Grampians Ride to Remember returns to Ararat this weekend

The Grampians Ride to Remember will again take place in Ararat this year, with over 500 riders expected to arrive in town this Sunday, 6 February.

Ararat Rural City CEO Dr Tim Harrison is pleased to welcome the annual event hosted by the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation – Ararat Branch.

“Ararat Rural City is honoured to host the 2022 Grampians Ride to Remember in supporting the invaluable work carried out by the Blue-Ribbon Foundation and to pay respects to the dedicated Victoria Police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Dr Harrison said.

“Marking its 14th year, it’s not hard to see why the annual ride has become an iconic event, showcasing the very best of our region.”

Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Neil Soullier OAM is pleased to once again be working with Ararat Rural City to deliver a spectacular event.

“Over the past two years we’ve had our ups and downs but on reflection, I think our resilience has bubbled to the surface and what we need, more than ever before, is for some of our favourite activities and events to return,” Mr Soullier said.

“The Ride to Remember can certainly be one of those activities in Ararat and for all of the people who traditionally come across Victoria, and some from interstate, to be part of it.”

“The Ride has also enhanced the relationship between the riding community and members of Victoria Police,” he added.

“I see it happening at the Welcoming Dinner we have on the night before the Ride where everyone is gathered to have a great time, including all of the police members involved in the event. On Sunday, we’re all where we need to be, doing what we need to do, to ensure an event that is both enjoyable and safe. It really doesn’t get much better.”

Grampians Ride to Remember Chairman Dean Pinniger said the event is a true community effort.

“Working with local police, Ararat RSL, Lions Club, Council and the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation is key to the event’s success,” said Mr Pinniger.

“With an event that weaves through various towns, we’re mindful of safety on and off the roads. The committee has taken the necessary measures for a fun and safe ride including speed controls, road closures and COVIDSafe protocols – it’s paramount to the community that we get that right.”

“On Sunday, we’ve worked with Council to close off a section of Queen Street which allows for safely parking the motorcycles prior to the ride,” he continued.

“A safety briefing will be conducted at 8.30am, followed by a minute of silence to remember police officers who have died in the line of duty. Participants are gradually released in groups led by police, they’ll travel through the rural countryside starting in Ararat, towards Tatyoon, then towards the Lakaput grain silos, back up to the western highway to Buangor for a morning tea break, Beaufort, Elmhurst, Landsborough, Crowlands and back to Ararat Alexandra Gardens at 12.30pm.

“Post-ride, we have the formalities in Alexandra Oval and put on a ‘show and shine’ competition where the participants can enter their motorcycle, it’s a great opportunity for the public to have a look at the bikes too.”

This will be the sixth year Dean Pinniger has been involved with organising the Grampians Ride to Remember.

“From a personal perspective, a very good friend Jason Bond was tragically killed in a road accident on the way from training at the Glen Waverly Police Academy. The opportunity to get involved with the ride coincided when we lost Jason and it’s a way of honouring his memory,” Mr Pinniger continued.

“The Foundation carries out valuable work honouring the memory of Victoria Police killed in the line of duty and locally, they make a vital contribution through the money raised to improve equipment and facilities at the East Grampians Health Service.”

To donate, visit the Blue Ribbon Foundation website remember.org.au/