The group – some of whom were dressed to impress – have already raised over $45,000 and hope to push that to $80,000 by the end of the ride for Variety, a children’s charity to help those who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.

The Dash got under way again on Tuesday morning after a big send-off including a cooked breakfast at Walcha Central School, courtesy of the P and C.

Riders enjoyed bacon and eggs as well as cereal and fruit to refuel before taking on hours of hard riding to get to Manilla ‘the back way’.

The ride began on Sunday and the group rode 160km from Newcastle to Gloucester and then went a further 75km to Wingham. Monday’s schedule took in Nowendoc via Cooplicurripa and, on Tuesday, they went to Manilla and had the afternoon off for the Melbourne Cup. Then it’s off to Spring Ridge and Quirindi and the final leg takes in Sandy Hallow and Scone before the riders return to Newcastle.

The only type of motorcycle allowed was a standard Honda CT110 Postie Bike and the bikes aren’t known for their speed.

In fact, they looked pretty uncomfortable and many riders had added extra padding. Participant Ross Hatton reckons the bikes cruise along at 80km per hour quite well and with a long straight stretch can be wound up to speeds of 90km/h!

The riders are following a pre-set course that tries to avoid highways and “country bi-roads” in favour of gravel roads and forestry tracks.

They will return to Newcastle tomorrow.