Riding for a cure: Lachlan Willcox hopes to help in the fight to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. The disease peaks at the age of 30 and affects three times as many women as men. Picture: Gene Ramirez
Pain won't be a factor for Lachlan Willcox who plans to cycle 90 gruelling kilometres in Sunday's MS Sydney to the Gong bike ride.
The 34-year-old is predicting a difficult finish to the ride in Wollongong but said any pain incurred pales in significance to what his mother Jill has gone through.
Mr Willcox said his mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six years ago and has battled the disease ever since.
"Mum's a very strong woman and her condition has now got to the point where she's in a slight remission," Mr Willcox said.
"I signed up for the ride to support Mum and try to raise some money along the way."
With help from friends and family, Mr Willcox has raised $1180 and is hoping to further boost this figure.
To prepare for the longest ride of his life, Mr Willcox has been cycling 120 km a week with regular trips from his Kellyville home to Windsor and back.
"I've never done over 60 km in one trip before so I'm sure this ride will be difficult," Mr Willcox said.
"My goal is just to finish and make it down to Wollongong.
"I won't be trying to race anyone — that's for sure."
The Sydney to the Gong ride's 10,000 riders will start from Sydney Park, St Peters, from 6am and finish at Stuart Park, Wollongong.