It's been billed as a solo journey, but cyclist Patrick Thompson says he won't be lonely out there on the Nullarbor.
His blow-up penguin will be right there beside him as he pedals his way from Western Australia to NSW to raise money for children's cancer research.
The sight of an over-sized inflatable water bird might seem an odd companion for an epic cross-desert ride.
But it seemed a natural choice for the Margaret River tradesman, known as the Peddling Penguin because of his association with the Prevelly Penguins social swimming club.
Mr Thompson will set off on August 14, his 50th birthday, and will pedal from Margaret River in WA, to the Manning River at Taree in NSW.
The trip is expected to take 80 days and he hopes to raise more than $50,000 for the Childrens Leukaemia and Cancer Research Foundation.
Mr Thompson said he decided to undertake the ride after losing three friends to cancer.
"Over 70 per cent of childhood cancer is now successfully treated as a result of research, and this west-to-east bike ride is my contribution to a worthy cause," Mr Thompson said.
His charity ride was launched in Margaret River this weekend by Michael Chaney, president of the Business Council of Australia.
Mr Chaney called on people across Australia to dig deep and support the fundraiser.
Mr Thompson's route will take in Denmark, Albany, Esperance and Northam in WA; Ceduna, Streaky Bay, Port Augusta and Renmark in South Australia; Mildura in Victoria; and Griffith, Parkes, Dubbo, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Gloucester and Taree in NSW.
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