A GROUP of local art enthusiasts has come up with a stylish way to welcome 5000 cyclists to Millicent on the weekend of November 23 and 24.
The participants in the Great Vic Bike Ride will see dozens of decorated bikes around the streets and parks of Millicent.
The idea has been borrowed from past bike rides, but that did not deter over 20 volunteers from using elbow grease, paint and their artistic talents to decorate the bikes at a working bee on the weekend.
Coordinated by the Imagine Millicent arts group, Wattle Range Council provided a storage shed at the Millicent saleyards as the venue for the day-long working bee.
The bikes were no longer suitable for the Millicent Road Traffic School and were donated to Imagine Millicent to decorate.
Imagine Millicent spokesperson Chris Hollingsworth said council development services director Steve Chapple suggested the decorated bike concept and it was quickly embraced.
“The decorated bikes will be dotted around the Millicent township,” Ms Hollingsworth said.
“The Millicent Craft Group members will be yarn bombing the bikes while we are hoping the Millicent Men’s Shed members can make sculptures to go with the bikes.”
The volunteers undercoated and painted and decorated at least 25 bikes.
All in all, there will be around 35 bikes on display.
“I love art and the Great Vic Bike Ride is going to be awesome for Millicent,” volunteer Kerryn Fennell said.
“Millicent will be a town the people will remember.”
Millicent Craft Group committee member Pat Muhovics said her 12 members will yarn-bomb pedals, seats and grips.
“It is all about promoting community involvement in the arts and crafts in Millicent,” she said.
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll said there was a positive vibe growing about the presence of 5000 cyclists in Millicent for their overnight stop.
“People will embrace it,” Mr Noll said.
“I am not surprised people are responding in a positive way as it is about making Millicent vibrant and exciting.
“As I have said before, Millicent is open for business.
‘We want our visitors to feel the love of the community.”
