10 Apr Murray 2 Moyne
Pictured: L-R Ken Densley (after completing his 30th M2M event); Doc Elliott (support crew driver for past 20 years) and rider Ray Moloney.
The Terang Flyers cycle relay team have again successfully completed the challenging 520 kilometre Murray to Moyne cycling event and in the process have raised more than $16,000 towards the refurbishment of resident rooms in TMHS’ Mount View Aged Care facility.
This year’s team comprised only 11 riders this year due to a number of late withdrawals, however thanks to perfect weather conditions and very light winds, the team and their three support crew took less than 14 hours to ride the 435 km Saturday leg from Echuca to Hamilton.
Setting out from Echuca just after 9 am, the team split into three groups of riders to tackle the trek in 25 to 30 kilometre stints.
On route, the riders travelled due south through Pyramid Hill, Boort, Charlton, St Arnaud, Stawell, Moyston, Glenthompson and Dunkeld before they arrived in Hamilton at 10.55pm for the compulsory overnight stopover. They averaged just over 32 kmh for the first day which included a dinner stop at Stawell.
The entire team then tackled the final 90 kilometres to Port Fairy on Sunday morning where a large crowd of well-wishers greeted them and the other 52 teams, consisting of almost 800 riders, at the finishing line.
Team Captain Brendan Williams said the group had been working extra hard on and off the road to train and fundraise for this year’s 520km event.
The Terang Community Op Shop continued their tremendous support by contributing $5,000 in sponsorship for the seventh consecutive year, while the Terang Rotary Club also provided a major contribution of $3,000 towards the cause. Christians Bus Lines again donated the use of two mini buses and many local businesses assisted with catering supplies.
Terang & Mortlake Health Service CEO Julia Ogdin said the 2018 event marked the 31st consecutive year a Terang team had participated in the Murray to Moyne event and more than $350,000 had been raised for the Health Service during that time.
“I would like to thank the riders and support crew that took part this year – particularly Ken Densley who was taking part in his milestone 30th event as a rider. I would also like thank our local community for supporting the team by sponsoring a rider and attending fundraising events” Ms Ogdin said.
terang
Posted at 03:53h, 10 AprilPictured are: L-R Ken Densley (after completing his 30th M2M event); Doc Elliott (support crew driver for past 20 years) and rider Ray Moloney.