“God made Australia for people to enjoy themselves, but he made Tasmania for motorbikes.”
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Those were the words of Long Ride founder Chris Dunne after the annual charity motorbike journey finished up in Launceston on Thursday.
More than 400 riders made their way down to UTAS Stadium in what was the final leg of a ride that also included Burnie, Strahan, Bothwell, Hobart and St Helens.
Held annually to raise awareness of prostate cancer, this year marked the 10th anniversary of the Long Ride.
Mr Dunne said they could not have had a better destination to celebrate the milestone.
“It was just absolutely beautiful,” he said.
“People have been able to take their time, and we haven’t had anyone fall off or get injured along the way.
“Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”
The first Long Ride involved 320 motorcycle riders making their way to Darwin in 2007.
It has since gone on to build up a loyal following, who have raised about $1.7 million for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Throughout the past decade, it has been held in Cairns, Darwin, Sydney and Perth, with riders also going along the Great Ocean Road, as well as through the centre of Australia.
Mr Dunne said the varying journeys of the riders each year reflect its many stops.
“We’ve had three Tasmanians join at Burnie this year, but we’ve also got people from Cairns, Townsville, the Northern Territory, and all the country towns in between,” he said.
“They all just come together in one spot, and that’s the Long Ride.”
This year’s fleet included 150 Australian Defence Force motorcyclists.
Lieutenant Commander Collin Holloway said it was the perfect opportunity to blend a love of motorbike riding with a passion for raising awareness about prostate cancer.
“I became involved in the Long Ride as I have been personally affected by prostate cancer, with my father, brother in law, close friend and colleagues all being diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer,” he said.
“The opportunity to raise awareness and funds for this cause is one that I am honoured to be involved with.
“While the disease physically affects men, its effects have an impact on men and women.”