And with 25 days of straight bike riding planned, the 49-year-old will need every trick in the book.

The western suburbs firefighter is one of 12 members of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade participating in a non-stop bike ride next month for prostate cancer.

The fire-fighters will be pedalling around Australia to raise money and awareness of the vicious disease, which kills more than 3000 men each year.

Mr Lyons said he and his team members had been training hard over the past few weeks to prepare for the marathon ride.

They will cover 15,000 kilometres during the arduous trip, five times the length of the Tour De France.

The team met at the Sunshine Fire Station last week to discuss the logistics of the ride.

“The most I’ve ever done in one ride is 150-160 kilometres so it’s not even close to what I’ll be doing next month,” Mr Lyons said.

“I must admit I’m reasonably nervous about it but it’s all for a good cause.”

The dynamic dozen will also be at the mercy of the weather and are preparing for extreme conditions as they cycle through Australia’s top end.

They will also be eating many of their meals in the saddle and are stocking up on energy bars and electrolyte drinks.

“I’m trying to go in with a few extra kilos because I know I’m going to lose a lot of weight,” Mr Lyons said.

“I tend to eat on the bike so I don’t have to stop riding.

“One of my favourite things to eat is chocolate chip cookies that my daughter makes me.

“I might have to get her to make me a few extra for the big ride.”

The Melbourne Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFESB) Cycling Club will begin riding on 31 October and are due to return to Melbourne on 24 November.

The ride will raise money for the E.J Whitten Foundation.

For more information visit www.1300whitten.com.au.