Cyclesport Victoria

Marysville – Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride a Great Success

Congratulations to those who took part in the Marysville – Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride.  It was great to see the cycling community join as one to show support for Marysville, Lake Mountain and the surrounding towns that were so badly affected by Black Saturday.

The great weather, quiet roads, challenging climbs and beautiful scenery mixed with sobering views of fire affected areas made for a truly memorable experience.   It was great to see many locals cheering and greeting riders, highlighting how important it is to have people back visiting their community.

A total of 1,529 cyclists took part on the day resulting in a direct donation of $38,225 to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.  Many other local community groups, service groups and local business also benefited significantly with an estimated $125,000 being injected into the local economy as a result of the event.

We are committed to making this an annual event which will assist Marysville and Lake Mountain rebuild and recover in the years to come. 

Participant Feedback

Overall the feedback we have received has been extremely positive as highlighted by the following selection of comments -

'I absolutely loved the day.  It was a very eye opening experience that brought to reality the extent of the devastation. It will be a memory my partner and I will never forget.  Congratulations and thank you' Ben - Harkaway

'We do many similar road riding events to this one and found this to be one of the best organised and most rewarding and intend to be back next year with more friends' Fiona – Glen Iris

'I must comment on the provisions provided at rest stops.  Fresh water, fruit, lollies and fruit cake as well as clean toilets and happy people to provide this food and service, just what you need at these points.  One of the best organized events I have taken part in' Michael - Bonbeach

'I have a love hate relationship with the Lake Mountain climb.  It hurt like hell but provided a great sense of achievement once completed. A fantastic effort to organise such an event under extreme circumstances, congratulations for injecting some life and much needed stimulus to the Marysville area' Jason - Lilydale

'Terrific event, yet somber at the same time. You couldn't have asked for a better day. The folks at Buxton out on the side of the road giving everyone high-5's and cheering were great' Paula - Castlemaine

'I did the ride in memory of my three school mates who died on Saturday 7th February 2009. My Mum and her family have lived here all their lives, and my Pa lost everything so I did it for them too. Thank you' Stephanie – Buxton