Ride For Red Nose continues to grow

PREPARATIONS for this year’s Ride For Red Nose are in full swing, with two days of rides taking place this weekend raising potentially lifesaving fundings for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) research.

Now in its fourth year as an initiative, but its first year known as Ride For Red Nose (formerly Ride The Bellarine for SIDS), organiser Peter Herrick said he was excited for this year’s event to begin Saturday, August 31

“It’s exciting to put all the hard work together then head off to the coast with 20 other riders, braving the elements and raising awareness and funds for something that affects so many.

“None of the riders are professional riders, we have first-time long distance riders, novice riders, it’s just a bunch of people doing it out of the goodness of their own hearts.

“It seems to have grown again this year with the support we’ve got, despite the obvious cost of living pressures, but we’ve still managed to raise over $10,000 which is a really good effort.”

The Ride For Red Nose will again begin and conclude at the Ocean Grove Lifesaving Club, with 20 riders hitting the road at about 8.30am.

The loop course is 110km in distance across the Bellarine, passing through Queenscliff, Portarlington, Drysdale and then into Geelong before returning to Ocean Grove.

An auction will directly follow the Ride For Red Nose.

Riders will this year honour the memory of Georgia Hope Marchant by wearing her name on their jerseys.

Georgia was the daughter of Bellarine MP Alison Marchant, who is a staunch supporter of Ride For Red Nose and the awareness it raises.

Georgia passed away from stillbirth 16 years ago, after a premature pregnancy at 22 weeks into Ms Marchant’s term.

Ms Marchant said it was an honour to have Georgia’s name worn by this year’s riders.

“This ride is about remembering babies who have left us too soon but have had a profound impact in the lives of families.

“It raises important awareness of the work SIDS Victoria do and funds to support research.

“It is an honour to have Georgia’s name on this year’s jersey, in remembering her and all other babies who have left us too soon.

“When babies are born sleeping or die unexpectedly, it is not only their presence that we miss, but all the dreams we had for them.

“Riders will experience the beautiful Bellarine, and I am thankful for them being a part of a wonderful cause.”

For the first time, children and their parents can also take part in the inaugural Kids’ Ride, which will involve youngsters taking on either a 2km, 4km, or 6km course of Grand Lakes Estate in Lara, the town Mr Herrick resides.

Following the Kids’ Ride, music, stalls and face painting will be on offer for those in attendance. 70 children and parents have already registered for the Kids’ Ride.

To read Georgia Hope Marchant’s story and find out more about this year’s Ride For Red Nose, head to rideforsids.com