Teams cycle to Ararat trots

East Grampians Health Service cycling teams – Cranks and Defibrillators – will take their bicycles to the trots this month.

The two teams are in training for the annual Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay, a 525-kilometre relay from Swan Hill to Port Fairy in April.

The teams aim to raise $25,000 to help with the purchase of a new bus for the health service’s Patricia Hinchey Centre.

One of the teams’ major fundraisers will be a race meeting at Ararat Harness Racing Club on February 16.

Team members will be out and about at the track selling raffle tickets and shaking donation tins.

Racegoers can also make a gold coin donation at the gate.

The teams have also sold race names to Ararat district businesses for the seven-race event.

Service community liaison officer Jodie Howell said East Grampians Health Service had been participating in the Murray to Moyne Relay for many years and had raised thousands of dollars for equipment.

“This year the teams are helping raise money for the Patricia Hinchey Centre bus which will enable clients to attend community events and go on outings as part of their activities’ program,” she said. “The teams are training twice a week for the gruelling relay, which will start at Swan Hill on April 1 and finish at Port Fairy on April 2.”

Ms Howell said the teams developed great camaraderie and worked hard together, not only in training and riding, but in running a number of fund-raising events in the lead up to the relay.

“They are great ambassadors for the health service,” she said.

Ms Howell encouraged people to attend a night of racing and help raise money for the new bus.