The riders, from all across the state, were welcomed by students and staff at Guyra Central School before a special afternoon assembly after their long, hot trek from Inverell.

“The ride is all about raising money for Ronald McDonald House in Northern NSW and to make a difference for children across this region,” CEO of Ronald McDonald House for Northern NSW, Ross Bingham told The Argus on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Bingham said there are two Ronald McDonald Houses which kids and their families from across the New England and North West region could access if needed.

“There’s one in Tamworth and one in Newcastle,” he said.

“It depends on the seriousness of the illness of the child.”

Mr Bingham said any serious illnesses such as brain hemorrhages, cancer, major accidents and burns will go to John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

The team, of 15 core riders, started in Inverell on Tuesday morning and will ride a total of 500 kilometres through Armidale, Tamworth, Scone, Singleton and back to the Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle.

“This is our 13th year and we have ridden about 7,500 kilometres over that time and raised nearly $3 million,” he said.

“We’ve got people from Sydney, Yamba, Tamworth, Inverell and all over on the ride as well as from Newcastle. It’s very exciting.”