300 Riders Turn Out For Fallen Officers

Over 300 bikes turned out at Ararat last weekend to honour Australia's fallen police officers.  The ride was organised for the entire 170km around the Grampians area.

This was considered to be one of the best 'Rides To Remember', one that the local police agreed was a great success.  The ride helped raise around $8000 for the East Grampians Health Service (Ararat Hospital), which will go towards a new CT Scanner for the hospital.

Around 300 riders turned out to suppport fallen police officers.

A little fog and mist early Sunday morning did not deter over 300 motorcyclist enthusiasts assembling in front of the Ararat Performing Arts Centre for the start of the fifth annual "Grampians Ride to Remember".

With pre bookings strong the organizing committee were prepared for and additional influx of riders and pillions and they were not disappointed as motorcyclist continued to roll in right up to the departure time.

Prior to the Ride’s departure Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner for Western Region, Jack Blayney addressed the crowd to acknowledge the Grampians Region Police Officers involved in the Ride, the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, particularly the Ararat Branch, and their Ride Sub Committee for organizing such an event that honours Victoria Police killed in the line of duty, and also supports East Grampians Health Service (Ararat Hospital) through funds raised from the event.

The Assistant Commissioner was joined by Wimmera Region’s Superintendent Graham Kent and Inspector Paul Hargreaves, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation CEO Neil Soullier, Ararat Branches President Terry Weeks and Cr Murray Woods from Ararat Rural City as they flagged the Ride on its 170km journey.

The Ride was led by two Victoria Police Solos and a Stay Upright Safety Instructor under the command of Sgt Shaun Allen and assisted by Sgt Silas Stephens (Ararat Highway Patrol) together with local police officers from the region. In addition twelve volunteer Marshalls from the organising committee ably lead by Chief Marshall, Simon Clayfield assisted at designated points along the route.

The Ride took in the townships of Maroona, Willaura, Wickcliffe and arrived at Lake Bolac for a break to stretch the legs, enjoy morning tea which was put on by the Lake Bolac Secondary College, and then take off again to Westmere and Streatham area before reassembling at Buangor for the Western Highway crossing onto Warrak road then back to Alexandra Gardens in Ararat. All involved in the Ride were greeted at the entry gate with a welcoming bottle of cold water and show-bag that included the commemorative badge. Then, everyone had the chance to enjoy a well organised Ararat Lions Club BBQ Lunch and check out the Show N Shine, Sponsor Displays by Wimmera Motorcycle Co and Brass Balls Motorcycles, the Blue Ribbon Merchandising and support the other fundraising activities.

The Show N Shine which only was introduced a couple of years ago continues to grow in popularity with this year over 50 bikes entered in the five categories and great interest was shown in the People’s Choice with a motorcycle helmet on offer for the winning bike.

Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation’s CEO Neil Soullier addressed the gathering and reinforced the mission of the Foundation, the history of where the "Ride to Remember" started in Melbourne, and how Ararat had embraced the event five years ago. Today this is the only Ride for the Foundation and everyone involved are to be congratulated on running such a well organised event that offers motorcyclists a chance to come together from over the state and together support such a good cause as a new CT Scanner for the Ararat Hospital".

At the conclusion of the day’s activities Ararat Branch President, Terry Weeks in thanking everyone said: "The feedback today from riders and pillions is that our event has been a well organised and everyone has had a safe and enjoyable Ride. Well done to everyone involved from the Foundation, Victoria Police, Ararat Lions Club, Ararat Rural City, East Grampians Health Service, the great Ride Sub C’tee, Ararat Branch members and partners, sponsors, supporters and volunteers for all working together to continue what is a very popular event for Ararat and our fundraising efforts."