try to challenge myself each year with different cycling challenges, and this year I thought I’d give this journey a go,” he said.

“I thought I could help make a difference and raise some money for cancer research.

“The ride was pretty tough, the first day was 180km, and it was really windy, and we were riding into the wind the whole way, so it was quite relentless. But the next two days, I had a tailwind, and I cycled 150km on the second day and 100km on the last.

“Tim was much much faster than me, so I could use him to shield me from the wind, which definitely helped.”

Mr Harris said he felt privileged when Guy asked him to join him on the ride, which he too found difficult at times.

“Mentally, the first day was really tough. We had a really strong headwind all day, so we spent more than seven hours riding into the wind.

“But the rest of the time, it was really nice. Getting to ride next to the canola fields and through the Wheatbelt was just beautiful,” Mr Harris said.

“Guy’s performance was outstanding, so I was really happy and privileged to do it with him.

“He didn’t complain once throughout the whole ride, and I think he enjoyed his vanilla milkshakes and hamburgers along the way too.”

Guy said next year, he plans on challenging himself even more.

“I think next year I might try to do the ride there and back or try to do the whole ride even faster.

“I want to help make a difference and raise some money for cancer, and I’m thrilled I was able to raise this much money this time round,” he said.