Riding through history for MND

CYCLISTS around Ballarat are uniting next month to raise money and awareness for motor neuron disease.

Held on Sunday, 1 March at Pleasant Street Primary School, the Ballarat Cycling Through History event will rally for MND and bike rider safety.

Hosted by the Saxon Cycling Bunch, the day will explore the city’s bike-riding past and the evolution of riding in Ballarat.

Event spokesperson Jamie Govan said raising money for the MND Victoria organisation is important due to the disease’s incurability.

“You can last for six months or you can last for five years, but once you’ve got it, you’ve virtually got the death sentence,” he said.

Two social rides are available on the day, named Rob’s Ride in honour of Robert Pitman, a local cyclist who passed away from motor neuron disease in 2019.

If cycling is not your thing, walkers are encouraged to participate in the first Walk to D’feet MND event in Ballarat, which includes a lap of Lake Wendouree.

Meeting back at the lake at 10am, patrons are invited to experience the bicycle show’n’shine and buy, swap and sell with bike parts and equipment.

Mr Govan said all bikes are welcome on the day, whether they’re old and rusted or shiny and new.

“It doesn’t matter what sort of bike you bring along,” he said. “Ballarat has a rich history of cycling and we’d love to see every bike that has been made or ridden in our town.”

For more information or to register for Rob’s Ride, visit mycause.com.au/events/robsride.

To register for Walk to D’Feet MND, visit mndwalk.org.au/events/7/ballarat.