The popular cycling event offers three different distances for participants, showcasing views of Mount Arapiles and the landscape around Natimuk.

The ride supports the Wimmera Drug Action Task Force.

Ella, an up-and-coming triathlete, is incorporating her ride into her training regime in the lead-up to School Sport selection races at Yarrawonga on October 22. 

Ella’s Melbourne-based coach, Mat Tippet from Elite Triathlon Peformance Australia, has supported her in her bid to join in as part of her preparation. 

The Horsham College student will be riding alongside dad Peter, who expected to feel the 56km distance more than his daughter. 

Ella joined in the fun of the ACE ride last year, taking on the 10km event on a mountain bike.

This time she will be on her road bike. 

She hoped that other young people would take the opportunity to get on the bike and take part. 

This year’s course would hold some surprises, even for riders who have taken part before.

Always looking to keep riders on their toes, course director Paul Walsh said riders could expect a challenge.

“This year we have a new, longer route which takes in the hills of Grass Flat and provides a new view of Mount Arapiles with Mitre Lake in the foreground,” he said.

“The course is a little more testing this year and should challenge the riders.”

The ACE ride includes three different distances: 

Horsham to Mount Arapiles and return (123km): This is for the rider who regularly attends such events, for whom 100km is a pleasant day’s ride and who enjoys riding at a reasonable clip with the right gear to do it. This distance allows you to see a large slab of the local landscape, avoiding the major highways.  

Horsham to Mount Arapiles (56kms with a bus trip back to Horsham): For the rider who is just getting into the sport. The Mount Arapiles goal will be visible nearly all the way, getting closer. There will be strategic rest stops to will offer a break, before heading off toward the rock on the rise.

Natimuk to Mount Arapiles (10km via the Arapiles Big Sky Bike Trail with an optional bus trip back to Natimuk): For the rider who would prefer to travel along a bike path, a shorter distance, but still with a goal in view to arrive at Mount Arapiles. Leaving from the centre of Natimuk, the bike trail follows the Natimuk Creek before heading due west. This 10km route is suited to families with a sense of adventure or the day to day rider who likes a challenge.

For more information, visit the website at www.aceride.com.au