Ride For The Hills The Official Record

Ride for the Hills Victorian Motorcycle Community

About this book Within 24hrs of the fire devastation that took place on Black Saturday, a coalition of independent riders and associations was formed in response to calls from within the motorcycle community. This group began organizing a fundraising ride expected to rival the annual Toy Run which usually attracts up to 15,000 riders.

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The Concept These are the areas we go to ride, whether on road or off-road. Part of the enjoyment we get comes from their natural beauty, and from the people who live and work in those areas. The bushfires have seen those people and the bush they live in badly affected. Many of those are or have been motorcyclists. As motorcyclists, we extend our sympathies to everyone affected. We also owe a huge debt to Emergency Services workers- the Fire Fighters, the Police, the Ambulance Officers, SES volunteers, DSE workers and to local Councils. All have given generously. Within 24hrs of the fire devastation that took place on Black Saturday, a coalition of independent riders and associations was formed in response to calls from within the motorcycle community. This group began organizing a fundraising ride expected to rival the annual Toy Run which usually attracts up to 15,000 riders. Date: Sunday 5th April Starts at St Kilda Pier, Pier Road St Kilda Departing at 11.00 am Destination – Whittlesea Riders were encouraged to pre-register for the ride by paying $20 via the official web site for the event at www.rideforthehills.org.au

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Today marks nearly to 2 months since the tragedy of Black Saturday. A day I am sure no one will forget. As I watched the events of February 7 unfold before me, I felt compelled to do something. So I stepped out in faith and was joined by the brotherhood whose ranks have swelled into what we have here today, and I thank every one of you that walked with me on this journey. Since motorcycling began, we’ve been riding in the hills and enjoying its freedom, its escape and the sanctuary that its community have given us. On Black Saturday, we saw it destroyed, and now we are here to give back to what has given us so much. In the past Marysville, Kinglake, Warburton, Reefton, Strathewen, St Andrews, Chum Creek and the list goes on have granted our safe passage through their towns and their lives. Today we thank them. These places provide corner after corner after corner of the most amazing roads, and when you get tired of riding, you just stop off in some of the most famous motorcycle friendly towns in the world where you are welcomed with a smile every time. In short, these are my happy places. The weekend of the 7th of February, bushfires tore through the Victorian mountains. Temperatures were in excess of 45 degrees, winds over 100km an hour or more. The fires just ripped through the state, completely destroying some towns and partially destroying others, and I realised the places I go when I need to escape, and to relieve the pain of life, were now suffering more than I ever could. Every one of my favourite places that I go on my bike had been eradicated from the map, in some cases the town population gone with it. I just don't know what to say, words seem pretty useless when talking about a tragedy of this scope. It has been a long time since anyone has been able to go back there, but we as a brotherhood should be committed to helping these communities rebuild by riding there and spending our money in these towns. No way will we let this get the better of us. Today we ride and gather together in support of community, humanity, nature and of course fundraising, in order to raise the much needed funds for the services, victims and environment that were greatly affected by the fires of February 7th. As we travel through the streets of greater Melbourne, we can be grateful for our lives, our survival, our determination, and our brotherhood that brings us all together. We can, for today put our differences aside and unite for one cause. In the hills, we share the highs and now we are here together sharing the lows. As I look out before me, what I see is the brotherhood alive and well. And I thankyou for being a part of that with me. I have been questioned as to the morality and reasoning of this ride and I can only answer that we must all do what we can to help, so let us join together as we look to the road ahead, let us do what we do best .......AND RIDE! From one rider to another, I Thankyou. Sarah Holslag Whittlesea 5th April 2009 5

The next step involved rallying support from riders. Since then, the response has been phenomenal with endorsement being received from the MRA, Australia's largest motorcycle organization the Ulysses Club, various industry groups, Netrider (Australia's largest motorcycle web site) and Club Y, as well as many other associations, clubs and individuals who have volunteered their support. Many other groups jumped in offering their support and after eight weeks of intense planning and weekly Monday evening co-ordination meetings, we finally arrived at the Big Day when the Victorian Motorcycle Community exceeded our wildest expectations by turning out in massive numbers. This book is all about the story which unfolded.....

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The Organizers Chair Person - Phil Cassap Vice Chair Person - John Karmouche Financial Management - Martin Holslag Marketing & Merchandise - Sarah Holslag Club Co-ordination - Cameron Frewer Event Co-ordinator - Brendan Murphy Web Site Coordinator - Jason Allen CFA Coordinator - Evan Richardsom Whittlesea Ulysses Club - Ray Lane & Rob Van Lohuizen The Board of Management MRA(Vic) Traffic Management Team Leader - Mark McGuire Netrider - Debbie Griffen Motorcycling Australia - Dan Rotman There are many others who made the Ride for the Hills a success....... The Victorian Police Force, who attended many of our Monday night coordination meeting and who escorted the motorcycle column which at times stretched out over 15 kms. In particular, we would like to mention Assistant Commissioner Traffic Ken Lay for his personal support (and attendance at the event). The City of Whittlesea and the City of Port Phillip for allowing us somewhere to start and finish. All of the clubs who help promote the event and who volunteered their support and ultimate attendance. www.rideforthehills.org.au

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Photography The photographs in this book were provided by: John Karmouche Richard Reeve Mark McGuire No images or content contained in this book may be used or reproduced in any form without permission of the Ride for the Hills Organizing Committee. All inquiries should be directed to: John Karmouche - +61 3 9877 3007

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Ride for the Hills Victorian Motorcycle Community 5th April 2009