Warrnambool cyclist Darren Harris believes the kilometres he has in his legs will help get him across the line when he takes on the inaugural Warrnambool to Melbourne ride this Friday.
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Harris said he only had six weeks to build on his endurance since making the decision to participate.
"I had been thinking about joining the event for a couple of months but it wasn't until the start of December that I fully committed to the ride," he said.
In 2004 Harris competed in the Melbourne to Warrnambool bike race completing the longer 299 kilometre ride.
"I did a lot of training for that, it was the first year they had run the longer distance so everyone took it easy for the first 100 kilometres then the group broke up and it was just working together in a bunch to get home," he said.
"This ride will be a bit shorter, about 290 kilometres, so now it is just getting the last check over of the bike and getting all of the nutrition, hydration and spares ready for the day.
"I think I can get there if I ride with a slower bunch, I don't want to push too much out of my comfort zone, I want to make sure I can get (to Melbourne)."
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Harris views the ride as a challenge to see if he can still finish big events, after a fall while taking photos in 2018 left him in hospital with 14 broken bones. He also required a hip replacement.
"I just need to prove to myself I can get over these injuries and do everything I could before hand," he said.
"It will be important to stay positive (during the ride) and support all of the other riders, just like the Big Life charity is supporting kids."
Organiser Shane Wilson said 26 riders would participate to help raise money for mental health program Big Life.
"Each rider needs to raise a minimum of $500," Mr Wilson said. "Donations to riders can be made through the event's GoFundMe page.
"We will leave from the Civic Green early on Friday morning, and be welcomed into Melbourne by Lord Mayor Sally Capp."
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