By Jason Parker

Saturday 5 January, members of the Mansfield Mount Buller Cycling Club held a memorial ride and morning tea, for one of their members, Robert Curtis.
Since buying a house in the area Robert and his wife, Sue, travelled up from Melbourne most weekends to enjoy spending time in the High Country, tending their farm and alpacas, catching up with friends, skiing and ski patrolling, and cycling. Robert also trained and raced with the Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club and became quickly know as ‘The Colombian’ due to his seemingly effortless climbing prowess.
After feeling unwell last year, Robert sought medical treatment and was diagnosed with Leukemia and then received intensive treatment in hospital. Robert died on December 27.

Before the ride started Jarrod Appleton spoke about Robert’s early life, schooling, sporting pursuits, character, passions, and pursuits. The group of around thirty riders set off, riding to Spring Creek, past Robert’s house and then completed the Barwite Loop, or part thereof. Afterwards, Robert’s family invited family and friends to share in a morning tea at the Delatite Hotel.
The MMBCC has named an annual race in Robert’s honour, the Robert Curtis Memorial Hillclimb, to be held on Thursday 17 January, from Sawpit Gully Rd to Spring Creek Rd.
Vale Robert Curtis.