ARARAT - More than three hundred motorcycle enthusiasts from across Australia descended on Ararat last Sunday for the Grampians Ride to Remember.
The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation - Ararat Branch and the organising committee were thrilled with turnout.
More than 200 riders were expected to take part in the ride, but an additional 145 registered on the day.
The Grampians Ride to Remember is an initiative of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation and recently retired chairman John Forbes, Ararat Branch president Terry Weeks, Ararat Rural City Mayor Cr Gwenda Allgood and Grampians Police region inspector Brian Clarke.
Locals and visitors were given a unique opportunity to view a huge rage of motorcycles, including antique and classic bikes which were on display at the registration area near Alexandra Gardens.
Victoria Police deputy commissioner Ken Jones led the riders out of Ararat with the assistance of two Police Solos and Metropolitan Fire Brigade members on red motorcycles.
Under the Australia Day Ride banner, riders flew the flag as a sign of support for the event and had the opportunity to buy authentic 2010 Grampians Ride badges.
Both the antique and classic rides were conducted with a full police escort.
The convoy of riders left Ararat together before embarking on two separate routes to Willaura.
All participants came together at the end of the event to enjoy morning tea supplied by the Willaura Hospital Auxiliary.
Many locals gathered at the Willaura Football Oval to catch a glimpse of the bikes and welcome the riders into town.
After leaving Willaura the two rides separated again.
The main group headed into the Grampians while the antique and classic bikes took a flatter road to Moyston.
Upon arriving back in Ararat the main ride headed into the Alexandra Gardens area via Alexandra Oval.
The antique and classic bikes headed to Alexandra Hall where they were displayed and judged as part of the Show `N' Shine which was organised in conjunction with the GT Falcon Club weekend run.
Ararat branch president Terry Weeks said the success of this year's Ride to Remember could be attributed to the support of riders, pillions, police officers, marshalls, support vehicles and committee members.
''This has again been a very successful event for the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation and particularly the Ararat Branch,'' he said.
''Our thanks go firstly to the Grampians Ride to Remember sub committee who organised the ride, the Foundation and Ararat branch members, partners, families and friends who put in place the infrastructure today, the Ararat and Stawell Lions Club who have put in a big effort with the catering both for the Riders and the Falcon GT Club, and Mick Frichot and his daughters for the entertainment.
''Importantly, we all extend our appreciation to Victoria Police, Deputy Commissioner, Police Solos, Sgt David Todd and Sgt Denis McAdie for organising all the Traffic Management for both rides and all the police from across the Grampians region for being involved today.
''There is a lot of logistic planning for such an event and all police involved are to be congratulated on a fine effort.''
Mr Weeks said incorporating this year's event with the GT Falcon Club Weekend Run had benefitted both groups.
''This year the Ararat Branch and the sub committee had the opportunity to combine this event with the Falcon GT Club and we extend our thanks to Mick and Pauline Johnston and their team for their co-operation,'' he said.
''It has been a great day for all organisations involved and the Ararat and District community.''
The Grampians Ride to Remember will be on again next year and is expected to be bigger and better than ever.
Many motorcycle enthusiasts have already expressed an interest to return for the event and said they would spread the word through their wide networks to get more riders to Ararat in 2011.
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