"A beautiful autumn day": Classic Ride sweeps through region

“A beautiful autumn day”: Classic Ride sweeps through region

Riders were lucky to get the Great Ocean Road all to themselves as traffic was not permitted to drive down the famous location.

TORQUAY and the Surf Coast once again provided the ultimate backdrop over the weekend for the return of the Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride.

O2 Events director Jordan O’Neill said the event attracted almost 3,500 riders, with each rider taking part in one of three available courses; the Family 60km course, the Classic 145km course, and the 204km Amy’s Ride.

Riders were lucky to get the Great Ocean Road all to themselves as traffic was not permitted to drive down the famous location.

“We received plenty of feedback of how much participants love this event and what a great day it was.

“It was a beautiful autumn day, with the sun shining to provide riders an unforgettable ride.”

Almost 3,500 people took part in the 2023 Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride on Saturday, with many bracing the early morning weather to take on the 204km course.

Cyclists took in the full scope of the Surf Coast, beginning and finishing in Torquay and riding through local towns including Moriac, Deans Marsh, Forrest, Skenes Creek, and Lorne.

Riders predominantly travelled from outside of the Surf Coast to take part in this year’s ride according to O’Neill.

Riders enjoyed uninterrupted views of the beautiful Surf Coast coastline.

“Riders enjoyed breathtaking coastal scenery along one of Australia’s most famous stretches of coastline and explored the coastal and Otway towns along the way,” he added.

“We look forward to bringing Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo back to the Surf Coast & Colac Otway Shire on September 9-10, 2023 for another spectacular ride for riders to enjoy and to explore the region.”