Riding a bike for six hours on the summer's hottest day has proven a winner for Crows defender Nathan Bassett.

Family, friends and Crows supporters have helped Bassett raise about $9000 to go towards research into Juvenile Diabetes after he replaced the footy boots for a racing bike and rode 180km through the Barossa Valley to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The Ride to Cure Diabetes was part of the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under. Bassett, 29, was joined by his father Tony on the ride which took place on a scorching Saturday afternoon with the temperature in excess of 42 degrees.

The Crows 2005 best team man was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was aged 20, and said it is a very difficult period in anyone's life. "‘I had just been drafted by Melbourne at the time and to be told I would have to live with type 1 diabetes, and manage it daily for the rest of my life was very confronting,” Bassett said.

“I do quite a bit of public speaking about living with type 1 diabetes but it was a great thrill to get on a bike and complete the course, alongside my dad, in such tough conditions, knowing that I was doing my bit towards finding a cure."

Bassett has several blood tests and up to six insulin injections on game day.

Bassett and his fiancé Nicole Mrdjen recently celebrated their engagement and lieu of gifts, asked guests at their party to back Nathan's bike ride and make a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. More than $1000 was pledged by guests.

The Adelaide Crows Foundation also pledged $5000 towards Nathan’s bike ride which covered his entrance fee.

Bassett's total was in the top five out of more than 170 riders, with the highest individual total being just over $10,000.