Picture: Gene Ramirez
IS it a bird? Is it a plane? It's Superman?
No it's Ryan Besso of Pennant Hills.
Mr Besso will ride in the Castle Hill Rotary Club's 18th Tour de Hills Bicycle Classic dressed as his favourite superhero, Superman.
"What he stands for is a 'man of steel'. He is the epitome of strength and endurance and for me I hope this strength and endurance will help me in the bike ride," he said.
Mr Besso has ordered a specially designed Superman costume from China for the event. "It's the signature Superman colours and designed in a breathable fabric to keep the heat down. There is also padding for comfort for long distance riding," he said.
"I wear the costume as it's a bit of fun and its a gimmick which raises public awareness for the charity."
Mr Besso is competing in this year's event in preparation for a half Iron Man competition in Canberra in December.
"I will be competing in the 60 kilometre bike ride [in the Tour de Hills] to ease into the 92 kilometre bike ride, 1.9 kilometre swim and a 21.1 kilometre run as part of the half Iron Man."
■ The annual bike ride will start from Rouse Hill Town Centre, the event's major sponsor, on Sunday, March 3. It features four routes: 100 kilometre, 60 kilometre, 30 kilometre and the family-friendly 13 kilometre cycleway stages.
Register: tourdehills.com.au.