Sport
16 October, 2023
Great turnout for Arapiles cycling event
It was a cool start in Natimuk for the Riders on Saturday morning as Mayor Robyn waved our national emblem and they rode up the Main street to commence the 2023 Arapiles Cycling Event. In all across the 3 Circuits, 123 Riders participated in the...
It was a cool start in Natimuk for the Riders on Saturday morning as Mayor Robyn waved our national emblem and they rode up the Main street to commence the 2023 Arapiles Cycling Event.
In all across the 3 Circuits, 123 Riders participated in the community bike ride. The vast majority of Riders came from Melbourne which prompted many comments on our beautiful, quiet, Wimmera scenery.
The crops are looking very good and the lakes and dams are healthy with Mount Arapiles being the focal point in the centre.
Riders had a choice between riding 100 kilometres or 50 kilometres along largely quiet back roads or 20 kilometres along the Natimuk-Arapiles Bike Trail.
Rest Stops were provided along the way to provide food, drinks and shade. The quickest rider to complete the 100km course was Horsham man Dennis Kelly in under 3 hours.
The Arapiles Cycling Event supports Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids and this year, also, ‘Travelling with Tash/Beyond Blue.’
There were 3 ‘incidents’ to be dealt with. One of our young Riders suffered from heat exhaustion and was assisted by Rhys and the St. John Ambulance team. One rider had a flat tyre but was able to repair the puncture and complete the course and at the Mount Arapiles Rest Stop we almost ran out of fruit cake and lolly Snakes!! Supplies of Snakes were purchased and replacement cake (maybe not quite as healthy as fruit cake) was commandeered from the Natimuk Cafe and couriered to the rest stops.
In all a great day, with beautiful weather and scenery supported by a dedicated team of local volunteers and businesses. Preliminary figures show a Donation in excess of $2000 to support WACK.
It was very encouraging to see the way that the Riders, men and women - many of them aged over 50, had prepared and trained up to the Event and rode on the day.
Most stayed 2 nights in the Wimmera which had the knock-on benefits for local tourism and business.
The ACE Ride Committee acknowledges the support received from Horsham Rural City Council, Victoria Police, VicRoads, Parks Victoria, St. John Ambulance and the Horsham Cycling Club.