Annual SIDS ride changes form for 2024

THIS year’s Ride The Bellarine cycling fundraiser will feature a new name and a new format as organisers aim to achieve its biggest fundraising target to date.

The ride, now entering its third year, will be named the Ride For Red Nose, after the national Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) charity the ride raises funds towards.

Organiser and founder of the ride, Peter Herrick, said this year’s ride would also be held over two days instead of one, encouraging families to get their children involved.

Mr Herrick also confirmed the ride will take place over August 31 and September 1 and will aim to raise over $50,000.

“Both rides on both days will continue to go around the Bellarine. Our regular 110km social ride will take place on the Saturday and the Kids ride will take place the day after on the Sunday,” Mr Herrick said.

“We found there were a lot of participants that wanted to include their families in last year’s ride and after the success of our kinder initiative, it became a key discussion topic in preparing this year’s ride.”

Last year’s ride raised more than $46,000 and featured a dedicated team of 23 riders, including Red Nose ambassador Amie Rohan.

Each year, the ride honours a child who has passed away from SIDS.

Lara Maddocks was honoured at the inaugural ride in 2022, while Charlotte Halse was honoured in 2023.

Mr Herrick said riders will have the option to ride in honour of a child of their choice, in addition to the whole group riding in honour of a deceased child.

“Over the three years since we started, we’ve raised over $120,000 for Red Nose and SIDS research, which is something we’re extremely proud of,” Mr Herrick said.

“We’ll begin approaching local businesses for the chance to sponsor the ride in the coming months, but excitement is already increasing for this year.

“The ride really brings to light that there is so much more we can do when it comes to SIDS, and this is something that really gives those touched by it a chance to have a voice.

“It’s a really positive thing to be a part of.”

For more information about this year’s Ride For Red Nose, email [email protected]