Recreational cyclists support Benalla businesses

“We have fun. They’re a bunch of jokers,” Ms Van Beek said.

“We always stop to support the local businesses. Main Street Café is one of our favourites. They look after us extremely well.

“We’ve been riding together for about 20 years. We used to go a lot further and a bit faster.

“When I started I did not think I’d still be riding 20 years later. It’s very addictive.

Ms Van Beek said the group was for all ages.

“We have people over 80 who come riding,” she said.

“Everyone is not here today. This is a good size group but there are at least three who didn’t make it today.

“Years ago we used to have groups of up to 25 riders, so it’s fallen to the wayside a bit.

“The roads are not always great, lots of potholes. And the drivers around Benalla are mostly very good, and we see a lot of wildlife as well.”