Superintendent Margetts is the Western Region Division 4 Police Commander, operating out of Horsham and Ararat, and recently accepted an invitation to be the 2019 ride patron.

The patron will lead the ride out on the day as well as assist in the organisation of the event.

The ride will take place on February 3 and honours police killed in the line of duty, and also fundraises for East Grampians Health Service.

The event also aims to promote safety in motorcycling, and organiser Dianne Radford said the patron was always a member of the police force and was chosen for their dedication to road safety and Victoria Police.

Superintendent Margetts has served Victoria Police for 37 years and is also a long-time motorcycle enthusiast. 

He said the event was one that was close to his heart.

“I feel very privileged to have been asked and have accepted the role with great pride,” he said.

“I have been personally touched by the loss of friends and colleagues who have died while motorcycle riding and am acutely aware of the vulnerability of motorcyclists as a road user group and am very focused towards preventing road deaths and serious injuries.

“It pleases me greatly that one of the objectives of the Grampians Ride to Remember is about raising awareness of safe motorcycling.”

Superintendent Margetts had ridden motorcycles since his teen years, and had previously taken part in three police Wall to Wall rides from Melbourne to Canberra, as well as other Grampians Ride to Remember events.

The 2019 ride will cover 173 kilometres, with organisers expecting up to 500 riders and pillions (motorcycle passengers) to pull out of Ararat’s Barkly Street on February 3.

From there riders will head along the fringes of the Grampians National Park and then through the rural townships of  Willaura, Wickliffe, Lake Bolac, Streatham and Buangor.

Riders will then head back to Ararat via Warrak for a barbecue and a Show ‘N’ Shine at Alexandra Gardens.

The ride is organised by a subcommittee that includes motorcycle enthusiasts, police officers, Ararat Rural City Council representatives, Ararat Lions Club, and Ararat Branch members of the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

Subcommittee chairman Dean Pinniger said the event continued to attract riders each year.

“I have had the opportunity to participate as a rider a number of times and it amazing how many riders do the ride every year and keep coming back, with quite a number making it a weekend stay,” he said.

“As a bonus, it is so pleasing that Superintendent Paul Margetts has accepted our invitation to be the 2019 patron.”

For further details or to register, click here.