Ride the Ranges still a favourite amongst cyclists

THE annual Ride the Ranges event was held over the Anzac long weekend with some 150 riders taking part. This was slightly less than previous years, however, those that did enter continue to enjoy the ride and were very forthcoming with their praise for how the event is run. Event organiser Neil Tubb discussed the low participation. "It is somewhat disappointing that the numbers were down," he said. "There were a number of factors that may have caused people not to enter, the Anzac weekend may have been one." Although this may have been seen as a plus for the event, some past riders indicated that the long weekend was a chance for them to do 'family things'. Ride the Ranges offers three rides – a shorter 30km ride with no hills and the 85km ride which does include the climb from Violet Town to the Creek Junction Road. The longer 130km includes further climbs along Ankers Road before descending down the beautiful Strathbogie Road. The Rotary Club of Euroa will continue to further develop the ride which is held on the last Sunday in April. Club president Richard Noble discussed the event and the fundraising involved in it. "This is the club's major fundraiser this year," he said. "We have had to postpone our 'long lunch' at Killeen, so opportunities to raise funds for community projects have been limited." The event this year raised $7000 which will be used on local community projects. The Rotary Club of Euroa is particularly thankful to the local sponsors who supported the ride. Ausure of Euroa, who was the event's major sponsor, and Miepol Traffic Management were integral for their very generous contribution of signage and traffic control.