Cycling Victoria - 2012 Challenge Series

Marysville and its surrounding towns were buzzing at the weekend with over 1000 participants taking part in the 2010 Ventou Marysville Lake Mountain Challenge.

Picture perfect weather on hand for the recreational cycling ride, organised by CycleSport Victoria and proudly sponsored by Ventou Clothing, which passed through many of the towns badly affected by the tragic 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

And just like 2009 when almost $40,000 was raised for the community, this year's event would see $10 from each entry donated to the CFA and SES.

The town was bustling with activity prior to sunrise, with cyclists fuelling themselves for the ride with an array of fresh food and coffee at the event village before venturing off onto one of four different courses of 35, 80, 120 & 160 distances.

The new challenges introduced in 2010 included options to climb and descend down Lake Mountain, with all courses featuring a combination of flat sections, challenging climbs and scenic views.

After leaving Marysville, the riders passed through the beautiful towns of Buxton, Taggerty and Alexandra, the climbs around and resplendent views of Eildon Dam, before passing through the quaint towns of Thornton and Narbethong, on their way back to Marysville.  

Event Ambassadors - Five-time Olympian Shane Kelly OAM and Marysville GP Dr Lachlan Fraser - were also on hand during the day, providing valuable cycling experience and local knowledge as they chatted to many cyclists along the way.

For some, Marysville was the end of the ride, but for the brave it was a punishing climb to the top of Lake Mountain.

However, for every screaming leg there was at least one smile, with the descent back to the food and drink stalls and entertainment at the Marysville event village a great reward at the end of a great days of cycling.  

CycleSport Victoria would like to thank the following for their support and contributions, as without their help, the 2010 Ventou Marysville Lake Mountain Challenge would not have been possible.

To the event sponsor Ventou Clothing and to the Murrindindi Shire Council and Lake Mountain Resort for their assistance in planning the event and during the day. 

Also, many thanks to the countless volunteers from the community and the CFA and SES, plus the Event Paramedics.

Event Coordinator Matt Hilton was pleased with the success of the event. 

“I would to congratulate all who took part on Saturday considering the hot weather which made it a difficult day no matter what distance you covered," said Hilton adding, "and the many that made it up Lake Mountain should be proud of their achievement."

"Also, the support the cycling community has given to the Marysville region is very much appreciated by each and every local.

"It was very gratifying to hear that a lot of the accommodation around the region was booked out for more than one night over the weekend."

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