Last year’s Roll the Dice Charity Run raised $3,677 dollars for Friends in Common. This year organisers hope to crack the 100-bike mark.
Engines will roar, and dice will roll on Sunday when the Old Skool Riders Social Club hits the road for its annual Roll the Dice Charity Run, bringing bikes, cars and the community together for a cause that means plenty to those involved.
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Now in its fourth year supporting Friends in Common, the popular event raises money to help the local volunteer group support people living with terminal illness and their families.
Old Skool Riders founder and president Steve “Docko” Docking said what began simply as a group of mates wanting to ride together had grown into something he never imagined.
“We intended on just going for a ride; it’s unbelievable the amount of support that we get,” Docko said.
“I never thought that we would do this, and it means the world to me, it really does.”
The club’s charity efforts began with a fundraiser for Corey “Stumpy” Phillips, who was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer and now a member of the Old Skool Riders.
The focus then turned to Friends in Common, with the riders raising thousands of dollars for the organisation.
Last year’s run raised $3,677, with this year’s target again around $3,500.
This time around, Docko and the Old Skool Riders are hoping to crack the 100-bike mark, alongside a growing number of cars, hot rods, old-school vehicles and families joining the fun.
Participants have previously travelled from Melbourne, Swan Hill and towns throughout the region to be part of the day.
“The interest is unbelievable; every year it just gets bigger,” Docko said.
That support extends well beyond those taking part in the run, with local businesses again throwing their weight behind the fundraiser.
The club has 19 major sponsors this year, up from just 12 when the event began, while many more businesses and individuals have donated vouchers and prizes.
For Docko, seeing a simple social riding club grow into something capable of helping local people is what keeps the members coming back year after year.
“A lot of work goes into it, but we’ll be back next year, and we’ll be doing it again,” Docko said.
Join the ride
• Registration at 10.30 am behind Yarrawonga Hotel, with stands up at 11.30 am sharp. The 200km run travels from Yarrawonga through Barooga, Berrigan, Oaklands and back to Yarrawonga.
• Entry is $25 per person and open to motorbikes and cars.
• Participants roll the dice throughout the day, with $300 for first place, $200 for second, $100 for third and $50 for last place.
