LEETON residents Mark Smith and Kylie Foote will next year pedal off on the adventure of a lifetime, but there will be more than the joy of exploring behind their travels.
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The pair is taking part in an Inspired Adentures trip that will involve them cycling through Vietnam and Cambodia over 13 days.
As part of the challenge they will pay their own way to take part, while at the same time raising money for the Black Dog Institute, which is a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar.
They must contribute $4050 of their own money each to be part of the ride, as well as raise $3500 for the Black Dog Institute.
"I was looking at organising a holiday and came across this and thought it would be something different for us to do," Mr Smith said.
"We've raised over $1000 so far ... we hope to raise at least $10,000 all up.
"The ride goes for 13 days, with the biggest day to be 75 kilometres."
The pair has started training for the event, but both have only recently started cycling.
"Fitness will be the biggest hurdle, but I'm confident we'll be able to do it," Mr Smith said.
"I want to be able to complete every day and not be sitting on the bus watching like I would have done in the past."
The ride will start in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and will finish in Siem Reap in Cambodia.
As part of the trip the pair will take part in charity initiatives along the way where they will work alongside local people and school students.
"We're both really looking forward to it and hope the community gets behind us," Mr Smith said.
"So far we've just put it on Facebook and sent out some text messages.
"We'll be doing fund-raisers in the lead-up."
For more information and to donate visit www.blackdogcycletohappiness.gofundraise.com.au/page/smithfoote.
