This Sunday (February 7) the streets of Ararat will be alive with the thrum of motorcycle engines as the 13th annual Grampians Ride to Remember gets underway.
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Starting and finishing in Ararat, the ride will take participants on a picturesque route that leads them through towns such as Wickliffe, Dunkeld, and Halls Gap.
Grampians Ride to Remember committee has put in extra work to ensure the ride has been able to be held during COVID-19.
Committee chairman Dean Pinniger said their efforts have been rewarded by a superb response.
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"We're expecting some really good numbers," he said.
"We've got about 400 people registered as of Monday night (February 1)."
Mr Pinniger said the committee has been very thorough in ensuring the ride meets COVIDsafe protocols.
"We always run it as a safe event, but this year we've got to run it as a COVIDsafe event as well, so we've got a COVID team and coordinator to help with that," he said.
"We have our COVIDsafe plans in place, it's been endorsed by police and council and the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
"We've also encouraged people to book ahead because it assists us to have the numbers and the contact tracing for COVID in place."
The ride also helps community groups and organisations in a variety of ways.
All the proceeds will go to East Grampians Health Services to aid in the purchase of a new x-ray machine for Ararat Hospital.
Ararat RSL will provide participants breakfast, and Halls Gap Cricket Club will serve a $5 morning tea, providing the club with much-needed funds amid difficult times.
The Ride to Remember committee is a sub-committee of the Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch.
Blue Ribbon Foundation commemorates police officers who died on the line of duty.
Grampians Ride to Remember chief marshall and former committee chairman Phil Clark the police always help ensure the safety of the ride.
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"The police have been exceptionally good supporters of it, and help coordinate a safe ride as well, so they've been fantastic," he said.
Mr Clark said various other community groups have also contributed to the ride's success.
"There's been a lot of different businesses, sponsors, and supporters that have helped us contribute to support us and make it successful."
Mr Clark said the contributions from these groups and the committee's dedication to the ride have seen it earn a great reputation.
"Because it's such a fantastic, well-organised ride, we get fantastic feedback from the participants," he said.
"They come from far and wide, and they just love coming up here, visiting the area, and doing the ride."
There will be a safety briefing for all riders and pillions at the Ararat RSL car park at 8:30am on Sunday, with the ride beginning at 9am.
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