One of those riders will be Sean Sampson from Young, who will be taking part in his first ride for Royal Far West.

He said he saw the Ride for Country Kids as an opportunity to give back to the local community. 

“I know how tough people do it in regional areas,” he said. 

“There are local families in Young that rely on Royal Far West to help them with the needs of their kids.” 

As the managing director of Telstra stores in Young, Parkes and Dubbo, he knows a number of families across the Central West who use the service. 

However before his ride, he had never heard of Royal Far West. 

“I didn’t even know they existed,” he said.

“Then when I heard they were having this event and looked into it and realised what they did for country families, it was a no-brainer, they need all the help they can get.” 

This however is not his first charity ride – he’s helped support charities such as the Black Dog Institute and McGrath Foundation on rides in the past. 

“I’ve been doing lots of rides for several years,” he said. 

With his past experience, Sean is prepared to go the distance, all 420km of it. 

“I’m currently doing 200kms a week and that’s with the local Young Cycling Group mainly,’ he said. 

“This is about the distance, 600kms is a good three day ride.” 

Along the way, Sean and the other 100 riders will be stopping in towns such as Cowra, Canowindra and Young. 

He said the highlight is being able to stop in schools and chat to the kids about Royal Far West. 

“You can talk to the children and let them know why we are doing it and what Royal Far West is all about.” 

This year, the group will be stopping off at Greenethorpe Public School for lunch. 

The Royal Far West Ride for Country Kids will be held from Sunday, March 12 till Tuesday, March 14. 

To donate, visit www.rideforcountrykids2017.gofundraise.com.au/page/seansampson