It's a debilitating disease that affects almost 2000 Australians and kills two people each day.
Motor neurone disease is a progressive, terminal neurological condition that affects the central nervous system.
There is no known cure, so research is vital.
This year, the Castle Hill Rotary Club's 20th annual Tour de Hills, on Sunday, March 1, will raise critical funds for motor neurone disease research, headed up by Dominic Rowe and his team at Macquarie University.
"On average, every hour of research costs $100"
This is the second year Professor Rowe's team is the main beneficiary of the event, sponsored by the Australian Hotel and Brewery, Hills News and the Rouse Hill Courier.
"Motor neurone disease affects your ability to walk, talk, shake hands, eat, swallow and, finally, to breathe — all the while your senses and intellect remain intact," Professor Rowe said. "You wouldn't wish this disease on your worst enemy."
Last year the event raised $37,000 for research. This year, Professor Rowe hopes they can raise even more, with an ambitious target of $60,000.
"On average, every hour of research costs $100."
As well as researching into a cure, Professor Rowe and his team are looking into the cause.
"About 10 per cent of MND cases are caused by inherited genes. So for 90 per cent of patients, we don't know why they have it. It can strike anyone, any time. That's why research is so important."
Currently, the Tour de Hills has raised just over $10,000, with about a month until the cycle gets under way.
Other beneficiaries of the event will be NSW Police Legacy, Rural Fire Service, the Australian Rotary Health & Research Foundation and Rotary International.
Sponsors include Orion Creative Solutions, PwC's Private Clients Team, Snap Castle Hill and the Bike Shop of Castle Hill.
■ Registrations for the Tour de Hills are now open at: http://tourdehills.com.au.
