READY TO RIDE: Philip Nicks with his Harley Davidson. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
MOTORCYCLISTS from across Victoria will participate in the fifth annual Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Grampians 'Ride to Remember' in Ararat on February 3.
Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat branch organisers expect up to 300 motorcyclists for the ride, which will begin at Ararat Performing Arts Centre in Barkly Street.
Branch co-ordinator Dianne Radford said the day was shaping up to be spectacular, but weather would dictate how many cyclists attended.
Motorcyclists will travel a 170-kilometre circuit that includes Maroona, Willaura, Wickliffe, Lake Bolac, Westmere and Streatham. Riders will then assemble at Buangor for a short Western Highway closure before turning onto Warrak Road and returning to Ararat.
Ms Radford said it would be the first time the Western Highway would close for the event.
Horsham's Phil Nicks has been involved in Ride to Remember for many years and is hoping to participate again this year.
"It is a great day out and helps raise money for the emergency department of hospitals," he said.
Mr Nicks is also on the Ararat Branch's Ride to Remember sub-committee and is a past member of the Blue Ribbon committee in Horsham.
After the ride, Ararat Lions Club will cater for a community barbecue in Alexandra Gardens.
Ms Radford said the community was invited to view a Show 'n Shine, sponsored by Wimmera Motorcycles and consisting of six categories.
People could vote for a people's choice award, sponsored by Brass Balls Motorcycles of Ararat.
She said prizes worth more than $1000 would be awarded at the Show 'n Shine.
She encouraged people to gather in Barkly Street for the start of the ride and then in Alexandra Gardens at 12.30pm where they could meet the bike riders.
"The ride is a green corridor event, so Ararat Highway Patrol will have total jurisdiction over all aspects of the ride," she said.
Specially designed and printed number plates would be available.
Ms Radford said Ride to Remember contributed to the Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat branch's fundraising efforts, so it could continue its work for the Ararat Hospital.
She said motorcyclists could register online through trybooking.com.
Erin McFadden