|
| |
|
Great Vic Bike Ride 2007 |
|
In 2007 my son, my father-in-law and I decided that we would
challenge ourselves to go on the Great Vic Bike ride, run by bicycle
Victoria. The ride consists of seven days of camping and riding,
traveling an average of 80kms per day. I’m a fairly strong rider so
the distance wasn’t ever going to be a problem, and I have never had
a problem with camping. My father-in-law, Rick, is a strong rider,
but we thought he may have some difficulty with sleeping on the
ground every night, and some aspects of the camping. My son, Daniel,
had just turned twelve and is fairly strong on the bike and has
great handling skills, but has a few problems with rides that take a
high amount of endurance. We both thought that we’d do a bit of
training, and give it a go. It sounded like a lot of fun, so we
thought we’d go with the flow- give it all we had and get as much
out of it, and have as much fun and adventure as we possibly could.
With twelve weeks to go before the ride we set some training goals
and started to think about and list what we would take with us on
the ride. 
The training for the ride didn’t go to plan due
to many social engagements from both my son and me, but I did manage
to get Daniel out on a few longer rides, ranging from 38-110kms. We
probably could have put a bit more time and effort into our
training… and planned it a lot better, but we found it was enough to
give us a good basis for the ride.
The arrival at Telstra dome for the bus to Philip
Island was much easier than expected. I was expecting huge crowds,
huge lines, vague instructions and basically thousands of people
with no idea what they were doing or what they were supposed to be
doing. But as it turned out, it was surprisingly easy and well
planned. There was lots of parking under the dome and there was good
access to the buses and the bike trucks. The bikes were transferred
in cattle trucks, with each bike stacked against each other. It
seemed fairly safe for the bikes, but there is always a risk of
scratches, so we found that some extra padding, or a bike box, was a
very good idea to protect your bike. Most people did not box the
bikes, most just added a bit of extra padding.
We Jumped on the bus and the excitement started –
a whole week of cycling and camping! We had chosen to go for the
sleep easy option of camping, which means you get your tent put up
for you every night except the pre-ride night at Philip Island. This
allowed us to carry extra clothes etc, as we did not have to carry a
tent. We still had to stay under the 20kg limit, but this was very
easy, as neither my son nor I brought much with us but clothes. We
actually found that we brought too many clothes; I guess we just
hoped that it would mean we would have to wash clothes less often…
The other advantage of not having to put a tent
up is of course that you save time, more time to explore the town.
We usually arrived at the campsite fairly early in the day, before
lots of the other riders, which meant we also got our pick of the
tents. It turned out to be a very good choice, and we found that the
extra money was worth it for us.
When we arrived at Philip Island the single oval
was filling up with tents. It seemed chaotic with people and bikes
scattered everywhere, but little did we know that this was just a
small taste of what was to come.
The ride was to start at 9:00am Saturday, so
after spending a night in a hotel, we headed off to put our bags on
the luggage trucks back at the camping oval. By the time we got
there, which was about 8:45am, most people had already started
loading their luggage. The first day was a short 54km trip to
Wonthaggi and we were very excited as we started out. Everyone else
on the road was also excited and fresh, the roads were filled with
the excited buzz of our talking and laughing. The weather was
perfect for cycling; we were blessed with warm weather and clear
blue skies. This was the first real opportunity we had to see the
other riders on the road. My son, my father-in-law and I were all
riding road bikes; we thought it was suited best as the whole trip
is on the road. Many other riders had road bikes but the vast
majority was made up of either hybrids or mountain bikes. There were
many school groups out on the road (~1200 schools), and the age of
riders was a vast array of old and young, but not many in between.
|
 |
|
Every day lunch was provided, as well as other rest stops providing
water, toilets were also available at stops. One Saturday lunch was
provided just off Philip Island. It didn’t really feel like a proper
lunch at 10:00am in the morning.
Lots of riders had already arrived at the lunch
break spot, which was a local cricket ground. The kids playing
cricket had probably never had such a large number of spectators,
and cheers went up for a good performance. The lunch was well
organized and although there were lots of riders the lines moved
quickly and we were all eating in no time. Lunch on this day
consisted of a sandwich, banana, large biscuit and cheese and
biscuits.
