Long road to ride

Riding 4000km on a motorcycle from Bunbury to Canberra is a surefire way to get a numb backside but four Bunbury police officers also hope the journey will raise money for research into childhood cancers.

South West police district Supt Lawrence Panaia, Sen. Sgt Graham Sears, Sgt Dan Talbot and First Class Const. Nick Cockinos will be dusting off their leathers and gearing up to take part in the WA Wall to Wall motorcycle ride.

Picture by David Bailey: South West police district Supt Lawrence Panaia, Sen. Sgt Graham Sears, Sgt Dan Talbot and First Class Const.Nick Cockinos.

Their team, Bright Blue South West, hopes to raise $20,000 to give to the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.

‘‘Team South West aims to raise $20,000 but just like we’ll be smashing through wind, rain and bugs on our ride, we would like to smash through the upper level of our target,’’ Sgt Talbot said.

The team is seeking support from individuals and businesses in the area to help them reach their target.

Along with raising money for child health research, the four Bunbury riders will join about 50 motorcyclists from Perth who will remember police officers who have died while on duty.

To kick off the fundraising, Sgt Talbot will be riding a penny farthing on a tour of the South West ahead of the September fundraising ride.

To support the team, visit www.brightbluesouthwest.com.