The Tatura 200 Cross Country Ride was up in the air for some time as difficulties emerged in negotiations between various bodies in the planning stages.
However, now the call has been made to cancel the 2023 ride ― though the larger Tat200 event will still proceed as planned ― with a difficult dispute involving Parks Victoria cited as the motivation for pulling the plug.
Officially, the explanation was that a stretch of land on the ride’s intended route around Shepparton Regional Park was unrecognised as a verified path by Parks Victoria.
However, avid Tatura rider Sam Lolicato disagreed with the finding.
“We have only ever followed existing paths through the park,” Lolicato said in a statement representing Tatura cyclists.
“Parks Victoria has said there is a 200m section which is not on their maps and therefore passage is illegal.
“I have been riding across that section for 30 years ... the environmental damage caused by bicycles would be negligible, especially compared to motorised vehicles.
“This ride ran successfully for six years with no negative feedback from Parks Victoria, until COVID brought it to a stop.”
The ride, previously an annual fundraiser for various causes in the Tatura community, was scheduled to coincide with the rest of the Tat200 festivities on Saturday, November 25.
Lolicato lambasted what he perceived as Parks’ about-face following a period of discussions with the local council and lamented the potentially lost opportunities for sponsorships to drive in funds.
“One year, (sponsors) donated $100,000 to the oncology unit at GV Health,” Lolicato said.
“I think the decision to refuse the permit was made by officials from outside our area.
“This decision by Parks Victoria is an embarrassment, with no winners.”