On line for rail trail event

YARRA Ranges residents and visitors came out in force for the shire’s Hike and Bike the Rail Trail community event last weekend.
The event, which attracted in excess of 500 participants, was staged on Sunday, 20 November as part of the Warming Up for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games celebrations.
Shire of Yarra Ranges residents and visitors to the area were invited to walk or ride sections of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and engage in community activities at the line’s former stations.
Participants who registered for the event received an activity passport, with the first 500 registrations receiving a free Commonwealth Games souvenir pack.
Shire of Yarra Ranges manager of community relations James Martin said the flexibility of the event was a big draw card.
“People of all ages and all fitness levels were able to take part because you could do as much or as little as you wanted to,” he said.
“Some people came for a gentle walk between stations whereas other people were up for the challenge of riding the whole trail from Lilydale to Warburton.”
The good weather and a feast of community activities at townships along the trail also helped attract participants, Mr Martin said.
“It was a great opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the weather and participate in events being run for and by the communities that exist along the trail,” he said.
Mr Martin said the event helped foster enthusiasm for the 2006 Commonwealth Games as well as an appreciation for the Rail Trail.
“The event was a great way to localise the Commonwealth Games.
“It helped bring the Games to our own backyard and reminds people of the wonderful assets we have in our part of the world,” he said.
Mr Martin said shire staff and volunteers who organised the day would meet later this week to discuss the possibility of staging other Rail Trail community events in the future.