RSL Remembrance Ride 2025
9-15 November 2025 - Tallangatta, Victoria
The annual RSL Remembrance Ride began in 2022 to provide an opportunity for veterans to challenge themselves in a mentally supportive environment and ride an iconic trail. It fosters the chance to connect with other veterans and veteran communities in towns along the way and raise funds for the upkeep of War Memorials.
2025 Ride
Sunday, 9 November - The group assembled in Tallangatta, Victoria. After a group dinner to get to know each other, it was back to the tents for a good night’s sleep for the following day.
Monday, 10 November - The group rode the southern section of Lake Hume (78km). It was a picturesque day with plenty of highlights along the way. They visited the bronze statue of Sandy in Tallangatta. Sandy was the only WWI warhorse to return to Australia after the Great War.
Tuesday, 11 November - The weather took a turn, and the wet and windy conditions forced the Tallangatta Remembrance Day service to be held inside the Community Hall. The riders were honoured to attend the service and Mike Hogan laid a wreath on behalf of the RSL Remembrance Ride. After the service, the group were hit several times by hailstorms on the 64km stretch to Beechworth. The team arrived wet and cold - some riders saying it was the first time they had never been able to get warm on a 60km+ bike ride!
Wednesday, 12 November - Thankfully the storms had blown over the next morning and the riders enjoyed a cool and breezy 92km ride near Beechworth.
Thursday, 13 November - The longest ride of the week took place on Thursday. The team started the day at the Beechworth Cenotaph before riding on to Myrtleford for a quick morning tea stop. It was on to Bright for lunch before continuing on the Murray to Mountains rail trail, which allowed riders to enjoy the scenery as they gazed up at Mount Buffalo.
After Bright, the team faced the biggest climb of the week - Tawonga Gap. This 14km climb sapped all remaining energy. A short recovery stop on top and then it was onto Mount Beauty.
When they arrived in Mount Beauty, the team were greeted by the current and former president and the vice president of Mount Beauty RSL Sub-branch, and some of the sub-branch members. They met the riders at the Mount Beauty Cenotaph, and then, once the tents were pitched, joined them for dinner, sharing stories and laughs - a highlight for all the riders on the trip.
Friday, 14 November - In the morning, as they departed Mount Beauty for Tallangatta, the Mount Beauty Sub-branch President came out to wish all the riders well and thank them for coming to visit. The team were truly touched.
On leaving Mount Beauty, they followed the Kiewa River Valley as it descended down to Lake Hume. At every bend and over each rise, the views were stunning on both sides of the valley. The road back to Tallangatta was mostly sealed, and there was very little traffic. The team pushed on at a good pace, arriving back in Tallangatta by early afternoon. This allowed plenty of time to pitch tents and do some washing in preparation for the final day.
Saturday, 15 November - The team rode the Tallangatta - Shelley rail trail along the old Wodonga-Cudgewa railway line. The ride down the Shelley rail trail was a stunner in the early morning, gliding along the track through the ever-changing forest, over creeks and ancient bridges, through leaf-littered gullies.
They rode alongside impressive historic structures through the scenic landscapes. This trail holds a unique place in Australia's railway history, featuring the historic trestle bridge over Boggy Creek, believed to have been constructed from Blue Gum trees in 1915.
All too quickly, they were down on the flats and the outer reach of Lake Hume. The last 10km required a little bit of pedal power, and the team soaked up the last half hour of their week’s ride.
After an incredible six days and around 450km of enjoyable cycling, new friendships had formed, memories had been made, and the team had raised awareness of the importance of Remembrance Day and the role of the RSL in supporting the veteran community.
“The RSL Remembrance Ride through the Victorian High Country was an unforgettable journey. Visiting local war memorials, connecting with local RSL sub-branches and attending the Remembrance Day service. We faced every day's challenge together—the dust, the hills, rain, hail, and shine. However, the ride's true treasure was the camaraderie—sharing stories throughout each day’s ride and over a meal at the end of each day. An awesome week connecting with fellow veterans with amazing scenery.”
John Paine - Abermain RSL Sub-Branch
Past Rides
2022 - Mawson Trail (930km) from Blinman to Adelaide.
2023 - Central West Cycle (CWC) Trail in NSW (430km)
2023 - High Monaro, NSW (8-12 November)
2024 - Lachlan Valley Cycle Trail
To note
Cyclists need an AusCycling membership or to hold cycling insurance with another organisation. ‘Lifestyle Membership’ is recommended for social riders.
The majority of riding is on gravel roads, so cyclists must have an appropriate bike for this surface.
Booked accommodation will be camping. Cyclists can choose to stay in commercial accommodation, but that is an individual responsibility in terms of arrangement and cost.
Feedback from past rides:
“The RSL Remembrance Ride has been an outstanding opportunity to cycle with fellow veterans from all services. There was a camaraderie forged as we rode through an amazing variety of tracks and landscapes that left an indelible impression on the riders. An unexpected bonus has been the opportunity to learn the history of different towns from the locals. This ride has been the experience of a lifetime.”
- Former Navy CPO Dave CUNNINGHAM
Next RSL Remembrance Ride
The next RSL Remembrance Ride is yet to be confirmed. Expressions of interest in participating will open May 2026.