Ride the Bellarine to open Red Nose national fundraising drive

ONLY 30 in-person spots will be available to cyclists registering to complete the 2023 Ride the Bellarine for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Ride the Bellarine for SIDS director Peter Herrick said registrations for the fundraiser, which is taking place in August, open next month, and they have an ambitious target of $50,000 set for the Red Nose Charity Ride.

Riders can complete the ride virtually, allowing the fundraiser to be bigger and better than ever.

“This year we are laying down the gauntlet and calling on anyone across Australia or around the world, to jump on the bike, whether it’s cyclists completing the course physically or online, it’s all to support Red Nose,” Mr Herrick said.

“If you’re joining us online, you can ride as many kilometres as you like throughout the month of August.

“You can clock up your kilometres in the comfort of your own home, at the gym or your favourite riding spot – it’s all up to you.”

In 2022, the inaugural ride raised more than $26,500 from the community for Red Nose.

Cyclists will travel more than 110 kilometres across Victoria’s stunning Bellarine Peninsula, including through Geelong’s famous waterfront on Saturday, August 5.

This year, Ride the Bellarine for SIDS 2023, will honour a local Geelong family affected by stillbirth.

“We will be riding the course in honour of Charlotte Halse, who was born sleeping to Geelong mother Poppy Bottrell,” Mr Herrick added.

“We are extremely proud to be honouring Charlotte for this year’s ride. Her memory is a reminder for why we are doing this.”

Taking part in this year’s ride is Red Nose Charity ambassador and child loss awareness advocate Amie Rohan, who tragically lost daughter Willow five hours after birth.

“This is a cause that is incredibly close to my heart,” Ms Rohan said.

“I am honoured to be involved in Ride the Bellarine for SIDS this year and look forward to showing my support for those who have also experienced the loss of a much-loved child.

“I’ll be jumping on the bike on August 5 and taking on the 110 kilometre course. I can’t wait to hit the road while raising crucial funds for Red Nose.”

The 2023 Ride the Bellarine charity ride will also serve as the launch of the Red Nose national fundraising campaign, kicking off the week leading up to Red Nose Day (Friday, August 11).

Registrations for the physical and online ride will open on April 3 via the Ride for SIDS website at www.rideforsids.com