For Roger and Andrea Fuller, that horrible day came in January, 2012, when the couple's much loved son Bailey - better known as Bays, passed away suddenly.

Bays was born in 2003, and his life was one full of love, as well as some not inconsiderable challenges.

Bays was first rushed to hospital when he was just four months old, and the youngster experienced several extended periods in hospital throughout his life.

Aged just three, he was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy, but he refused to surrender.

Determined to conquer his illness and with the same determination dad Roger shows on his own bike, Bays was able to prove the medical authorities wrong by not just learning to ride a bike, but by falling in love with his bike and so deeply enjoying the freedom and thrills it provided.

Fast forward to 2019, and while a considerable period of time may have passed, the Fullers' anguish remains a constant companion, as they continue to mourn the loss of their precious Bays.

The determined youngster had been destined to receive a wish from the iconic Make-A-Wish, a charity that helps bring dreams alive for seriously ill children.

Sadly, that opportunity never came to be.

In 2019, Roger created Bays' Ride to help raise money for Make-A-Wish so that others can share in the organisation's good work, and 12 months later, he's at it again.

Next month, Roger and up to 49 of closest and newest friends will set off on an epic ride across regional Victoria.

As they do, they will be raising cash and awareness for Make-A-Wish by completing a tough five-day ride from Albury to Melbourne, via Geelong.

Sounds tough, but it's worth noting last year Roger pedalled 1200 kilometres as part of the inaugural ride.

There's 50 places available this year - so if any of my cycling mates thought last year was just a bit too hardcore, it's worth noting the distance is not much more than half last year's extraordinary ride.

And the ride is well supported with crew.

Most of us in the cycling community who know Roger see a quietly determined, thoughtful and generous bloke who's always got time for a chat and a smile.

He's also someone who has taken a lead role in organising a lot of bike rides in the past decade to support a number of very worthy causes.

His passion and leadership have been valuable aids throughout the journey.

I've been lucky enough to complete a few charity bike rides over the years and have never once regretted the opportunity to combine something I love with a worthy cause, and the chance to spend such experiences with a great bunch of mates.

Usually, it's because I felt a connection to the cause or the person organising the ride, and the memories from these occasions and the sense of achievement always made it worth the effort - and then some.

If by now, you think this column is sounding a bit like a plug for the 2020 Bays' Wish Ride, it is - but it's also about a whole lot more.

It's likely at some stage, the riders will encounter head winds and possibly rain. It could also be stinking hot and uncomfortable.

What drives them to reach the finish line is also determined by how much support they have garnered leading up to the ride.

The peleton will undoubtedly forge new friendships and their own lasting memories as they cycle from Albury through Shepparton, Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong before the final push into Mebourne.

So, if you get the chance and you think you're up for the journey, why not consider being part of this event and jumping on your bike, and on board.

Last year's Bays' Wish Ride raised about six times more than Roger and his fellow cyclists had hoped.

By any measure, that's an astonishing effort, but it's also a challenge this year's participants will want to surpass.

With all our support, and best wishes.

In a world cursed with so much toxicity and negativity, that's not a bad thing.

Initiatives like this are not just about the ride - and the success of the event is not determined by the riders simply crossing the finish line in Melbourne on Saturday, March 21.

These events rely upon community support and appreciation for the sacrifices the riders and their support crew will make over those five days, and an understanding of what it is that keeps them pedalling all the way.