At 4am on Saturday morning (October 26) he’s setting off from his home in North Coffs Harbour with the Sydney Opera House as his destination.

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He’ll be biking through the Nambucca Valley by mid-morning.

Having raised almost $1,600 so far he’s pedalling hard towards his goal of $2,500.

“I’ve been off the bike for about five years now, having stopped when the air quality was poor during the bush fires, but now I’m in my 40s I’ve decided to focus again on my health and get in the best shape of my life, so I’m back on the bike,” Robbie told News Of The Area.

Robbie’s goal was to ride 600km in the month of October, one km for each of the 600 children diagnosed in Australia each year with cancer.

However, once he had set his sights on Sydney, he expects to have cycled almost 1000 km by the end of October.

“I know it’s nothing compared to what these kids, their parents and their family go through every day, but I hope I can help bring awareness and raise some funds for a great cause,” he said.

Donations are open until the beginning of November through the Great Cycle Challenge Facebook page.

Robbie’s training schedule began low key and local.

“I started with just some small rides around town which have grown in distance to Emerald Beach and Urunga.

“I don’t think they have fully prepared me for the ride, but that’s part of the challenge.”

Planning the expedition to Sydney he’ll be putting into practice some acquired learning.

“I don’t want to push it too hard too soon; it’s not a race and to just pace myself.”

He’s also setting an alarm to eat and drink.

“I don’t want to become dehydrated or flat as it will be too difficult to catch up again if I’m still on the move.”

Applying sunscreen and regularly checking in with his wife are also on the ‘must do’ list.

“I have to get used to my own thoughts, stay positive and enjoy the ride.

“I have a strong faith in God, so I’m looking forward to spending time riding in conversation with Him and knowing that ‘with God all things are possible’ – Matthew 19:26.”

With his tent onboard the bike he will be pitching up for the night along the route, sleeping in rest areas or on the side of the road.

Robbie’s route will be mainly highway with the occasional detour for safety.

“Since bicycles are not allowed on the freeway, I will ride to Ettalong, get the ferry to Palm Beach and ride through to the Opera House,” he said.

Robbie hopes to roll into Circular Quay and up to the Opera House steps no later than Tuesday.

“I’ve always dreamt of cycling across America, so this might end up being a trial run for that.”

Robbie plans to return to Coffs Harbour by train ready for work on Thursday.

Robbie is the franchise owner of Jim’s Carpet Cleaning Sawtell.

By Andrea FERRARI