Tour de OROC expecting to hand a cheque for $100,000 to the Macquarie Home Stay project

Not only was a Guinness World Record for the largest number of sponsors on a single item of clothing reclaimed, but a record number of participants were involved and towns were happy to help the fundraising.

Tour organiser Mathew Dickerson said donations and sponsorship were still being finalised but he felt they were on track for a six-figure sum.

“After all the final donations roll in and the minor expenses are removed I am confident we will hit our target,” Mr Dickerson said.

Of the 17 riders who started with the tour when it launched from Mudgee on October 2, 13 went on to complete the 1000-kilometre journey.

Special guest rider, internationally-renowned commentator Matt Keenan, was well received when he spoke at the event dinner at Nyngan on the last night of the tour and then participated in the final leg of the ride to Dubbo.

“Matthew Keenan was a huge hit. He has heard a new expression now: ‘Emus on the left!’ and he has a new word in his lexicon: ‘bogan’ after seeing the Big Bogan in Nyngan,” Mr Dickerson said.

Mr Dickerson said Bourke won the battle of the mayors, with Barry Holman riding the greatest distance of all the OROC town leaders, covering 25 kilometres.

One of the keen riders taking part in Tour de OROC was 17-year-old Finnish exchange student Ossi Oehtihuh.

“Ossi was amazed by what he saw along the way. Keep in mind that the OROC area comprises  around 200,000 square kilometres compared to the entire Finland land area of about 300,000 square kilometres,” Mr Dickerson said.

“Finland has 60,000 lakes and a peak of 1,328m above sea level with temperatures that range from a winter average of -8˚C to a summer average high of 21˚C.

“The view along the way could not have been more different for him.”

Mr Dickerson said once proceeds had been finalised, they would be handed to Macquarie Home Stay.