ARARAT’S Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation is gearing up for the 10th anniversary of its annual Grampians Ride to Remember.
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The ride will take place on February 4.
The 234-kilometre ride is a green corridor event and will be run under police escort to maximise safety and to minimise disruption to other road users.
Organisers are expecting about 400 riders and pillions from across Victoria and interstate to participate.
Starting this year from the Ararat RSL carpark and Queen Street area, the ride will travel on all sealed roads within the Ararat Southern Grampians and Northern Grampians shires.
The route includes travelling through the Grampians National Park and will take in Lake Bolac, Wickliffe, Willaura, Dunkeld, Halls Gap, Pomonal and Moyston before returning to Ararat for a barbecue in the Alexandra Gardens.
A sub-committee is organising the 10th anniversary ride. The committee comprises motorcycle enthusiasts, police officers, council representatives, Ararat Lions Club and volunteers with Ararat branch members of the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Sub-committee chairman Phil Clark, a long-time supporter of the annual ride, said it was a must-do event and a signature for the region.
“It is amazing how the Grampians Ride to Remember has evolved since we first did the inaugural ride back in 2008. Many riders have done the ride every year, coming from right across the state with quite a number making it a weekend stay,” he said.
“Others have only picked up on the ride in more recent years and certainly have help spread the word about the excellent organising and conduct of the event.
“And, of course, between Ararat, Stawell and Horsham and surrounding districts we always get fantastic support from our local riders.”
There will be a show ‘n’ shine and Blue Ribbon merchandise for sale in the Alexandra Gardens following the ride.
Ararat Lions Club will provide the catering.
Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat branch chairman, Terry Weeks said the branch was fortunate to have such great support.
“The 10th anniversary ride is a major milestone, to be celebrated and at the same time remember Victoria Police who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” he said.
All proceeds will go towards vital medical equipment at Ararat’s East Grampians Health Service; to register go to www.trybooking.com/SIMS.
