Seventeen cyclists rode into Batemans Bay Public School on their way from Wodonga,Victoria, to Wollongong as part of the third annual Tour ‘da Country.

Organiser Dale Wright said the ride was about creating awareness to close the gap in indigenous health and reconciliation. 

“There is an 11 year life expectancy gap between a non-indigenous and an indigenous person,” he said.

From what started as an idea, Tour ‘da Country has turned into an annual event to promote healthy living and healthy lifestyles.

“I used to drink and smoke a fair bit and my life was going nowhere,” Mr Wright said.

“I spoke to my wife about doing a ride from Wollongong to Walgett, which is my country, to promote health and it sort of developed from there.”

Although there were days Mr Wright wanted to give up, the support the group gave each other was impressive. 

“There have been ups and downs and there has been sunshine, heat and rain,” he said.

“But you get the support that you need to get over hills.

“You get through it together.”

Joining him on the journey this year were his two children, Jayden, 11, and Rideika, 16. 

“Having my wife and family here makes it a lot easier,” Mr Wright said.

Riding an average of 90kms a day is starting to take its toll on the 13 riders completing the whole 1000km tour.

The ride picks up community members along the way, who participate in sections.

Dale’s son, Jayden, who rode from Narooma to Wollongong, said he wanted to join the ride since the inaugural event three years ago.

“I was in the support crew during the first ride,” Jayden said.

“Since I saw them riding them I wanted to ride with them.”

Admitting it had been hard to get up the hills, Jayden said his legs were sore.

“It has been good to meet a lot of people and learn about them,” Jayden said.

Dale’s daughter Rideika said the tour had so far been fun.

“I haven’t found it too hard, I am a bit weak and tired but I have made it,” Rideika said.