Motorcyclists ride to remember

The roar of motor bikes echoed around the Pyrenees and Grampians region on Sunday when the 12^th Grampians Ride to Remember came to Ararat.

Run by the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch, 320 motorcyclists and pillions took part this year, raising funds for medical equipment at East Grampians Health Service while at the same time commemorating police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

This year’s ride left the Ararat RSL in convoy and then took in around 200 kilometres of picturesque scenery as the two and three-wheel motorcycles enjoyed a ‘green corridor’ ride through Buangor, Elmhurst, Stawell, Pomonal and Moyston before returning to Alexandra Gardens.

Grampians Ride to Remember sub-committee chairman Dean Pinniger said the ride was once again a great success.

“Despite the terrible weather we had late last week and the ongoing threat of bushfires across the state, we were very pleased with the number of riders who turned out for this year’s event and very grateful for their support.

“Some of our riders have been attending since the very first ride and always comment on the spectacular ride route and the camaraderie of the event.

“Thank you to all our valued sponsors, our many volunteers and of course our participants, we are very grateful for your support each year.”

This year the Blue Ribbon Foundation is looking at a fundraising target of $10,000 from the Ride to Remember, with proceeds going towards its $235,000 General X Ray Project in the John McNally Medical Imaging Department at EGHS.