Mandurah man rides postie bike from Hobart to Cairns for prostate cancer research

The group of 12 is being battered with harsh weather as they ride their bikes from Hobart to Cairns on a 4700 kilometre journey, stopping at towns to rattle tins and raise funds.

The idea came about after a number of riders who have suffered a close brush with prostate cancer decided to raise awareness for the disease.

Mr Engelter, who has undergone a radical prostatectomy himself, said spreading the message of getting regular check ups was a big part of the ride.

“We’re raising funds but we’re also trying to let men know to get check ups regularly and not to fob off what could be a real problem,” he said.

Speaking to the Mandurah Mail from Port Macquarie, Mr Engelter said the group is riding an average of 250 kilometres per day aboard the postie bikes.

They had faced grueling weather for the majority of the ride, including floods in New South Wales.

“It’s been cold and our fingers have been freezing and we’ve been soaking wet, but it’s all for a good cause so it’s easy to keep on going,” he said.

“Now that we’re in Port Macquarie and moving closer to the coast we are hoping the worst is behind us.”

The group has garnered plenty of attention from community members, cancer support group volunteers and news outlets along the way.

Mr Engelter, who affectionately named his bike Hilda, said they had been well received in each town they had stopped in.

“Everyone has been great and plenty of people have stopped and had a chat to us about what we’re doing,” he said.

“A cancer support group cooked us breakfast a few days ago and rotary clubs have also been good to us.”

The group has already raised over $30,000 and has set a target of over $50,000.

The bikes, along with the group’s lead car, will be auctioned off at the conclusion of the ride, which Engelter expects to be September 9.

You can follow the group on its Facebook page here.