The 2012 Kelly Country Classic raised $2050 for NHW
Chris Cunningham and Margaret Bennett receive a cheque from Sam Miranda. $10 from every cyclist’s entry fee was donated and will go towards the purchase of theatre equipment.
The seventh Kelly Country Classic cycling event on Sunday 11th November has helped raise $2050 for Wangaratta’s public hospital.
While down about a third on last year’s 340 entries, organisers believe the event was still highly successful.
The Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) fundraiser had been originally cancelled due to administration restrictions to stage the event. But Sam Miranda Winery came on board to resurrect the classic nine weeks out from the big day.
Some 205 entrants took part in Sunday’s 55km or 105km rides across the district which took in Glenrowan, Winton Lurg, Myrrhee and Moyhu. Sam Miranda has donated $10 from every entry to NHW, with $2050 donated towards the purchase of new equipment for the hospital.
Riding into Sam Miranda Winery during the Kelly Country Classic cycling event (from left) Clancy Hammond, Jackie Hobbs, Rachel Long, Roz Hammond and Glenn Clarke.
Classic director Marty Tobin said although entries were down they were happy with numbers, considering the short time frames involved with the organisation. “Word had got out to the cycling fraternity that the Kelly Country Classic had been cancelled,” he said. “So to have a turn around of nine weeks from confirmation that Sam Miranda would stage the event, the level of entries was excellent compared to last year’s 340,” Mr Tobin said.
“Cycling tourism is a core part of Sam Miranda and we want to grow on this event into the future. “It complements the other cycling events we stage, including the Sam Miranda Road Race and the Gran Fondo.”
Riders were able to kick back and enjoy a wine after the trip in the surrounds of Sam Miranda’s vineyard, while chilling out, listening to border band Grooveyard Hammond Combo.
About The Kelly Country Classic
The ride will start and finish at the Sam Miranda Cellar Door in Oxley and will meander through Glenrowan, Myrrhee and Moyhu with a 55km and 105km options for riders to choose from. An exciting addition to this year’s ride will be the Event Village which will allow riders to relax before and after the ride and enjoy great coffee and the complimentary food and drinks while kicking back listening to live music by local jazz band Jamin On.
Entry will be a flat rate therefore enabling those more enthusiastic competitors to continue riding and complete either loop a second time. A donation from each entry will be made to Northeast Health Wangaratta to provide much needed medical equipment for the well being of local residents.
Sam Miranda has been a keen rider and promoter of cycling events in the region for the past 5 years. The Kelly Country Classic is a fantastic event that will follow on from the success of the Sam Miranda Road Race and Grand Fondo.
Both events are uniquely different and cater for riders of all experiences; from the competitive club racers and keen cyclists who can compete over 2 days of racing, to the family cyclists and participation riders who want to enjoy a leisurely ride through some of the prettiest countryside the North East has to offer.
For more information please contact Marty Tobin from Sam Miranda of King Valley on (03) 5727 3888
