13 March 2025

Pedal power helps drive prostate cancer research

In March, an annual bike ride founded by ex-police officers raised well over $20,000 for prostate cancer research.  

Pedal 4 Prostate has been running every year since 2014, when a group of local policemen decided to raise funds by cycling from Adelaide to Geelong over seven days.  

This year, they cycled from Ballarat to Geelong.  

To date, Pedal 4 Prostate has raised $260,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.  

Pedal 4 Prostate organiser Mark Woodhead said the seven-day, 750-kilometre course wasn’t for the faint-of-heart rider.  

“Men who are going through prostate cancer are doing it tough as well, so we wanted the ride to reflect what it would be like to struggle through something significant,” Mark said.  

“A lot of our riders are within the risk bracket for this disease so it’s personal for many of us.  

“We don’t make it easy for a reason.” 

Mark said he rides for his father-in-law who was diagnosed with prostate diagnosed with prostate cancer, and for all men living with the disease.  

“David Vernon is one of our co-founders of Pedal 4 Prostate, and his brother, Phil, was diagnosed with the disease in November 2021,” Mark added.  

The ride started in Ballarat on a 30-degree day, and went through the Grampians in western Victoria, and through towns like Ararat, Learmonth, and Halls Gap.  

The ride then went from Colac to Apollo Bay, before finishing in Geelong. 

“I’ve done the last seven rides with my son, so it’s a real family-orientated event,” Mark added.  

“We’re incredibly proud to have raised $260,000 for prostate cancer research over the years. 

“Everyone on the ride pays their way, so all the money raised goes to PCFA.” 

Mark said he not only uses the ride to raise funds but also to raise awareness.  

“We encourage every bloke we meet on the ride to get their PSA checked.” 

You can still donate to Pedal 4 Prostate by visiting https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/pedal4prostate-2025