FOR bicycle riders, B.A.D stands for Ballarat Autumn Day.
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For about 600 cyclists who took part in yesterday’s B.A.D Ride, there were patches of winter mixed in with the autumn but most managed to avoid the worst of it.
This year’s riders each tackled one of three courses: a 50km ride, a 100km ride, and the advanced 100km Challenging option, which included a climb up Mt Warrenheip and another up Mt Buninyong.
Numbers were down on recent years, due in part to there being a plethora of cycling events in the Ballarat region, according to event organiser Pat Hope.
“Generally we get about 800 but there were four other organised cycling events, ... everyone who came enjoyed themselves,” Ms Hope said.
“It is a community event run by the Ballarat Bushwalking and Outdoor Club, not a race.
“There are some people who are very capable riders, but we also had many who told us it was the first time they had ridden 50km.
“It is a low-cost participation event rather than a big fundraiser but this year we raised a bit of money for UnitingCare’s BreezeWay Meals Program.”
The B.A.D Ride started in 1990 and is held on the first Sunday in May each year. This year the event celebrated its silver anniversary.
As for the weather, Ms Hope said the riders coped quite well.
“It was a bit brisk but it was OK,” Ms Hope said.
“There was a shower at the end of the day but most had made it back by then.”