The Association was excited about the return of the Annual OPA Bike Ride which traditionally coincides with the College Open Day. 

The 2024 Giro D'Parade was a 35 km event where an enthusiastic peloton of riders from the Parade community commenced at the Preston Campus, made its way to the Old Bluestone Pile, then Alphington's Flowerdale Campus, and finished at Bundoora.

These significant historical landmarks span the 153 years of the College’s history. Parade East Melbourne operated from 1871- 1967, Parade Alphington from 1953-1988, and the Bundoora campus since 1968. John Nicholls was at each stop to talk about the historical significance of each location while the riders took a well-deserved rest break.

We would like to thank Peter Gilmartin (1968) and Dino Rebellato (1978) for working with the Association to help organise and promote the event. We would also like to acknowledge the support of cycling commentator, journalist, and Old Paradian Matt Keenan (1992) for his well-received promotional video.

It was terrific to have 2 Year 7 boys, Jonathon and Adam, participate in the ride. They learned firsthand about the College's history while enjoying the challenge of the 35 km ride. Staff members Matt Simpson (2004) and Andre Botoulas (2016) also participated in the ride.

We thank all riders for supporting this OPA event and as a token of our appreciation, participants were presented with a certificate,  OPA drink bottle, and Giro D’Parade messenger bag. A sausage sizzle and presentation took place when riders returned to the College.

We look forward to Giro D'Parade 2025 and building on the momentum of interest from the Parade community.