Torrential rain and icy cold winds did nothing to deter 50 cyclists as the second edition of the Warrnambool to Melbourne Big Ride for a Big Life was held Friday.

4 groups of cyclists from around Victoria, along with a support crew of over 20 hit the road from 3am Friday morning braving the horrendous conditions on the mammoth 285 kilometer journey, reaching the Docklands a mere 12 hours later to waiting family and friends and Cr Jamal Hakim of the Melbourne City Council.

Riding to raise money for local schools mental health charity a Big Life, a $50,000 target was smashed with a final total of $64,000 announced today.

The money raised will now see the program introduced into Merrivale, Woolsthorpe and Warrnambool West Primary Schools.