Two-wheel champions and weekend riders took part in equal measure for the 520-kilometre cycle relay, which covered three main routes from Echuca, Swan Hill and Mildura to Port Fairy.

Near-perfect conditions were enjoyed by cyclists from the Mallee and Goulburn Valley, through the Wimmera and into the Western District with sunshine and a gentle breeze sweeping across the finish line.

The cycling relay was established in 1987 by Port Fairy cycling couple Graham and Hester Woodrup to raise funds for Port Fairy Hospital — now extended to any health service. 

Mr Woodrup died in a 1992 training accident but his legacy lives on through the Graham Woodrup Medal. This year’s prize was awarded to the Loddon Murray Cycling Club’s Rob Mason.

Mrs Woodrup said the popularity of the event had grown considerably since the first relays back in the late 1980s. 

“Murray to Moyne started off small and now it’s known by cyclists around the country,” she said. “We’ve had a good year. The weather’s been fantastic, strong crowds and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves.”

Murray to Moyne co-ordinator Maggie Leutton said this year’s relay was likely to raise $1 million for health causes once all results had been tallied.

“I have no qualms in saying we’ll get to the $1 million mark this time around,” she said.

Anglicare team leader Peter Umbers said it was the first time the group had participated in the event, although there were a number of seasoned riders among the team.

“It’s about getting the Anglicare name out there as well as raising funds,” Mr Umbers said. 

“The weather has been perfect. I remember participating one year and it was 42 degrees, so this is pleasant.”

Volunteers also took a well-deserved break at the finish line presentation ceremony. 

Retired Warrnambool nurse Lorraine Rundle served as a first aid volunteer during the two-day event. 

She has been part of the medical team on the Great Victorian Bike Ride three but it was her first with the Murray to Moyne.

“It’s a wonderful event,” Mrs Rundle said. “We had plenty of Band-Aids in stock but we didn’t have to use too many thankfully.”

Teams from across Victoria as well as interstate participated in the ride and many veterans of the event claimed 2015 was the best year yet.

Castlemaine Rouleurs captain Gary Bunn praised Murray to Moyne organisers and said their organisation skills were impeccable.

“It’s a very well run event and everyone seems to enjoy taking part,” he said. “The camaraderie of the two days is probably the best part. There’s the exercise and the fresh air of course, but there’s nothing like meeting up with old friends.”