GREAT Vic Bike Ride participants reached the end of a five-hundred-and-twenty-two-kilometre journey last Sunday at Federation University\u2019s Mount Helen campus.<\/p>\n
About 2500 people took part in the iconic cycling-camping holiday which started in Koroit in late-November, seeing the Great Ocean Road, volcanic craters, Great Otway National Park, and Golden Plains Shire along the way.<\/p>\n
Many riders arrived in Inverleigh on Saturday afternoon, camped overnight at the recreation reserve, before heading up to the uni on Sunday morning via Shelford, Mount Mercer, Grenville, Durham Lead, and Buninyong.<\/p>\n
Shire mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said municipal staff were excited to welcome the huge group of visitors to Inverleigh.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event proved to be a massive boost for local businesses and venues,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was wonderful to have 1800 people camp overnight in Inverleigh and get a taste of what Golden Plains Shire has to offer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community market, which had more than 50 stalls, was really well attended, and about 140 attendees took advantage of the bag and tag service, where purchased goods were transported to their final destination for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil has had lots of positive feedback from local Inverleigh traders and community groups, and council congratulates organisers for such an impressive event.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cyclist Deb Robertson said finishing the journey at FedUni was special, not far from her home, although she felt more exhausted than excited when crossing the line.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we came into Mount Helen… we rode up through the carpark, and as we crossed the line there were announcements and people clapping,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was lovely. Then we headed back into Buninyong for a milkshake and something to eat before we went home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were people there from Deniliquin, Albury, Gippsland, and they would have had to get onto a bus and travel for hours to get home, so it was very nice for us to be home in 15 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Great Vic Bike Ride is an initiative of the Bicycle Network, and CEO Alison McCormack said riders aged between 17 months and 85 years were part of the scenic challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was so special, and the atmosphere on the rides and in the camps was just electric,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter a break due to COVID… everyone was thrilled to be back, and the school groups were incredible. The young people were out there riding each day and playing together at the camps in the evenings.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a really formative experience for the students… and they had such beautiful manners out on the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
Six hundred students took part in the ride, representing 24 schools. Ms McCormack said the towns involved in the route were supportive, and she gave a special mention to Ballarat.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had to move the finish line from Buninyong… and Federation University were sensational with all the last-minute arrangements,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Other bike ride participants included Olympic cyclist Sarah Gigante and young stroke survivor Tommy Quick on a recumbent bike.<\/p>\n
We Are Right Behind You cycling volunteers helped throughout the week, keeping the ride rolling, although the biggest volunteer group was the 50-strong catering team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
GREAT Vic Bike Ride participants reached the end of a five-hundred-and-twenty-two-kilometre journey last Sunday at Federation University\u2019s Mount Helen campus. About 2500 people took part in the iconic cycling-camping holiday which started in Koroit in late-November, seeing the Great Ocean Road, volcanic craters, Great Otway National Park, and Golden Plains Shire along the way. Many […]<\/p>\n