For 15 years Mr van Ewijk has been living with a form of blood cancer called Waldenstrm's macroglobulinemia (WM) which attacks the body's red blood cells.

"I had felt fatigued and anaemic for a while when I decided to go to the doctor," he said.

"My GP didn't know what it was at the time."

This uncommon cancer is a form on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with only around five diagnoses each year in Australia.

One of Mr van Ewijk's passions has always been cycling and has been able to maintain his motivation for it with the help of innovative to targeted therapy.

"Initially, my treatment was chemotherapy which knocks you around a bit," he said.

"But I was put onto a new targeted therapy drug Ibrutinib which doesn't have the side affects that chemo does and it keeps the illness under control."

Michael has taken part in a number of fundraising rides in the past and has already raised over $7,000 of his $10,000 target for the Leukemia Foundation.

The ride was originally planned to go from Albury to Mildura earlier in the year until COVID put a stop to those plans.

The journey will begin in Balranald and pass through Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Boree Creek, Griffith and Narrandera before finishing in Wagga Wagga.

Mr van Ewijk will be joined by his partner Elizabeth Muntz who will be following in a support vehicle and while the trek is a long one, he's confident he'll make the finish line.

Instead, he will be taking on the 700km ride from Balranald to Wagga Wagga with his partner Elizabeth Muntz trailing in a support vehicle and while the trek is a long one, Michael is sure he'll make the journey.

"I do realise I am 70 years old and I am slowing down - it will take its toll - but I am confident I'll complete the ride," he said.

He is expecting to pass through Griffith on his way to Narrandera on Wednesday, September 30.

To make a donation for Michael's fundraising effort visit celebrateleukaemiafoundation.everydayhero.com