All in the name of fundraising, the team of riders will embark on the three-day ride this morning in an effort to raise money for the Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust.
Horizon Committee Inc has been involved in fundraising for cancer support services since 2004 and has raised nearly $2 million in that time through the Murray Charity Meander, Echuca-Moama’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch, the Little Blue Towels project and the Great Murray River Postie Bike Alpine Adventure.
The major beneficiaries have been breast cancer and prostate cancer services, including the funding of 58 oncology nursing scholarships nationally to better equip nurses to assist men with prostate cancer.
A local three-day ride centred on Echuca-Moama, departing this morning, provided funds to assist Bendigo Health Foundation’s purchase of prostate cancer biopsy equipment.
After that, the Echuca-Moama riders will link up with the other riders for the Alpine adventure.
This morning’s ride sees the group head to Myrtleford for breakfast before heading to Albury via Yackandandah, Tallangatta and Bellbridge.
The afternoon takes in Mt Beauty and Tawonga Gap. Saturday’s ride is a long loop to Falls Creek, Omeo and Mt Hotham.
The last leg on Sunday is to the top of Mt Buffalo and back to Mystic Paragliding launch site, before lunch at Wandilagong.
Event co-ordinator Dick Phillips said even if something went wrong along the way, that would be taken care of.
‘‘Fuel and oil top-ups will be provided, and we have mechanical services on hand for minor repairs,’’ Phillips said.
‘‘In case of a major mechanical failure, we will be able to take you and your bike back to Bright.
‘‘The primary reason for the event is to raise funds to support prostate cancer services and it’s a condition of entry that all participants organise raise at least $1000 in donations or sponsorship, of course more is better.’’
The Great Murray River Postie Bike Alpine Adventure:
Friday, February 22:
Riders briefing at 7am River Lodge, Bright Holiday Park then ride to Myrtleford for breakfast. Ride to Albury via Yackandandah, Tangambalanga, Lake Hume Village.
Refuel before lunch by the Murray River. All riders back in the saddle at 1.30pm for the ride up the Kiewa Valley to Dederang, Mt Beauty and back to Bright.
Saturday, February 23:
A 245km jounrey seems a long way but cyclists on the Three Peaks ride do the same circuit in 13 hours. A 7am gathering sees the riders briefed at River Lodge before a 7.30am breakfast at Riverdeck Cafe.
Leave Bright at 8.30am for ride to Mt Beauty via Tawong Gap, before the climb up to Falls Creek, steep descent and down the valley to Omeo for lunch.
After lunch it’s a steady climb to Mt Hotham then down to Harrietville and an easy ride back to Bright. Aiming to be back by 5pm. Dinner at Feathertop Winery.
Sunday, February 24:
At 7am riders brief at River Lodge before riding to a 7.30am breakfast. Head to Porepunkah then climb Mt Buffalo to the horn.
Dirt section from Chalet to the top for magnificent views down the valley. Retracing their route the group then rides up fire tracks to look out over Bright before descending into Wandilagong for lunch at the famous Wandi Pub and back to Bright by 2.30pm.
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