Cyclists have gone from riding in gym clothes and track suits on toy shop bikes, but with the evolution of cycling in Australia we’re seeing some high end bikes and equipment.
- John Clue
Almost 1000 riders will take to the roads on Saturday for the iconic Woody’s Murray to Moyne cycling relay.
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Riders depart from Mildura, Echuca or Swan Hill at 9am Saturday and are due to arrive in Port Fairy on Sunday from 9am.
Participating teams are expected to raise more than $600,000 for regional health services.
The ride is named in honour of Graham Woodrup, who co-founded the event with his wife Hester, who was killed on a training ride.
President John Clue said the event gave health services the opportunity to raise much-needed funds.
“It’s an iconic event and it’s the front runner to a lot of other (fund-raising) rides. It’s the only night ride we’re aware of.”
He said 65 teams from across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales would participate in the 520km ride.
Mr Clue said conditions for the 31st ride looked good. “There’s not much rain but there will be a breeze the cyclists will have to ride into which might slow them down a bit.”
He said participants didn’t have to be “super-fit athletes” and rode at their own pace.
“Cyclists have gone from riding in gym clothes and tracksuits on toy shop bikes, but with the evolution of cycling in Australia we’re seeing some high-end bikes and equipment. It’s developed into a major pastime.”
This is the first year the ride will be run by the incorporated body the Murray to Moyne Cycling Relay. It was previously organised under the auspices of Moyne Health Services.
He said numbers were down after some uncertainty about whether the ride would continue and if there was still team interest. “It’s exceeded our expectations this year, because of the change we went through we were behind on our marketing and promotion strategy. We’ve had a great response considering.”
Mr Clue encouraged residents to cheer riders on as they arrived into town. The official presentation will be held on Sunday at 11.30am at Railway Place, Port Fairy.