East Gippsland Shire Council is again supporting the Bairnsdale community to host the start of the 17th annual Barry Sheene Tribute Ride on Thursday, October 24.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation, in consultation with the Sheene family, developed the concept of the tribute ride from Bairnsdale to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit ahead of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and that tradition continues in 2019.
Mayor Cr Natalie O'Connell said the Council works closely with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation each year to run the event and was proud to again support the event.
"Hundreds of riders of all ages will gather together to ride out as one to pay homage to the late, great Barry Sheene, one of the Moto GP's champion of champions who died of cancer in 2003," she said.
"Council's support recognises the economic and social benefits that the ride brings to the region. This event is also a fantastic way to showcase East Gippsland, as riders not only stop in our towns but also enjoy some of the great touring roads and hospitality our region affords."
The Barry Sheene Tribute Ride includes the Champions Dinner Auction at the Bairnsdale RSL on Wednesday, October 23 from 6pm. Items will be auctioned to raise funds for local charity the Bairnsdale Ambulance Auxiliary.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is the official charity partner for the 2019 ride and will be sharing the stage at the dinner and selling badges and pins for the ride.
"For those purely interested in seeing the bikes and the spectacle as they are waved off under police escort, the riders will leave the Service Street staging area at 8.30am on Thursday, October 24. I encourage everyone to come along and cheer the riders on," Cr O'Connell said.
To participate in the ride, all participants must register online at the Moto GP website.
