General News
1 February, 2026
Revving and ready to ride
HUNDREDS of motorcyclists have converged on Ararat this weekend for the annual Ride to Remember fundraiser. The ride is hosted by the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation – Ararat Branch and organised by a sub-committee that includes branch members, Victoria Police together with local motorcycle enthusiasts. Led by Ararat Branch members, Dean Pinniger, Acting Sergeant Shaun Allen and Patron Paul Margetts, the ride committee is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for the expected 500 riders and pillions from across Victoria and South Australia who will descend on Ararat for this signature event.
Experienced marshals together with vehicle and medical support will make up the contingent along the ride route.
Ride to remember starts at 9am this morning from the roundabout at the corner of Queen and Barkly Streets and travels the rural countryside to Maroona, Lake Bolac, Wickliffe, and through to Willaura for morning tea.
From Willaura, the riders will make their way via Yarram Gap Road to the Grampians National Park through to Dunkeld and return via Glenthompson, Willaura and back to Ararat for lunch.
In Ararat, the local Lions Club will provide lunch for the riders and there will also be the popular Show N Shine and the sale of Blue Ribbon merchandise.
The popular Ararat Advocate sponsored welcoming dinner was held at the Ararat RSL last night with many out of town motorcycle enthusiasts taking over the venue to reacquaint with fellow motorcyclists.
This year will be the 18th year of the ride which raises substantial funds for the Blue Ribbon Foundation – Ararat.
Money from this year’s ride will go towards Blue Ribbon’s ambitious program to deliver a mammogram machine for use at the Ararat Hospital.
“We are so appreciative of our local Victoria Police, the marshals and support vehicle volunteers plus so many in the community, including our many sponsors and donors who band together to help us,” said ride chairman Dean Pinniger.
“Importantly, the ride remembers the sacrifice of Victoria Police who have fallen in the line of duty and to show all serving members that their work and commitment is valued by our community.”
Registrations for the 2025 ride is $50 for riders and pillions via https://www.trybooking.com/DBBLZ.
Read More: Ararat, Willaura, Lake Bolac