Four riders, 10 support men and some serious dedication have sparked interest and emotion from people all over the country.

The cause is a 2275km Navy charity bike ride from Rockhampton to Canberra, with a target to raise more than $250,000 for children with special needs.

The Navy charity cycle team was bought together in 1989 by the initiative of one man, Rick Meehan, with the aim of raising funds and awareness of children with special needs and promoting the Royal Australian Navy to the public.

"Every year with the Navy Charity Bike Ride I have met new and different challenges just to complete the trip, whereas the children that we meet along the way may not have an opportunity to fulfil all of their dreams and personal challenges, said CPOATA Rick Meehan.

"With the opportunity to be one of the cyclists on this ride and completing a distance so gruelling I have found that I am more able to understand just how hard it must be for persons with special needs to fulfil the most simple tasks that we take for granted."

On the first ride, $15,500 dollars was raised, allowing the purchase of specialised toys and equipment for the Noah's Ark Centre in Nowra.

With the help of local communities along the way, the ride has continued to go from strength to strength.

The bike ride now supports 12 organisations down the East Coast of Australia including Down Syndrome Associations, Cerebral Palsy League, Noahs Ark Centres and Special Schools.

For the sailors however, riding more than 2000km and raising the money is not enough. Stops are made along the way to raise awareness of children with special needs to city councils, community groups and shopping centres.

For the sailors, the best part of the ride is visiting special schools, and meeting the kids along the way.

"Whilst the event is challenging for both riders and support staff, over a period of only three weeks, this as insignificant when compared to the efforts of the carers, families, and teaching staff who tend for the Kids on a continual basis," said ride OIC LEUT Duane Unwin.

During the three-week duration, riders cover 140km per day on average.

Charity events from barbecues to black tie functions have been set up all the way down the east coast.

Whether it be stopping on the highway to accept a donation, or being offered free food and drinks at the local service station - Australians are digging deep into their pockets for the sailors to support this worthy cause.

The Navy Charity Bike Ride continues down the NSW coast and will finish in Canberra on March 25.

You can make a donation to the Navy Charity Bike Ride by calling 1300 366 289, or by logging onto www.bikeride.com.au.

By Ron Barker