30 Mar Timboon Cruisers back in the saddle to raise funds for TDHS

The Timboon Cruisers bucked the trend at last weekend’s Murray to Moyne when a full contingent of local riders took to the saddle, despite overall numbers being well down.

The cycling fraternity has pulled together a Timboon Cruisers team for at least the last 26 years – with the exception of last year when the event was cancelled due to COVID-19.

The riders pay for all their own accommodation, food and other expenses to ensure that every dollar raised is donated to Timboon and District Healthcare Service (TDHS).

Spokesperson John Jardine, who completed his 5^th event, said the team always liked to have at least nine riders and he was thrilled that 16 had put their hand up for 2021, including three first timers.

The team included; Robert and Steph Hibburt, John and Daniel Ryan, Bryce and Robbie Morden, Matt and Sophie Bowker, Bobbie French, Todd Baxter, Amanda Couch, John Jardine, Matt Gstrein, Tom Westmore, Jarrod Woff and Kobe Henderson.

“No one really knows the year we started, but it’s a fun thing to do and we enjoy raising money for the local hospital,” he said.

“It’s a great thing to be a part of…some teams take it super-serious and go really gung-ho which is fine, but we like to support each other and cruise along to make sure everyone enjoys the experience.

“The turnout was pretty low this year. I’m not sure whether the registrations were a bit late with COVID-19. For a lot of the ride we were by ourselves and hardly saw anyone else, which was a bit strange for those of us that have done events before.”

Mr Jardine said the riders enjoyed wearing new jerseys this year which featured jersey sponsors The Vet Group, 12 Rocks, The Midfield Group, Australian Dairy Farmers Corporation and Timboon Motors.

“I’d also like to thank David Pope from Popes Bus Lines who provided a coach and drove it for us which was great,” he said.

“Other businesses including Apostle Whey Cheese, the Timboon Cheesery, Timboon Distillery, GORGE Chocolates, Kangaroobie Meats, Timboon Fine Ice Cream and Schulz Organics donated goods for our ‘guess the total kilometres’ hamper fundraiser.

“Community members have until Monday, April 19 to guess the total kilometres that our 16 team members rode in 2021. As a bit of a guide, in 2019, 12 riders rode 3201km.

“It’s a good competition. We ride in three teams with each person riding 25km and then having a 50km rest but lots of us do extra stints and we all ride the second day from Hamilton to Port Fairy as a team – so good luck with your guesses!”

The competition form can be found here for entries until Monday, April 19.

TDHS chief executive officer Rebecca Van Wollingen thanked all the riders, support crew, sponsors and other contributors for raising important funds for the health service.

“It’s such a big commitment – not only to give up your weekend to ride from Swan Hill to Port Fairy, but all the preparation that goes into it,” she said.

“We are incredibly lucky to operate a health service in a community that truly understands how important it is.

“Our mission statement is ‘working together for a healthy community’ and the Timboon Cruisers epitomises that commitment.

“On behalf of the Board, our staff, residents, patients and clients I thank the Timboon Cruisers for their continued hard work and commitment to the ongoing provision of healthcare services here in Timboon.”