Page 12 - February 2022 Exhaust Notes

Feb 2022 Exhaust Notes - Edition No 310 

Grampians Ride to Remember

Feb 6 2022

Photos and report by Var Ious

The Grampians Ride to Remember is an annual event where the community comes together to ride their
motorcycles starting from Ararat and around the Grampians region. The Ride raises money for the
Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation and local organisations, like the Ararat Hospital.

Each year, more than 300 people join the ride, and this year the event will attract hundreds of
community members to raise money for this worthy cause. This year there was 540+ bikes, trikes and
spiders. I loved the collection of Postie Bikes.
The Grampians Ride to Remember has now been going for 14 years.

A map of the course is included with the photos below.
For me (Mr T Ed) it was nice to be in the area again. Since first moving to the area in 1976, and
spending 6 years in the district, I always enjoy returning and catching up with old friends.
The route is historically littered with evidence of the gold mining era of the 1800s. Not far off the road
in many places there are remains of both Chinese mining and more conventional mine shafts that people
of western origin dug. During this era, greater Landsborough had a population in excess of 12,000
people and many “tent” pubs and opium dens.
Between Elmurst and Landsborough is a cutting known as The Gap. In the post WW2 era the road was a
lot more treacherous than the one we rode on. One local Landsborough identity (Jim Perry) had just
bought himself a new car but tipped it over at The Gap. Someone came along and asked what he was
doing and did he need help. He was a bit of a wit, and in his laconic drawl, said “Nah, I’ll be right. I’m
just giving it its first grease and oil change!”

So while I was riding the course, I could remember a lot of the stories I had been told about this
wonderful area.
Now the “gold” is found in vineyards, livestock grazing, cropping, and tourism.
I’m not one for liking to ride in large groups, but this was so well organised by the people concerned that
the ride was quite fun. It was so safe given the commitment of police and marshals manning
intersections.

Praise must go to all the organisers and sponsors, - Ulysses Club Inc,Grampians Branch, Ararat Police, Ararat
Branch of Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, Ararat RSL, Spokes.com.au , and so many more (that at
this moment I am not aware of).

More photos at
https://www.facebook.com/Ride-to-Remember-Grampians-178874095536947/?ref=page_internal

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