Community views welcomed ahead of Great Victorian Bike Ride

BICYCLE Network will be visiting towns across the Geelong region from today and into next week to meet with locals and discuss how community groups, businesses and tourism operators can get involved and benefit from the coming Great Vic Bike Ride.

More than 3,000 bike riders of all ages and abilities, volunteers and support staff will descend on each town between November 26 and December 4 as this year’s edition of the biggest multi-day bike ride in the Southern Hemisphere travels from Koroit to Buninyong.

The meetings will be held at the Inverleigh Recreation Reserve, Railway Street, Inverleigh today from 6-7pm; at 42-44 Main Street, Birregurra on Tuesday, August 30 from 7-8pm; and at the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, 100 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea on Wednesday, August 21 from 6-7pm.

“The meetings will give locals the chance to learn how they can make the most out of the event and get information about how it will operate,” Bicycle Network general manager of events Caitlin Borchers said

“This year’s Great Vic features some of the best parts of Western Victoria as well as the Great Ocean Road. We’re excited to work with the local communities to help share their community with riders and showcase the very best of each town.

“Whether you’re part of the golf club or football club, run a cafe, or have some local produce to showcase to riders, we would love you to come along to the community meetings to learn more about the Great Vic.

“The event presents great opportunities for community groups like schools, sporting clubs and businesses.

“Each rider spends an average of $35 a day on the Great Vic, injecting more than $100,000 each day into the region.

“Three out of four riders also tell us that they are likely to come back to towns again within 12 months after first visiting on the ride.”

Planning information including details of campsite locations and changes to traffic conditions will also be discussed at the meetings.

“We want to make sure our visit to each town is as smooth as possible and that local communities understand how the event will run and the opportunities for them.”

The floor will be open at the meetings for locals to discuss the ride and see how they can be a part of the festivities.

The 2022 event will be Bicycle Network’s 38th Great Vic Bike Ride

It is a fully-supported camping and bike riding holiday, with meals, luggage transport and on-route mechanical assistance provided.

About 300 volunteers will be on deck this year to help riders, and a licensed cafe, bar and restaurant all travel with the event and set up in each town.

For more information on the event, and details for those who can’t make it on the night, head to greatvic.com.au.