THERE are some new fun rollers in town, keen to get on a roll around Lake Wendouree on Sunday in a bid to save lives.
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Ballarat Roller Derby League's Rat Pack, known for their tenacity in the fast contact sport, and Ballarat Unicycle Club, a clever balancing act, want to unite with wheels of all shapes and sizes.
Their mission is Ballarat Cycle Classic to raise awareness and money for Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute - and put smiles on people's faces as they roll by.
WHY RIDE?
Ballarat Unicycle Club's Ben Lewis said his group heard about the event from Sprung Circus unicyclists in Daylesford, who encouraged them to get involved.
"My wife and I also went to a fundraising dinner for FECRI last year and were really inspired when (director) George Kannourakis spoke," Mr Lewis said.
"The work FECRI's doing is world-class. We're really happy to be a part of this and don't need much excuse to get on a unicycle."
The club, which formed mid-last year, meets weekly on a primary school basketball court to practise skills. Most weekends they like to try MUni (mountain unicycling through the bush).
Mr Lewis said the discipline could be hard worth the challenge.
Ballarat Cycle Classic is a different test. Unicyclists and roller derby chicks will be in action for the lake family ride, taking in as many six-kilometre laps of Lake Wendouree as they could. Other skaters, scooters, pogo sticks, cycles and penny-farthings are encouraged to join them.
This is also Ballarat Roller Derby League's debut as a club in the event.
Rat Pack member Rebecca Pittman said joining in to help fight cancer with research was a personal challenge for the club.
"Cancer is such a devastating disease. We sadly lost a much-loved team mate only last year. We also have a number of team mates with family members fighting this indiscriminate disease," Ms Pittman said.
People can also participate in a range of road rides, mountain biking and a pet-friendly run and walk for all abilities. Details: ballaratcycleclassic.com.au.
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