Having just completed a gruelling 520 kilometre bike ride from Swan Hill to Port Fairy in just six days, Harold has drawn interest to himself that he never would have believed possible.

Inspired by the wonderful times he and his late wife June shared in the Moyne region, at a place called Toolong 60 or more years ago, Harold decided to take on the challenge of riding the same route as the Murray to Moyne cycle relay - 520 kilometres from Swan Hill to Port Fairy - and he conquered it.

``I don't know what really triggered the thought of doing it. Everyone has asked me what made me do it and you know what, I have often asked myself the same question,'' he said.

``I suppose in the back of my mind, I think it had something to do with June and I and the time we spent in the Moyne.

``We spent a nice part of our life in the Moyne when I was shearing and June was cooking.

``I had heard a lot about the Murray to Moyne cycle relay and how a team from Stawell was going in it every year, raising money for the hospital. Every time I heard the word Moyne, it really inspired me to go back and visit that part of the world again, just to recapture a little bit of that feeling.

``I thought to myself, why not have a go at riding the same route, at first for myself and then I said why not try and raise some money for Eventide Homes at the same time.''

Harold said he really wasn't taking on the ride for any attention, it was something he simply wanted to do.

``All the attention caught me by surprise really,'' he said.

``I was just going to ride it on my own, but I ended up having my grandson Jude Bolton ride with me and my son Gary and daughter Christine, along with her husband Ken, all came along for support.

``That was great, they were really encouraging. Or should I say very bossy. Christine in particular kept at me to make sure I stayed motivated.

``They didn't need to be talked into it either. All I did was ask and everyone jumped at it. It certainly created more interest than I could ever have imagined.''

Harold said he had heard a lot of people in the community, as well as in the media, speak of him inspiring others. He certainly hopes that is the case.

``I didn't do it for that reason, but if I have inspired others, then well and good,'' he said.

``To say me taking up the challenge of riding would have inspired other people, I'm not sure about that. I think they would do it anyway. I suppose I may have inspired a few younger ones to get motivated, not so much the older ones.''

Harold said he was thrilled to have completed the ride, providing him with a memory that will last forever.

``I could live until I'm a hundred, or I could fall over tomorrow. At least I can say I did it and I'm glad I did,'' he said.

``There were a couple of people out there who said I wouldn't make it, mostly for inspiration I think. I'm particularly happy that I was able to help the cause here a bit along the way.''