Scenic riders to celebrate the year

BALLARAT Scenic Cyclists are set to celebrate another twelve months of seeing the city, and the state, on two wheels.

Their annual President’s Ride will take place on Thursday, 29 December from the Moorabool Reservoir Gardens, and secretary Gary Bunn said it’s a chance for their members to catch up, reflect on their travels together, and where they should ride next year.

It’s also an opportunity for them to raise money in support of a local not-for-profit.

“We’ll ride over to Spargo Creek Mineral Springs and back to a barbecue picnic at Moorabool Lodge,” he said.

“Some of our members might ride from Ballarat, and travel about 60 kilometres, while others might drive there and ride 25 kilometres, but it’s an easy one to do.”

In recent years, the Ballarat Scenic Cyclists have raised hundreds of dollars during the President’s Ride for organisations including WRISC Family Violence Support, and Access All Abilities Sports, which aims to create sporting opportunities for young people between the ages of five and 16 who live with a disability.

The cycling group has about 50 members, and Mr Bunn said they’ve had an interesting calendar full of rides in 2022, with monthly out of town journeys in different parts of Victoria including Sorrento, Melbourne, and Castlemaine.

Twice a year, group members also take a cycling getaway together, and Mr Bunn said they’re always pleased to welcome new members to any of their rides, short or long.

“We’re a very accepting group, and we start off at beginners’ level with rides on Mondays, and rides of a longer distance are on Thursdays and Fridays,” he said.

“We’re very aware of safety, and actively encourage people to wear bright clothing.”