Australia: Endurance riders back on track - Mar 5 2008

SENews.com.au

VICTORIA'S first endurance ride since the equine influenza outbreak will be held at the Bunyip State Park this weekend.

The Tonimbuk Gold Cup group is conducting an 80-kilometre ride starting at the Yarrabubba Reserve in Nar Nar Goon North and traversing roads and tracks throughout the picturesque countryside of the Bunyip State Park and surrounds.

Event organiser Lissy Verity said it was great that riders would finally be able to get back in the saddle.

"This course has been carefully selected," she said.

"It is both a diverse and somewhat challenging course for those returning to the sport after such a long lay-off and those new to the discipline of endurance riding."

Ms Verity said there would be more activity in the area during the days preceding the ride as preparations for endurance events needed a large number of volunteers and hours.

"All relevant authorities are aware of the event and residents along the course have been advised following a letter-box drop last week," she said.

"Signage will be placed at certain locations advising visitors that a horse event is under way.

"However, given the number of horses and riders that will be passing through, we simply ask that visitors to the area take care as they move through the Bunyip State Park over the long weekend."

The endurance ride begins at 6am on Sunday and will conclude late in the afternoon, but riders and organisers will be on the course the day before.

This follows Yarrabubba Road and goes along Mortimer and Pooley Roads, heading into the Bunyip State Park along Yarrabubba Track.

For more information contact Helen Ward on 0438 594 285.