Wannon Water Roubaix Ride launched

17 April 2017

Small Kylie Gaston And Jacinta Ermacora

A new family bike ride will mark the start of this year’s Sustainable Living Festival in Warrnambool.

The Wannon Water Roubaix, to be held on Friday February 24, is being promoted as a free, fun scavenger hunt on wheels.

The event has been organised by Warrnambool City Council in the lead-up to the Sustainable Living Festival’s main day on Saturday February 25 which this year carries the theme of “Lovin’ the Ride’.

Families and individuals are being encouraged to ride their bikes down to the Civic Green and join in the Roubaix which follows a leisurely seven-kilometre circuit taking in Cannon Hill, Lake Pertobe, the foreshore promenade, breakwater and a section of rail trail.

Participants will be asked to answer a series of questions to go into the draw to win a new bike or spot prizes. Live music and food vendors will be stationed at the Civic Green following the ride, allowing families to enjoy the atmosphere and refresh before riding home.

Wannon Water’s General Manager Corporate and Community Services Kellie King said the corporation was proud to sponsor the inaugural roubaix.

“The event complements our corporate vision of going ‘beyond water for stronger communities’,” Ms King said.

“Wannon Water is committed to fostering health and wellbeing in our communities. The Wannon Water Roubaix is an ideal way for families to enjoy the outdoors, interact and learn more about Warrnambool.

“It also ties in with our call for people to ‘Choose Tap’ rather than consuming expensive and environmentally-unfriendly bottled water. There will be drinking fountains and water dispensers available along the route for riders to refill their own bottles,” Ms King said.

Warrnambool City Council Sustainability Coordinator Lauren Schneider said the Roubaix was an excellent way to launch the festival.   “The Sustainable Living Festival is all about demonstrating simple ways we can all live a more sustainable lifestyle,” Ms Schneider said.

“Leaving the car at home and utilising pedal power is one of the best things we can all do to help the environment.   “Going on a bike ride with friends and family is also a fun way to explore our city from a new perspective.”

Riders can register and begin the Roubaix at the Civic Green any time between 4.30pm and 5.30pm next Friday night. There is no entry fee.