COLD, wet and windy doesn't sound like a ride in the park, but Ruth Browne has declared the 620km Great Victorian Bike Ride worth every single soggy minute.
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Mrs Browne, who raised funds for Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area Multiple Sclerosis Branch (MIA MS Branch), set off on Saturday, November 23 from Mount Gambier and rode through until Sunday, December 1, finishing at Geelong.
Last week the Griffith Leagues Club chipped in $1000 to help bring the tally raised so far to more than $5000.
While the 73-year-old grandmother won't deny it was tough going, she has no regrets.
"It was physically hard due to the weather conditions," she said.
"We had rain and fog for most of the trip and it was incredibly cold of an evening.
"There wasn't a dry camping ground which made things hard, but we had been advised that the conditions would be mediocre so we were prepared with all the right gear.
"The generosity of the community has been amazing. It has blown me away. I want to thank everyone who donated because this money will go to help the local MS group, who do so much to help. That's what has made this ride so worthwhile."
Far from being deterred by the inclement conditions she faced and the difficulties navigating 5000 other cyclists, Mrs Browne is already busy planning her next ride in New Zealand in 2015.
Donations are can still be made until the end of December.
Bank: Country First Credit Union, BSB: 802-097, Account number: 882981 Account name: MIA Branch of MS Australia. Please note on your deposits 'Ruth's Ride'
