General News
14 November, 2024
Murray to Moyne 2025: Dennis Sharkey gears up for his 25th charity ride
Cyclists invited to join Dennis Sharkey in 2025 Murray to Moyne.
Local Dennis Sharkey is gearing up for his 25th Murray to Moyne cycling event in 2025, aiming to raise funds and awareness for Grampians Health Edenhope.
The 520km relay ride, held annually from Mildura to Echuca, has become a meaningful tradition for Mr Sharkey, who values the teamwork and camaraderie it brings.
Driven by a commitment to his local health service, he's seeking to attract younger cyclists to the team and continue supporting Edenhope-specific projects, which in 2024 raised more than $25,000.
Mr Sharkey is an avid cyclist, known for loading his bike up with camping gear and hitting the road for a couple of weeks.
"I usually ride by myself, I like being alone," he said.
"Murray to Moyne is kind of weird; it's the one time I enjoy the teamwork and riding with a group."
The camaraderie draws Mr Sharkey back every year, but he is also driven to support Grampians Health Edenhope.
"For me, it's a way of making a statement about our health service, to say it's important and that we need it to continue," he said.
"I actually stayed in a hospital room that was financed by Murray to Moyne a few years ago - there was a plaque on the door.
"None of us want to be in there, but everyone needs a local hospital and to have it stocked with all the best equipment."
In the lead up to the 2025 event, on Saturday, April 5 to Sunday, April 6, Mr Sharkey hopes to attract a younger crew of cyclists.
"I haven't got a bad word to say about the team, but we're a bit of an old man's club at the moment," he said.
"We figured out the average age, in 2024, and the number was in the high 50s.
"It would be really great to get some younger people involved, and some more females."
Participants each ride about 150km, across two days, but the relay-style approach makes it more achievable for amateur cyclists.
"We break it up into blocks, depending on conditions and people's fitness, so if you can hang onto your bike for 20km, at a go, you'll be right," he said.
"Everyone has their own personal goal and we match our approach to them; some are pushing just to make it through, others are trying to break their own records.
"We've had plenty of people come for the first time and their sense of self -pride is very evident."
In 2024, Mr Sharkey's brother, Kevin, joined the Edenhope team and raised $890 for Grampians Health Edenhope.
"Kevin recognised that Edenhope people really support each other, and our golden rule is that no one is left behind," Mr Sharkey said.
"It's a great team and a great event, so hopefully we'll have some more numbers in 2025."
For more information about Edenhope's Murray to Moyne team and 2025 event, phone engagement Coordinator Dani Grindlay: 0409 215 696.