ACE ride set for October
Entries are open for a 2021 community Arapiles Cycling Event based at Natimuk later this year.
The ride, which has 100, 50 and 20-kilometre circuits, is scheduled for October 2, with the first riders taking off at 7.30am.
In previous years the ride, a ‘pleasant pedal’ instead of a race, has attracted riders from across Victoria and interstate.
It involves participants riding on circuits that avoid main roads and feature scenery of emerging or flowering broadacre crops with Mount Arapiles providing an imposing backdrop.
Event manager Mark Radford said COVID-19 restrictions presented uncertainty, but an organising committee was working on a philosophy of being able to ‘run the event if we can’.
Mr Radford said the ACE Ride generated money for regional causes and this year would support Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids.
“Twenty dollars from 100 and 50-kilometre-ride entry fees will go to supporting this local charity, which assists families through their cancer-fight journey,” he said.
Mr Radford said creation of event website www.aceride.com.au, designed to keep enthusiasts updated, was also about encouraging entries. He said the ride was a sanctioned event in partnership with Auscycling.
“Organisers rely on and appreciate the support of Vicroads, Horsham Rural City Council, Parks Victoria, Victoria Police, Horsham Cycling Club and St John Ambulance to bring the event together,” he said.
A 100-kilometre route travels from Natimuk to Noradjuha and on to a rest stop at Mount Arapiles. Riders then do a circuit of the mount before heading to Grass Flat rest stop, towards Cooak and back to Natimuk.
A 50-kilometre circuit takes in Mount Arapiles, Grass Flat and Cooak before returning to Natimuk.
A 20-kilometre circuit uses an Arapiles Big Sky Bike Trail which avoids roads and is a ‘family friendly’ option.
Patrons will pay $85 to take part in the 100km circuit, $75 for 50km and a 20km circuit costs adults $15 and children $7.50.
Mr Radford encouraged riders to ‘ramp up’ training in preparation and register for the 2021 Arapiles Cycling Event.
“See you in the spring,” he said.