Marysville ready to ride

ALMOST a year on from Black Saturday, Marysville is preparing for the 2010 Ventou Marysville Lake Mountain Challenge.
The recreational cycling ride is organised by CycleSport Victoria and will be staged on Saturday 20 February.
The ride passes through many of the towns hit by the tragic bushfires, including Marysville, Buxton, Taggerty, Alexandra, Eildon, Thornton and Narbethong.
In May 2009 the ride attracted more than 1500 cycling enthusiasts from across the state and a total of $38,225 was raised and donated to the Victorian Bushfire appeal by the event.
Organisers are hopeful that, like last year, the 2010 ride will once again help the areas devastated by the fires with $10 from each entry donated to the CFA and SES.
A number of new courses have been introduced this year with options to climb and descend down Lake Mountain, and all courses will feature a combination of flat sections, rolling hills, challenging climbs and scenic views.
CycleSport Victoria has appointed five-time Olympic cyclist Shane Kelly (OAM) and Marysville GP Dr Lachlan Fraser as the 2010 Event Ambassadors.
After the tremendous success of the 2009 ride, Dr Fraser said he was looking forward to this year’s event.
“I love to join in any community event to show my support for the area and last year the (Lake Mountain) ‘Challenge’ let people show their support for the area and they had a fun time as well,” Dr Fraser said.
“I encourage everyone to hop on a bike, try and spend a little time training, but it is a social and casual day out and I am looking forward to talking to people during the ride on the day.
“It is a challenge for many, but with some training, I am sure all will make it up the Lake Mountain climb, which is a great place to visit.”
The 2010 Ventou Marysville Lake Mountain Challenge will start at 8.30am on Saturday 20 February from Murchison Street in Marysville.
For details on the 2010 Ventou Marysville Lake Mountain Challenge, or to enter online, visit www.vic.cycling.org.au