If you're a keen cyclist, you'll probably be heading off to Marysville on Sunday 26th February to compete in the
Marysville Lake Mountain Challenge 2012. If you're more of a spectator than a participant and love watching international cycling events like the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and the Tour Down Under, then a daytrip or weekend away in Marysville is the next best thing.
Competitors from all over Victoria and beyond will converge upon Marysville to test their endurance in one of two recreational rides of their choice, and you could be there to cheer them on and soak up the mountain atmosphere and excitement.
Registered participants will be riding a 35 kilometre short course with an option to add another 40 kilometres by way of Lake Mountain and back. For those with greater stamina, there is a 120 kilometre long course, also with an optional Lake Mountain climb of an extra 40 kilometres.
Photos from Microsoft Clipart
Cyclists will ride through Buxton, Taggerty, Alexandra, Eildon, Thornton, Narbethong and Marysville. A number of these towns were struck by the Black Saturday Bushfires on 7th February 2009 and this event will assist community groups in raising funds for restoration projects.
Support the local cafes and restaurants while you await the cyclists' return and be sure to visit the Marysville Community Market which will be open for business in Murchison Street from 8.00am until 2.00pm on the same day.
Winter in Marysville before the February 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires. Photo from Wikimedia Commons