SUNDAY was a sunny and active day for Rotary Club of Portland’s annual Beats Cycle for Hope.

The event had 124 participants, just one less of the same number (125) last year, who met up at Hanlon Park to take off at 10am and cycle to Cape Bridgewater.

Electric bikes, a penny-farthing and unicycle joined the 18.5-kilometre bike ride. The youngest rider registered was a four-year-old while the eldest was 75.

Rotary Club of Portland’s Frank Farnsworth said 35% of the riders were school age and another 35% were aged 40 to 60 years old.

“I think a lot of people in that (40 to 60) age bracket will have known Paul Beattie,” he said.

“They'll be riding because they knew Paul and probably rode with him previously.

Paul Beattie is the founder of Beats Cycle for Hope and worked alongside the Portland Rotary Club to start up the event.

Even after his passing in January 2013, the event continues annually.

“We had we asked David Lanyon and Stewart King to lead the ride as representatives of that group who have ridden nearly all the rides that we've had.

“All went very well from our point of view. It was a lovely day with lovely conditions, everything went very safely which is a prime consideration for us, particularly with a lot of younger riders.

“The bus driver didn't report that he picked anybody up, but I couldn't say necessarily whether everybody made it the whole way.

Beats Cycle for Hope raises funds to support families in the local community affected by cancer.

Joining the bike ride was free, but donations were encouraged.

Mr Farnsworth said they raised “pretty close to $3000” just from the day, while donations could also be made online.

“Thanks to the various supporters that we've got, both the riders and people who gave to us in kind support.

“Those funds raised will help the Rotary Club of Portland support another 15 families dealing with cancer.”