ONE of the regions biggest events will return in February, attracting hundreds of people to Ararat and the Pyrenees.<\/p>\n
The annual Grampians Ride to Remember was one of the few events to proceed last year and is set to bigger and better in 2022.<\/p>\n
Registrations are now open for the 14th Ride to Remember on Sunday, 6th February 2022 and it is open to all licensed motorcycle enthusiasts.<\/p>\n
The event draws 500 plus riders from across Australia and raises tens of thousands of dollars for Ararat\u2019s Blue Light Foundation as well as a massive economic spin-off for local accommodation, cafes, hotels and tourism businesses.<\/p>\n
The 197 kilometre ride will start in Ararat at 9am and travel the rural countryside with morning tea at Buangor, then onto Raglan, Elmhurst, and into the picturesque Pyrenees Region via the Wimmera River Valley, Glenlofty, Malakoff Forest, passing through the winery areas and onto Landsborough before heading back to Ararat via Crowlands.<\/p>\n
Blue Ribbon Foundation Chairman, Dean Pinniger, said there has already been strong interest in this year\u2019s ride.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bookings are coming in thick and fast so I think we\u2019ll be set for another good ride and good attendance in February,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve sort of been averaging 500 to 550 riders and pillions in the past and there\u2019s another 50 or so volunteers on top of that, but we could easily handle 600 plus with all of the support we have,\u201d Mr Pinniger said.<\/p>\n
All money raised goes to the Ararat Hospital via the Blue Ribbon Foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the funds are going towards new x-ray equipment at the hospital. The Blue Ribbon committee in Ararat has donated just on $1 million to the hospital over the course of the committee being in place,\u201d Mr Pinniger said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ride to Remember and the Gala Ball are the two major fundraisers we hold, but the ball hasn\u2019t gone ahead for two years because of COVID,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The ride will comply with COVID restrictions and all riders must provide proof of double vaccination.<\/p>\n