It’s been almost 12 months since Vince Kelly was knocked from his bike by a vehicle, leaving him with a broken arm and other injuries.
Once an avid rider, he admits it’s been a mental struggle to get back on the bike.
But spurring him back into the saddle is Mr Kelly’s regular participation in the Tour de Cure rides.
Through the endurance bike rides, Mr Kelly has raised money for cancer charities in his father’s honour almost every year since his death in 2013.
Next month, he will embark on the three-day Victorian Discovery Tour ride between Halls Gap and Melbourne.
“This will be my fourth Victorian Discovery Tour, although I have done the longer Signature Tour in previous years,” Mr Kelly said.
“This event specifically raises money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre.”
Mr Kelly was injured in November last year when, as the lead rider of a group crossing the small bridge near the Edward River Hotel in Deniliquin, he was sideswiped by a caravan being towed on Davidson St.
Mr Kelly fell on to the road. Some of the riders behind him had to take evasive action to avoid hitting him and other vehicles.
He was able to get up and leave the road, but suffered a fracture to the top of the radius in his right arm and grazes to his legs and arms.
Mr Kelly said he had been training for the upcoming ride, but admitted it had not been as enjoyable as other years.
“After my accident it took me quite a while to get back on the bike. It wasn’t actually until August this year.
“The motivation was to give myself something to do, something to aim for and to keep me accountable.
“The accident certainly knocked my confidence, and riding again is more nerve-racking than I anticipated.
“And it’s only because one per cent of people can’t show mutual respect on the roads.
“I am still driven by honouring my dad, but this year the ride is also aimed at helping me get over my mental hump.”
Joining Mr Kelly on the ride this year will be a Melbourne-based colleague and the colleague’s father.
Mr Kelly has already started fundraising by contacting those who have supported him in previous years, and by sharing a fundraising profile on social media.
His fundraising efforts are again being supported by Deniliquin Golf Club, which will host a Tee Up For Cancer twilight golf event on Friday, October 25.
You can also support Mr Kelly’s charity efforts by going to vicdiscovery.tourdecure.com.au/vincent-kelly to donate.