A record 137 riders took part in last weekend’s Rutherglen Vintage Bike Ride.
A further 94 members of the Melbourne and Canberra Hashtag Social Club joined riders afterwards raised a very pleasing $10,000 to benefit the Rutherglen CFA and Motor Neuron Disease Victoria last weekend.
In keeping with the vintage theme, many attendees chose to dress in the style of yesteryear.
Setting off from the beautifully restored Rutherglen Convent, riders were free to select which route along the approximately 20 kilometres of rail trail cycle track and quiet country roads best suited their energy and skill levels.
They leisurely made their way to a very tasty barbecue lunch at the family operated Cofield's Winery.
It may well have been the first time some had the opportunity to see a Penny Farthing in action as riders made their way to Cofield’s Winery for lunch with many also choosing to join in the fun of the self-paced tour of the area’s picturesque cycle tracks.
Olympic and vintage bike displays included national team and Tour de France winner Cadel Evans’ bike.
Celebrity guests from Australian cycling royalty including Tour de France, Tour of Italy and Tour of Spain stage winners, as well as Commonwealth and Olympic medallists.
“It was a magnificent line-up and magnificent event,” local rider Greg Griffiths said.
It was also a delighted Rotary Club of Rutherglen’s Paul Hauff who said the event took place in absolutely glorious weather in one of our nation’s most historic wine regions and achieved a great result.
There has already been strong interest in signing up for next year’s event.