Breaking out bikes for kids

By day they work at Albany Regional Prison, but next month a local group will switch to pedals and fundraise for children’s health.

The 16-rider Porridge Bikers group will set off from Albany Regional Prison on May 9 for a 340km ride to Hopetoun via Manypeaks, Jerramungup and Ravensthorpe.

Riding in relays, they will be on their bikes up to eight hours a day over two days.

They hope to raise as much as $5000.

Steve Macauley, a prison officer for 20 years, will enter his 12th ride this year.

“It started off as a challenge to see if you could ride to Hopetoun,” he said. “After that it developed into a fundraising (event) — you could see it was doing a lot of good for various areas of the community.”

Since its first run in 1999, the Porridge ride has raised over $20,000 for Albany children support organisations.

That money has helped buy a children’s defibrillator, child-size ambulance gear for Jerramungup and Hopetoun, and rebuild Cranbrook skate park.

The group is planning a fundraising event ahead of the ride.

Donations can be made by phoning Mr Macauley or John Roukens on 9842 4400.