The largely flat Wimmera landscape is ideal for getting around on a bike. North of the Grampians National Park the scenery changes, the views change and even the climate alters as you head north and west. Horizon to horizon 180 degree views, with bright star-filled skies at night and clear, bright blue skies by day, are the norm. Rising from the Wimmera landscape, not unlike Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Northern Territory, Mt. Arapiles (Djurite) can be seen for miles. The Mount Arapiles-Tooen State Park is a world renowned rock climbing area and features a wide diversity of Australian native plants and animals. The Mount was named by Major Thomas Mitchell, back in 1836, after a hill in Spain near a famous Napoleonic battle site. With the popularity of Cycling Events around the State, a small group of locals have met together with a view to offering a trip to Mount Arapiles, using pedal power.
Participation is one of the key motivations. We want to see people out and about enjoying the environment in which they live and provide something special for visitors to our region.
So, we are targeting 3 groups of rider:
Natimuk-Noradjuha-Arapiles-Grass Flat-Natimuk 100KM
For the rider who regularly attends such events and enjoys ‘clocking up the Ks’ with friends, for whom 100 Kilometres is a pleasant days ride and who enjoys riding at a reasonable clip with the right gear to do it. Seeing a large slab of the local landscape, avoiding the major highways and achieving a good time may be goals to attain. The Route leaves Natimuk and heads towards Noradjuha via the quiet, twisty, Natimuk Creek Rd. From Noradjuha we head west past flowering crops to Mount Arapiles. From Centenary Park we do an anti-clockwise lap of the Mount…the ‘Clock around the Rock’ before joining the 50K Riders to Grass Flat and a ride around the Lake to Natimuk for a well earned lunch.
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Natimuk – Mt. Arapiles – Natimuk 50Kms.
For the rider who is just getting into the sport. Might be a first timer to this sort of event. Riding 50 Kilometres will be a real challenge, something to train up to. For them the Mt Arapiles goal will be visible from Natimuk. After the ‘Mount’ they continue to the scenic farming locality of Grass Flat, towards the Little Desert at Cooak and then back to Natimuk via Lake Road. Strategic rest stops will be offered at Arapiles, Grass Flat and Natimuk Lake. Back in Natimuk for lunch and a chat.
Natimuk-Arapiles-Natimuk 20Kms
Following the Route of the Big Sky Bike Trail, this options avoids roads and is mainly along soft gravel paths. Unsuitable for bikes with narrow road tyres, the Trail has some beautiful scenic points and photo opportunities.
Once at the Mount Arapiles picnic ground, snacks, drinks, shelter and toilets are offered. Go for a walk around and check out the ‘Rock’. If you are keen, there is a walking track to the summit. Back on the Trail, retrace your route to Natimuk for lunch.
One added objective of the Ride is to support the work of the Wimmera Drug Action Task Force within our community. Alcohol abuse and issues with other drugs in our community is a real concern, particularly for our young people. The Task Force is active in our Schools, our sporting clubs and through public forums, informing the community about strategies to counteract the impact of illegal drugs and misuse of legal drugs. Representatives on the Task Force include Medical professionals, Welfare Service Providers, Police, Council, Alcohol & other Drugs Counsellors and concerned parents. A minimum of $20 from the Rider Entry Fee, along with Donations and Rider Sponsorship, will support the Task Force.