But the challenge continues to be well worth it as the fundraiser ticked over $100,000 towards its $150,000 goal that very day.
The ride, now in its fifth year, raises vital funds and awareness for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
Yesterday, the group rode a staggering 160km from Swan Hill to Echuca, following two days of 130km-plus routes which started back in Mildura on Friday.
The group will now continue its journey back to Melbourne over the course of the next week, with today’s ride taking them 140km away to Yarrawonga.
Co-founder of the ride, Georgie Herbert, said Sunday was a particularly hard day on the bike due to the elements.
"It’s been a long day, and it’s been pretty warm,“ she said.
“And the wind was going in the wrong direction for us today, it was in our faces or sides the whole day.
“But it’s an amazing group of people, the resolve to grit away and get it done and for such an incredible cause, it’s amazing.”
Ms Herbert said reflecting on the struggles her mother Mandy faced over 11 years fighting ovarian cancer, before her passing in 2017, helped her push through when the going got tough out on the road.
“Thinking of her and thinking of the surgeries, chemo, drugs, it’s all such a brutal cocktail to deal with, that a little bit of wind and sunshine and hard pedalling really doesn’t compare to the struggle that it is for a woman with ovarian cancer,” Ms Herbert said.
Initially planned as a “one and done” event back in 2017, Ms Herbert said she couldn’t be prouder of how the ride had grown over five years.
“We travelled through regional New South Wales and regional Victoria, and people were so generous and kind, and engaged in learning about this form of cancer, which doesn’t get a lot of awareness,” she said.
“To be able to educate those regions, raise $140,000 that first year, it really inspired us to think there is something in this and we should keep it going.”
It is the second time the ride has passed through Echuca, after first arriving in 2019.
More than 100 riders are also taking part in the ride virtually this month, tasked with riding 1068km over the course of November for (on average) every life lost to ovarian cancer annually.
For more information on the Silver Lining Ride or to donate, head to www.silverliningride.com.au
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