Partners
Sponsors and Supporters
Marysville - Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride- News
3 May 2009
Marysville-Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride tremendous success
On Saturday May 2, approximately 1500 cyclists were greeted with perfect weather as they participated in the Marysville-Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride.
Organised by Cycle Sport Victoria, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Murrindindi Shire Council, with assistance from local traders and local service clubs, riders from all over Victoria covered either 140km through Buxton, Taggerty, Alexandra, Eildon and Thornton, or a shorter 66km ride. Both events finished at the Lake Mountain Resort.
Acting as a bushfire recovery event with $25 from each entry to be donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, with the event will also bring many visitors into the area, with reports that all accommodation in and around Marysville was booked out weeks ago.
Ride Ambassador and five-time Olympian Shane Kelly OAM said the Marysville-Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride was a great way for cyclists to give something back to Victorian communities affected by the fires.
"It was an honour to be the event ambassador and it's great to see cycling playing a part in helping the fire affected communities recover and rebuild" Kelly said.
Kelly was joined on the day by Victorian Minister for Tourism Tim Holding, Murrindindi Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Kevin Bellingham, Federal Member Fran Bailey, members of the Savings & Loans professional cycling team and a number of local cyclists who were directly impacted by the fires.
The event village at Lake Mountain Resort also feature live entertainment, food and activities for all that conquered the climb.
Official Event Photography
The official photography will be provided by Charmion Phillips of Aeon Photos and Rick Robson of CycleSportPhotos.
Both Charmion and Rick will donate 30% of the sale of their event photographs to the Bushfire Appeal. Check their website and contact them to purchase your shot.
Thanks yous
The Marysville-Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride would not have been possible without the support and contributions of the following:
- Lake Mountain Resort
- Murrindindi Shire Council
- Marysville Community Golf & Bowls Club
- Marysville and Triangle Development Group
- Tourism Victoria
- Vic Roads
- Victoria Police
- Red Cross
- SRAM
- Cycling Profiles
Thank you to the following organisations who have provided donated or discounted products and/or services for this event –
- Herald Sun
- Pro Bike Kit
- Savings & Loans
- A'qto
- Jelly Belly
- Hume & Hovell Cricket Ground
- Echelon 1 Cycling Coaching
- Victory Press
- Alexandra Newspapers
- Ascend
- Subway Fairfield
- Body Torque
- Shane Kelly
- Start to Finish
- Southern Vets Cycling Club
- Look
- Storm Traffic Management
- Aeon Photos
- CycleSport Photos
29 April
ASCEND Elite Recovery Bar to be included in all Rider Packs
ASCEND are happy to be able to support the Marysville-Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride by supplying all participants with a free ASCEND Elite Recovery Bar in their riders pack.
Combining our unique, ultra-active whey protein peptide hydrolysate (NatraBoost XR), with a high source of carbohydrates; this bar is ideal to take whilst on-the-bike, or immediately after exercise to accelerate muscle strength recovery.
For those that haven't heard, ASCEND (100% Australian owned and manufactured) was developed from a discovery program. The aim of the program was to isolate active protein fractions to assist the recovery and strength of serious athletes. These unique fractions were the subject of clinical trials to prove their activity in humans; and are now available to you exclusively in the ASCEND Elite range (including bars and powders).
So if you are seeking a distinct positive difference in your strength recovery, muscle development, or immunity; check out the science of ASCEND and purchase online at www.ascendsport.com.au
We'll see you there to enjoy this great event, for a truly worthy cause!
28 April
Official Event Photography available from Monday
Cyclo Sportif Victoria will have official event photographer on site all day to capture all the action.
The official photography will be provided by Charmion Phillips of Aeon Photos and Rick Robson of CycleSportPhotos.
Both Charmion and Rick will donate 30% of the sale of their event photographs to the Bushfire Appeal.
More details on how to purcahse photos after the event.
27 April
Attention all entrants - Rider Information Kit
Please take a few moments to read the Rider Information Kit.
The Kit provides you with important information designed to maximise your enjoyment and safety, whilst participating in the event.
24 April
Carlton FC'sTiller supports ride
Carlton's Caleb Tiller, whose family property was destroyed by the devastating fires, is pleased that the Marysville – Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride will be going ahead.
"This event will not only raise funds for the community, it will provide the local towns with a chance to show how they are working together to recover. Importantly it will also encourage visitors to the area," said Tiller.
