Thousands take part in Great Ocean and Otway ride

MORE than 3,500 riders enjoyed the picturesque views of the Great Ocean Road during this year’s Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride.

The sun came out on Saturday to provide riders with unforgettable conditions as 3,557 cyclists gathered on The Esplanade in Torquay.

“Despite the poor weather leading into the event, the Surf Coast provided great riding conditions on event day,” O2 Events director Kane Osler said.

“The Great Ocean & Otway Classic brings over 3,500 riders to the Surf Coast region for the weekend, which is great to see Torquay and surrounding towns bustling.

“As riders crossed the finish line in Torquay, we received plenty of feedback of how much participants love this event with a distance for everyone.”

3,557 riders completed the Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride.

Starting and finishing in Torquay, riders could choose to ride one of three distances, with 1,074 participants riding 60km, 2,053 riding 145km and 430 riding 204km long courses.

Many riders travelled from Melbourne and surrounding suburbs to take part in one of Australia’s premier and most spectacular cycling events.

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.

Riders in the 145km category ride enjoyed 90km of road closures.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said it was great to see so many people from outside the shire participating in local events during the colder months.

“The Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride is a great way for people to challenge themselves while taking in the stunning scenery of our coast and hinterland.

“It also aligns with our goal to support events that encourage people to stay longer – especially in the off season – and appreciate the area.

“We recognise that mass participation events like this have an impact on other road users, so we thank community members for their patience and helping to ensure the ride could go ahead safely.”

Riders began and concluded their rides in Torquay on Saturday.

The Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride was supported by the following major partners; Arevo, RACV, 2XU and the Amy Gillett Foundation.

The Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride is also supported by Colonial Brewing Co, eniQ, Winners, Surf Coast Events, Barwon Water and Carman’s Kitchen.

O2 events will bring Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo back to the Surf Coast from September 10-11 this year to raise funds for the Amy Gillett Foundation, which aims to create a safe bike riding environments across Australia.

To view participant results, head to oztiming.com.au/events/view/678/great-ocean-and-otway-classic-ride-2022.