After completing Tour de Rocks 2014 and 2015 the small group has grown to 16 for this year’s ride from Armidale to South West Rocks. They will arrive in South West Rocks on Saturday, all going well.

Last year was fraught with disaster as a support vehicle burst into flames only 5kms into the trek and understandably none of the participants involved were keen to return this year.

Tour de Rocks raises funds to support community organisations helping patients battling cancer as well as assisting organisations continuing their search to find a cure for cancer. In five years more than 1500 riders have taken part, raising more than $1 million.

The riders are Ray Walters, Chris Pearce, Fletcher Pearce, Phil Walters, Mal Walters, Warren Steedman, Roy Halliday, Graham Nix, John McCallum, Sean Murray, Anthony Cross, Chris Saad and Lance Gregory with Tim Cross, Jenny Shultz, Cheryl Mayers and Darren Worth the support crew. 

This year the team will ride as Manning Valley Can Assist Pedallers and Paddlers helping to raise awareness for the local branch of Can Assist. The Manning Valley Can Assist branch offers monetary support to local patients to enable them meet their financial ongoing commitments while undertaking treatment.

The team will also be riding in memory of Michelle Metcalfe, a close friend of some of the participants who last year lost her battle with cancer.

After a broken sternum in the first training ride in 2014 and the fire in 2015 a change in uniforms was requested. New jerseys have been sourced with the help of local businesses Manning Shoes, Edstein Creative, RSF, APC Auto Wreckers and S & L Ferguson Transport .

Training has intensified in the last few weeks with fortnightly 50km team rides as well as individuals clocking up the kilometres on their own. If you see the boys out on the road give them your support.