22 April
Marysville Welcomes Back Visitors
The staging of a cycling event in the Marysville region was initiated by Kevin Beard, the Business Development and Marketing Manager at Lake Mountain Resort. The initial meeting with CycleSport Victoria to discuss the concept was held back in October 2008. The Murrindindi Shire and other local stakeholders soon joined the organising committee and plans for the event continued to progress.
The tragedy that occurred on Black Saturday placed the event on hold. However, the team at Lake Mountain Resort, with the blessing of the local community, was determined to see the event proceed, as a way of showing that the area is open for business.
'Fire survivors who lost homes, business and in some cases friends and family members were out on the streets of Marysville welcoming visitors over the Easter weekend. Visitors were provided with maps and a friendly welcoming person to talk to. What an absolutely wonderful testimony to the local people. These same local people and local businesses are part of the team that will be assisting with the Marysville Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride' said Mr. Beard
Simply by entering the Fire Relief Ride you are already showing your support. In addition please consider booking accommodation or buying a meal whilst in town. This will make a huge difference to the local businesses that have suffered so badly.
22 April
MLMFRR - Volunteers Required
Conducting an event such as the Marysville – Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride requires a lot of hard work from many parties. This includes a large team of dedicated volunteers who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all riders.
We still require a number of additional volunteers to assist on event day. If you are interested in assisting, or if you have a non-riding friend that may wish to attend the event with you and help out, then please contact adam.smith@cycling.org.au
A variety of roles are available and no specific cycling knowledge or event experience is required. A contribution will be made to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal on behalf of all volunteers who assist on the day.
22 April
Pre Event Dinner
The Marysville Community Golf and Bowls Club will host the Marysville – Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride Dinner on Friday 1st May. A 2 course spit roast carvery dinner will be available for $25 with drinks at bar prices. The catering will be provided by several local chefs who lost their business in the fires. The bar will be operated by the Marysville Community Golf and Bowls Club.
All participants and their family and friends are welcome to join members of the local community and show their support for those badly affected by the fires.
Bookings are preferred so please contact Trudi via marketing@lakemountainresort.com.au or by calling 5957 7201.
20 April
The Climb to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
The closest Alpine climb to Melbourne, both challenging and rewarding. The climb commences in the small village of Marysville and 22kms later brings you to Lake Mountain Alpine Resort.
The first 4kms out of Marysville up Robley's Spur is the most sustained and steepest part of the whole ascent; reaching grades of up to 10 percent. Once reaching the top of Robley's Spur there is an excellent lookout with sweeping views of the Cathedral Range. After this steep section you are given a break with the road flattening out briefly before again climbing steadily.
The road winds its way up to Tommy's Bend where there is a short downhill section, at the bottom is a well signposted turn off, to the Lake Mountain Alpine Resort. It is a rolling climb from here, with numerous points where the gradient flattens out giving some respite from the long climb. Looking left on a clear day, the Melbourne CBD and the You Yangs can be viewed in the distance; only 3km to go. Just around the corner at the Snowy Hill car park, you can get some down hill to relieve your tired legs before gently climbing to the Lake Mountain Event Village.
Distance: 22km
Rise: 902m
20 April
The Inside Word
For those of you who are not too sure what to expect from the Marysville – Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride you may want to take some advice from one of the locals. Rob Skinner from Buxton is a regular on these roads and has passed on the following tips –
- It's a nice easy ride from Marysville to Buxton then a little up and down to Alexandra. Acheron cutting will slow everyone down a bit.
- Alexandra across to Eildon is a good climb with a 1-2 km tough section along U T Creek Road. The descent along Skyline Road is fast and can be a bit slippery so take care.
- A climb out of Rubicon will slow things down a bit without realising but then it's a fast trip to Taggerty
- The first 5 km's of the climb out of Marysville to Lake Mountain is really tough. A nice big 23-25 gear is a good idea, especially after 120 km's. At the 5 km mark there is an easy false flat and then a very pleasant 15 km climb to the top
- It can get very cold at the top of Lake Mountain. So remember to take some warm gear, especially if you are riding down the mountain
For those looking to refuel along the course Rob recommends the Fig Leaf Café or Old Dairy Café in Alexandra. The Bakery in Eildon, or the Igloo Roadhouse (home of the world famous Buxton Burger) in Buxton.
Let's hope Rob's advice makes the ride a little easier for you all!
17 April
Video Footage is Now Available
Video snapshots of the course are now available in Course Details on the Submenu. Please follow this link.
