The 2024 Variety Adventure Ride returned at the weekend with a six-day, 1500km journey supporting kids in need and delivering an economic boost to rural communities, with riders expected through Licola and Sale today as part of the route.
The annual event for adventure bike enthusiasts will depart the Lake Jindabyne Hotel on Sunday, March 17 and travel through the Victorian High Country – taking in the sweeping mountain views from the iconic Craig’s Hut – before returning through Merimbula and back to Lake Jindabyne on Friday, March 22.
The big ride comes just weeks after Variety, a children’s charity, brought their 4WD Adventure through Gippsland and the High Country.
Variety NSW/ACT Chief Executive, Tony Warner, said the 20 participants have each raised a minimum of $2,500, with the event hoping to generate over $90,000 by the time the bikes complete the dirt tracks and scenic trails.
“Variety NSW/ACT supports children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability,” he said.
“Our motoring events play a vital role in raising funds to help kids in need, particularly those in remote and regional communities where families and schools often face challenges in accessing the support and resources required for each child to reach their full potential,” he said.
Variety will deliver $12,724 in grants to a primary school and a community organisation on the Adventure Ride route.
In addition to the grants, more than $55,000 will be injected into regional communities with overnight accommodation, meals, fuel and more for the 20 motorcyclists, as well as the 20 strong support team.
“We provide a full support crew, including a baggage vehicle, medical and mechanicals teams, to take the stress out of everything and enable our riders to enjoy the incredible alpine ridges and thrilling descents we have planned,” said Mr Warner.
“It really is the ultimate feel-good experience – getting your adventure bike out on the roads it was made for and having great fun with old mates or new friends, all while knowing you’re giving back to the community.”
For more information, visit variety.org.au/nsw/event/varietyadventureride/
The Variety Adventure Ride Route
DAY 1 – Sunday 17 March: Jindabyne – Omeo – Bright
DAY 2 – Monday 18 March: Bright – Craig’s Hut – Mansfield
DAY 3 – Tuesday 19 March: Mansfield – Licola – Sale
DAY 4 – Wednesday 20 March: Sale – Lakes Entrance
DAY 5 – Thursday 21 March: Lakes Entrance – Delegate – Merimbula
DAY 6 – Friday 22 March: Merimbula – Jindabyne
