But Saxons riders are also inclusive and loyal. They never leave anyone behind on a ride - it is an unspoken rule to wait for all riders at the top of a gruelling climb.

Saxon Jamie Govan it did not matter about ability or equipment, on the roads Saxons stuck together.

"Riding a bike's magic. We have a lot of people riding bikes worth $1000 and some riding bikes worth $10,000 and we have some with electric motors that power past us, particularly on a climb," Mr Govan said.

"But, when you're on a bike, everyone is equal in going for a ride except when you're going up a hill - but we always wait for each other at the top."

The Saxons also claim they would not entirely mind if another team did outnumber them in the Classic as this would mean others had been rallying for more numbers on course.

And the Classic is all about participation to boost homegrown cancer research with 100 per cent of entry fees to boost Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute programs.

Mr Govan toured the labs in an open day this month and said he was still blown away by the world-class facilities and research in Ballarat.

FECRI has set an ambitious $300,000 target for next year's Cycle Classic to help establish a breast cancer research program in Ballarat. This will build on an initial donation from Melbourne philanthropist Mary-Paula Williamson that will allow the Institute to recruit an internationally recognised senior researcher, specialising in breast cancer, by early next year.

The Saxons heavily promote the Classic and what it stands for among friends, family and fellow riders who travel up from Torquay to ride each year.

Ballarat Cycle Classic features road rides, mountain biking and a run/walk for all abilities. Distance road courses take in the notorious national championships' Mount Buninyong climb.

"We're lucky in Ballarat, we can ride in any direction to suit - when you holiday in Mooloolba in Queensland you can't because of the ocean, and you can't in Geelong either," Mr Govan said. "We know all the back roads around here and we always finish with a coffee and chat."

This, the Saxons say, is true happiness.

Alex McCallum Perpetual Team Trophy is named in memory of a passionate Classic rider who died in 2017. The trophy is up for grabs to the largest social team registered in Ballarat Cycle Classic, which is next on February 16.

Ballarat Cycle Classic is on February 16. Details: ballaratcycleclassic.com.au

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