10 Apr Timboon Cruisers come through for TDHS yet again

Timboon and District Healthcare Service (TDHS) board chair Maryanne Puli Vogels has thanked 12 inspiring locals who completed the Murray to Moyne on the weekend.

The first team of ‘Timboon Cruisers’ started the tradition more than 25 years ago and every year since a different group of riders have raised thousands of dollars for TDHS.

Ms Puli Vogels said words could not convey how grateful the organisation was for the tens of thousands of dollars raised for TDHS over the years.

“It’s amazing that this wonderful fundraiser has been occurring for so long and that each and every year existing and new riders continue the tradition,” she said.

“On behalf of the board, our staff and the broader community I’d like to thank everyone associated with the Timboon Cruisers for their overwhelming support of TDHS.”

Cruiser Todd Baxter, who has ridden “at least 15” said the team was always made up of some experienced riders and newcomers.

“Every year we have riders who haven’t done it before and we try and do that because it’s such a great thing to achieve and we get a lot out of their success,” he said.

“In addition to raising funds for the health service, it’s also about promoting being active and healthy and enjoying cycling.”

Mr Baxter said the team left Swan Hill at 9.09am on Saturday, before arriving in Hamilton for a short sleep at 12.40am Sunday. They were back on the bikes at 7.26am and arrived in Port Fairy at 10.21am with the 520km covered at an average of just over 28km/h.

“The riders were split into three groups – John Ryan, John Jardine and myself in one group, Jarrod Woff, Matt Bowker, Sophie Bowker, Christopher Bowker, Ash Tregea and Mark Dixon in the second group and Lynden Brown, Bobbie French and Amanda Couch made up the third group,” he said.

“We were well supported with Ash Ellemor who followed in a vehicle behind.

“Donations can still be made care of The Vet Group in Timboon. Donors can guess our total team kilometres to go into the draw to win a meal for two at Forage By The Foreshore in Port Campbell. Guesses will be taken until Good Friday on April 19.”