17 April
Premier John Brumby launches Fire Relief Ride
The Premier John Brumby today called on cyclists of all ages and levels to hit the road and help bushfire-affected communities rebuild in next month's Marysville-Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride. Joining Olympian Shane Kelly and other riders in Marysville to inspect the CycleSport Victoria recreational ride course, Mr Brumby said the event would be a great way to showcase the region.
"Victoria is recovering from the worst natural disaster in our history and Victorians, Australians and people from across the world have generously supported our fire-affected communities by donating to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund," Mr Brumby said.
"Sport is such an important part of community life in Victoria and it's great to see a sporting event helping to play a part in the bushfire recovery effort.
"Recovery and rebuilding will take time, but the Marysville-Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride is a great way to raise funds of the appeal and importantly, will showcase the regeneration already happening in this spectacular part of our state and its great community as well as stimulate the region's economy."
CycleSport Victoria General Manager David Code said the event was a recreational ride that provided cyclists of all levels with an opportunity to take part.
"We are delighted that the affected communities have supported the staging of the ride so soon after the fires and I encourage the cycling fraternity to enter the event and contribute to the recovery and rebuilding process in this very popular cycling region of Victoria," Mr Code said.
Lake Mountain Resort's Kevin Beard said the Fire Relief Ride would showcase the region's amazing area and wonderful people.
"This fantastic event is about helping local people and local businesses," Mr Beard said.
"This event will send a clear message that we are open for business. Riders are helping us recover from the fires that destroyed so much. It's a win-win."
17 April
Shane Kelly announced as official Event Ambassador
Five-time Olympian Shane Kelly has been announced as the official Event Ambassador for the Marysville – Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride.
Kelly, one of Australia's most successful cyclists, said the Fire Relief Ride was a great way for cyclists to give something back to Victorian communities affected by the fires.
"It is an honour to be the Event Ambassador and it's great to see cycling playing a part in helping the fire affected communities recover and rebuild," Kelly said. "I am excited and looking forward to taking part in the challenging ride and showing my support along with thousands of other cyclists."
Kelly attended the official event launch at the Marysville Community Golf and Bowls club before joining several local cyclists to test the Lake Mountain climb. Whilst Kelly looked right at home back on the bike he indicated that he would need to get in a few solid training rides before tackling the 140 km course on the 2nd of May.
Savings & Loans join the Ride!
The Savings & Loans Cycling team will ride side by side with cyclists of all abilities on the Marysville – Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride.
Savings & Loans are one of Australia's most successful UCI Continental cycling outfits. The team features Olympic, World, Commonwealth and Australian champions, and races extensively throughout Oceania and North America.
Over the past 5 years the team has built a reputation for being fiercely competitive at an elite level, whilst still nurturing cycling at both a development and participation level.
Team Manager Stephen Cunningham was quick to throw the support of his team behind the event. 'It's something we are very passionate about and want to support. Clearly everyone has been affected by this tragedy and we see this as an opportunity to show our support'.
So don't miss out on your chance to ride with some of Australia's best professional riders.
25 March
Entries now open!
Cyclo Sportif Victoria has now opened entries to the Marysville - Lake Mountain Fire Relief Ride.
Individual entry options for both the short and long courses, discounts for Cyclo Sportif Victoria (and all Cycling Australia members), plus Cyclo Sportif Victoria Membership yearly memberships included in all non-member entries.
11 February
Bushfire tragedy - news on the CSV Lake Mountain & Whittlesea events
Cyclo Sportif Victoria wishes to offer our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the horrific bushfires throughout the state.
We are especially saddened by the news of the devastation in the towns, and surrounding areas, of Marysville and Whittlesea.
Over the past few months our events team have been regular visitors to Marysville to finalise details of the Lake Mountain Challenge which was set to take place on the 2nd May 2009.
The event was due to start in Marysville and take in many of the spectacular views on offer throughout the Murrindindi Shire Council before finishing on top of Lake Mountain.
Unfortunately due to the tragic circumstances this event has now been placed on hold. We will liaise with the Murrindindi Shire Council and the Marysville community in the coming weeks regarding the possibility of continuing with the event and using it as a fundraiser for the victims of the bushfires.
Also, many towns on the SRAM Whittlesea Challenge course including Kinglake West, Flowerdale and Wandong have also been badly affected by the bushfires. We will contact the City of Whittlesea and offer to use this year's SRAM Whittlesea Challenge as a fundraiser for the victims within these communities.
In the meantime we strongly encourage all cyclists to donate to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal by calling 1800 811 700 or www.redcross.org.au
