THERE were two times during Mick Eyb's 4415km mountain bike odyssey across Canada and the US that he seriously contemplated quitting.
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The first time was on the first day, when an idyllic sunny start in Bamff, Canada, took a turn for the worst when the weather suddenly changed to hail and snow.
"It was pretty much every type of weather you could think of," Mick explained.
"I thought if a bear comes out and eats me, I wouldn't mind too much."
The second time however was even more testing, occurring on the second last day of the ride on a barren desert stretch in New Mexico.
Running low on food and water, Mick seriously considered giving up.
However, he found a likely source of inspiration - the mate he was riding for, Old Bar's Brendan Maloney, who is currently battling cancer.
"I thought about Brendan and (Brendan's wife) Callie and the rest of the team Brendan M guys," he said.
"I thought, 'they've been toughing it out for 16 months. I can do a few more hours.'"
A major goal of Mick's extraordinary ride was to raise awareness and funds for Brendan and his young family.
The Manning community has embraced the family since their battle began in 2014, with Facebook photos of rainbows and the hashtag #TEAMBRENDANM headlining a community effort supporting the family.
Brendan himself is a huge fitness and riding enthusiast, something he and Mick have in common.
"If I don't have a ride for a day or two my wife makes me go on one, she says I'm unbearable otherwise," Mick joked.
"I love it, it's an addiction."
Mick's love of the sport was strongly tested over the gruelling trail ride.
Beginning on Friday, June 12 in Bamff, Canada, Mick's 26-day ordeal was based on the Great Divide Mountain Biking route, which starts in Canada, travelling down the spine of the continental divide through the US before finishing on the US/Mexico border.
The ride took Mick 26 days, 16 hours, and 55 minutes to complete, with up to 18 hours a day spent on the bike.
The fundraising efforts will continue this Friday, August 14, when Mick tells his story at Bourkes Bicycles, located on Mill Close.
Beginning at 6.30pm, Mick will have a slideshow presentation detailing his remarkable journey.
Entry is $5 a head or $10 a family, with the local mountain biking group the Tip Riders hosting a barbecue and drinks as well.
All funds raised will go towards Brendan and his young family.
"I'm sure everybody can see what a great cause it is," Mick said.
