Dennis calls for companions on his 25th Murray to Moyne cycling event
Dennis Sharkey is lining up for this 25th Murray to Moyne cycling event in 2025, to raise awareness and funding for Grampians Health Edenhope.
The annual event involves cycling 520 kilometres, in teams of eight to 16, from Mildura to Echuca over two days. Each participant seeks sponsorship, which is injected into Edenhope-specific programs, equipment or services.
Dennis is an avid cyclist, known for loading his bike up with camping gear and hitting the road for a couple of weeks.
“I usually ride by myself, I like being alone,” he said. “Murray to Moyne is kind of weird; it’s the one time I enjoy the teamwork and riding with a group.”
The camaraderie is key to drawing Dennis back every year, but he is also driven to support Grampians Health Edenhope.
“For me, it’s a way of making a statement about our health service, to say it’s important and that we need it to continue,” he said.
“I actually stayed in a hospital room that was financed by Murray to Moyne a few years ago – there was a plaque on the door. None of us want to be in there, but everyone needs a local hospital and to have it stocked with all the best equipment.”
In the lead up to the 2025 event, on April 5/6, Dennis hopes to attract a younger crew of cyclists.
“I haven’t got a bad word to say about the team, but we’re a bit of an old man’s club at the moment,” he said. “We figured out the average age, in 2024, and the number was in the high 50s. It would be really great to get some younger people involved, and some more females.”
Participants each ride about 150km, over two days, but the relay-style approach makes it more achievable for amateur cyclists.
“We break it up into blocks, depending on conditions and people’s fitness, so if you can hang onto your bike for 20km, at a go, you’ll be right,” he said.
“Everyone has their own personal goal and we match our approach to them; some are pushing just to make it through, others are trying to break their own records.
“We’ve had plenty of people come for the first time and their sense of self-pride is very evident.”
Dennis will readily assist new cyclists in preparing for the event and doubles as a fitter and turner.
“I take it as a personal insult if a bike makes noise or doesn’t work properly, so I’ll be onto that,” he said. “The bike I take away is about 30-years-old now; it’s not necessary to have an amazing, expensive, bike.”
This year Dennis’ brother, Kevin, joined the Edenhope team and raised $890 for Grampians Health Edenhope.
“Kevin recognised that Edenhope people really support each other, and our golden rule is that no one is left behind,” Dennis said. “It’s a great team and a great event, so hopefully we’ll have some more numbers in 2025.”
The 2024 team has allocated more than $25,000 to a Grampians Health Edenhope project, with a big reveal coming in a few weeks; watch this space!
For more information about Edenhope’s Murray to Moyne team and 2025 event, phone Engagement Coordinator Dani Grindlay: 0409 215 696.
