The Deni Murray to Moyne Cycle relay team (from left) Sue Pitts, Cam Crockart, Grant McKern, Brian Crockart, Annie and Alex Romanin, Elio Minato, Graeme Butcher, Neil Palframan and Matt Tubb.
It was a splinter group of the Deniliquin Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay team which rolled into Port Fairy first to finish the charity relay on Sunday morning.
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Consisting of veteran team member Graeme Butcher, Matt Tubb and father and son Brian and Cam Crockart, the foursome was met by locals, visitors and support crew who had gone ahead to create a rousing welcome reception along the town’s main street.
Crossing the finish line later were remaining Deniliquin riders Alex and Annie Romanin, Grant McKern and Sue Pitts, and Griffith-based riders Elio Minato and Neil Palframan who joined the Deni team thanks to a connection with Mr McKern.
The Deni support crew consisted of veteran Trav Cassidy and bus driver Jamie Counsell.
The Deni team was one of 29 participating in the annual fundraiser, which saw 21 teams leave Echuca in the rain on Saturday morning and another nine departing from Mildura to meet the riding group along the riding route.
Matt Tubb and Graeme Butcher during a pit stop.
Mr Tubb said ahead of the ride, the Deni and district community helped the local team raise $13,200 to be donated to Deniliquin Hospital for wish list items.
With in-kind support, including the provision of a bus from Dyson Group, the fundraising total exceeded $16,000.
“The Port Fairy reception is always a great part of the ride,” Mr Tubb said.
“The locals and the support crew were very welcoming as we made out way into the town and down the main street.
“The team did a really great job getting down there.
“We left in the rain out of Echuca, so it was fairly wet for the first one or two legs.
“The weather then improved and luckily the wind wasn’t that significant.”
As day riders only, the teams finished day one of Saturday at Stawell, after which they were taken to Halls Gaps for a meal and social night before being taken to Hamilton for a night of rest.
They left Hamilton about 7am Sunday, and arrived in Port Fairy between 10.30am and 11am on Sunday.
Aboard the Dyson bus, the Deni team ambled their way back to Deni - after stopping for a meal - and arrived home late on Sunday night.
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