Ready to roll for better health

BALLARAT’s cycling community has historically been well represented in the Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay, and that tradition continues into 2024.

The 24-hour 520-kilometre journey begins at Echuca tomorrow (Saturday, April 6), and ends at Port Fairy the next day.

Long-time Murray to Moyne participants, the Velorats, will be there again to support the Ballarat Health Services Foundation.

As of Easter, the team had already collectively raised more-than $11,500 for the foundation which will go to Grampians Health Ballarat’s youth mental health services.

“I love the camaraderie out there on the road, during both our training and over the event weekend,” Velorats captain Ross Huntington said.

“It’s a wonderful way to keep fit both physically and mentally.

“This year we are again partnering with the Ballarat Health Services Foundation, and all money we raise will help rejuvenate the child and adolescent mental health facilities. Most of us in the team are dads, and the importance of this service really resonated with us.”

Returning to take part in the 2024 Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay is another local team, Jimmy’s Licorice Allsorts, riding to raise funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

This year, the Allsorts and the Velorats have decided to tackle the big river-to-sea bike challenge together.

Huntington was named the Murray to Moyne Graham Woodrup Memorial awardee in 2023, having been involved with the event for 18 years.

Over the years, his team has raised $120,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

In 2023, $30,000 was donated to the Ballarat Health Services Foundation by the Velorats to improve the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre’s patient gym.

“I have been associated with the Velorats for many years through the Rotary Club of Ballarat West,” Ballarat Health Services Foundation chair Lindsay Florence said.

“They are incredible community fundraisers. On behalf of the foundation, I’d like to extend my thanks to the team for their commitment to our local public health service.

“I would encourage everyone to get behind their 2024 efforts to support the rejuvenation of the Grampians Health Child and Adolescent mental health service.”

Head to bit.ly/3VveuLM to support the Velorats and bit.ly/3TE6Rjo to back the Allsorts.