News
Grampians ‘Ride to Remember’ travel across the region
1st February, 2011
Predicted hot weather did not deter over 300 riders and pillions descending on Ararat last Sunday for the start of the Grampian's' Ride to Remember' held in memory of Victoria Police killed in the line of duty.
In addition, over $7,000 was raised from the Ride in conjunction with other activities on the day, which will go towards the Peri-operative Unit at East Grampians Health Service (Ararat Hospital).
Coming from right across Victoria, and a number doing the Ride for the first time, the assembly of motorbikes for both the Main and Classic to Veteran Ride in front of the historic Ararat Performance Arts Centre was a spectacular sight. This year some of the riders even made it a weekend and stayed in the area.
The decision by the organizing committee to change the starting venue to a more central location and utilize the closure of Barkly Street in the vicinity of the Ararat Performing Arts Centre was well received by the motorcyclists. It also helped make the registration area run smoothly prior to the Ride getting underway and made it easier for the important ‘safety briefing' by Victoria Police Association's Brian Rix and Jenny Papst from Wimmera Motorcylces to be clearly heard reminding riders of the importance of the road rules and safety on the Ride.
The ‘green corridor' Ride was conducted under police escort and got underway with a roar of engines and the raising of the Police Blue Ribbon flags by Chairman of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation's Bill Noonan, Ararat Rural City's Cr Murray Woods and Ararat Branch President Terry Weeks.
Led by Grampian's Ride to Remember ‘Patron' Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police Sir Ken Jones accompanied by two Police Solos the Ride travelled across three municipalities including Ararat Rural City, Pyrenees Shire and Northern Grampians Shire Council. Supporting police on the day were bike riding members of the organizing committee acting as Road Marshalls led by Sub C'tee Chairman Tim Andrew and Chief Marshall Simon Clayfield, in addition to two support vehicles at the rear.
Stopping off at Elmhurst the riders were welcomed by the local community with morning tea and this was very well received by the ride contingent. The stop- over helped raise $1,100 for the Elmhurst Primary School, a great boost for local fundraising. The Main Ride then travelled onto Avoca for a quick break, through to Moonambel, Landsborough, Stawell and then back onto the Western Highway through Great Western to Ararat. The Classic to Veteran bikes only did a short Ride to Elmhurst for morning tea then returned early to the shade of the trees at Alexandra Gardens.
The Ararat Lions Club members put in a big effort feeding so many in such a short time, in addition to the extra general public who came along to support the Ride. The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon and Ararat Branch worked together selling Blue Ribbon merchandising and cold drinks. Also in attendance for the first time was ‘Stay Up' who promoted motorcycle rider training courses for learners through to advanced skills with a strong focus on safety.
The first up ‘Show N Shine sponsored by Swann Insurance created interest, and will be an activity that can be built on for the future. Great prizes of $100 vouchers, $50 and trophies through Wimmera Motorcycles saw Kevin Hutchinson win the Red Plate, Kelvin Crone the Modern, Graham Scobie the Retro, Brendan Carter the Restoration and Stephen Thewlis the Encouragement Award. The oldest bike went to Daniel Sargent and the oldest rider who put his hand up was Les Crook of Ararat.
The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation - Ararat Branch and the Grampians ‘Ride to Remember' Sub C'tee acknowledge the support of the Victoria Police - Ararat Highway Patrol, the three municipalities, Ararat Lions Club, East Grampians Health Service, local organization, businesses and volunteers who all banded together to make this event a great success, and helped boost the economy throughout the region.
