Motorcyclists roll in for Grampians ride
More than 400 motorcycle enthusiasts gathered in Ararat for the annual Grampians Ride to Remember.
A forecast of showers failed to deter riders and pillions from across Victoria and South Australia from supporting the ride and dry conditions prevailed.
Organisers of the Grampians Ride to Remember were again pleased with the turnout of return and many new riders who ventured to Ararat for the weekend or just for the day.
A sub-committee of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat branch organises the event to raise money for East Grampians Health Service.
The 196-kilometre green-corridor ride took in Grampians National Park and involved help from police stationed in the Northern Grampians Region.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner for Road Traffic, Doug Fryer, led the ride in a police vehicle, followed by two police solo motorcyclists.
Before getting underway Assistant Commissioner Fryer addressed participants, followed by the safety officer Jenni Papst who delivered a safety brief.
The Assistant Commissioner then asked for one minute’s silence to remember 150 Victoria Police officers who had been killed in the line of duty.
The ride took off from Ararat Performing Arts Centre precinct with a wave of the Victoria Police chequered flags by Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation chief executive Neil Soullier, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation – Ararat Branch Terry Weeks, Ararat Rural City Mayor Paul Hooper and East Grampians Health Service board president Matt Wood. The Ride travelled out of Ararat and through to Pomonal, then diverted around Lake Fyans, across to Lake Lonsdale and through to Halls Gap for morning tea prepared by Halls Gap Cricket Club.
The ride then headed out past Lake Bellfield through to Yarram Gap Road, on to Willaura and back to Ararat via Maroona where riders were treated to an Ararat Lions Club barbecue lunch at Alexandra Gardens.
A Show ‘n’ Shine proved popular with participants vying for prizes and trophies.
Ride co-ordinator Dianne Radford said it was fantastic the event had become a signature regional ride supported by motorcycle enthusiasts.
“Quite a number have done the ride every year,” she said.
“The ride is organised by a dedicated sub-committee, which includes Victoria Police, marshalls and support and on-ground volunteers.
“These people do a wonderful job over many months to bring the ride together. We are also indebted to Wimmera Motorcycle Co, Shannons Insurance and Ace Radio, plus Ararat Rural City and the many other businesses and organisations.
“We hope to raise up to $10,000 which will go towards the Jason Bond Perioperative Unit at East Grampians Health Service.”
Following debriefing organisers will work with police to plan for next year’s 10th anniversary ride.