The Arapiles Cycling Event is a community bike ride for cyclists of all skill levels.
It is an opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy the ‘big sky’ views of the Wimmera landscape with Mount Arapiles being the focal point. Based in Natimuk, the 4 Circuits will have you riding through the largely flat landscape, with a few testing hills, amongst the flowering crops and passing local points of interest.
The ACE Ride is a proud supporter of Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids and a portion of the Rider Fees, and donations on the day, will support WACK. and also the Natimuk Lions Club…..for distribution to local projects.
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.
We are targeting 4 groups of riders:
Natimuk- Grass Flat – Mount Arapiles – Noradjuha – Natimuk 105KM
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 heads north from Natimuk and passes Natimuk Lake and continues towards the Little Desert, past Duchembegarra and on towards Cooak. A left turn has the riders now pedaling towards Mount Arapiles then turning right, into Grass Flat, for the first REST STOP at the Fire Station. The Route then continues on, past Mitre Lake before turning right to begin the ‘Clock Around The Rock’ circumnavigation of Mount Arapiles. This includes the second REST STOP at Centenary Park. The second time along the Wimmera Highway there is an important right hand turn onto the Clear Lake Road. Then a left will take riders toward Noradjuha, The final REST STOP is the Natimuk Cemetery before the scenic Creek Road is followed and right turn to be riding down Main Street NATIMUK.
Natimuk – Mt. Arapiles Loop – Natimuk 77KM
As requested by our regular Riders, the 77Km Circuit has been added for the Rider who has completed the 45Km and wanting to stretch their ability.
Natimuk – Mt. Arapiles – Natimuk 45KM
For the rider who is just getting into the sport. Might be a first timer to this sort of event. Riding 45 Kilometres will be a real challenge, something to train up to.
Natimuk – Arapiles – Natimuk 20KM
Following the Route of the Arapiles Big Sky Bike Trail, this option 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 back to Natimuk for lunch