We soon hit the road again and arrived at
Wonthaggi about 12:00am. There were no real hills
on the way, so most people they had an easy day of riding, as they
were able to get used to riding on the roads, and riding with other
people.
On the road we found that there was always lots
of support if you ever needed help. The last resort for tired riders
was the Sag wagon which sweeps the course to bring in stranded
riders.
We arrived at the camp site and started to
realize how much planning and work that goes into setting up the
camp each day before we even arrive. All the riders’ luggage took up
more than 6 semi trailers, and when you add to that the toilet
trucks, shower trucks, security force, eating tents, equipment,
vendors that set up at each site and more the overall feel was of a
traveling circus. It was set up each day at each camp site so
quickly, and then taken down at the same rate, and both done
thoroughly and efficiently. The camp site covered the whole of two
ovals with all of the trucks arranged around the edge. Three large
tents were erected for sitting and eating meals, including a bar.
Another tent was also erected for a separate Spokes Bar. There were
numerous tents and vendors set up at each campsite including and
information centre set up by Bicycling Australia, a tent set up by
Diabetes Australia, ice cream tents, bike repairs and parts, wood
fired pizza, daily photos and lots more which made the campsite a
busy and enjoyable place.
There was a real buzz in the air as everyone
found a small area of grass to put up their tents, or if not that,
fight with others for the right to. Some people who had arrived at
the campsite earlier had already set off for the showers, to beat
the long lines. As people started to get settled into the camp they
then invaded the town. The last rider and the sag wagon usually
didn’t arrive to 4:00pm. The bakeries, cafes and pubs in that town
would have found themselves doing great business when the Great Vic
Bike ride passed through. The local pool was also invaded, as was
all the other towns pool were along the way.
The meals started at 5:00pm each evening with
only ever one choice (other than vegetarian and special needs). The
food was simple and safe, so no hot curries. The first night was
roast beef and veggies. There was always music, lots of activity
around the bar and people swapping stories about the day with new
found friends. One of the best memories you take away from the event
is those shared with new friends, even if briefly on the road. One
of the happiest and most rewarding moments of mine would be when I
was riding with a moderately large group of riders. This included
one woman absolutely exhilarated over how fast we were going, and
thanked me profusely, saying she had never ridden that fast, and was
overly grateful that we all gave everyone in our group the support
they needed to complete the ride in good time. I guess this shows
what the Great Victorian Bike Ride is about, and that it is worth
giving it a go even if you’re not a strong rider, as there is a
tremendous amount of support, given by the whole group, for everyone
on the ride. No one is left behind, everyone is congratulated at the
end, and everyone feels good about themselves at the end.
A briefing is held every day to advise what
happened on the day, and brief us on what was to be expected the
next day. Not essential but interesting none the less. Other
entertainment goes on to lights out each night at 10:00pm.
We found ourselves not capable of functioning
very well without the amount of sleep we were used to, and therefore
hit the hay fairly early. I found that ear plugs work very well to
block out all of the camp noises, and in the end both Daniel and I
slept well – much better than we expected. The sleep easy tents were
luckily always located in quiet areas, so if you are noise phobic
while sleeping, choose the quiet sleeping areas.
Breakfast was scheduled to start at 6:00am the
next morning, so we got up early to get in early. At around 6:00am
the line had already extended across one oval and was heading
towards the other one. It was quite a shock to see so many people,
but luckily the line moved fairly quickly. Cereal, fruit, muffins
and yogurt and were ready to go at the end of the line. I picked up
a banana for the road – the banana police woman stops you taking
more than one per person (a very important job I can assure you).
|
 |
|
Wongthaggi to Foster
was a great ride, especially where it goes around the coast. It was
a pleasant ride along the coast, with fantastic views and scenery. I
also would like to not that the police do a great job to keep the
roads safe for riders and drivers, and most drivers seem
understanding enough. I am not sure if I would have been if I was in
a car, but I’m grateful that the people who were driving were
understanding, and I’m sure my fellow riders were thankful that it
wasn’t I who was driving by.
The feeling on the road is very buoyant,
ecstatic, with lots of people talking and laughing and having a
great time. In most ways it’s a very safe way to ride, with most
cars being aware and careful when driving past. But there are always
the few who go over double white lines
|
 |
|
Foster Rest Day:
The rest day came early in the ride, which had some people
grumbling. We decided we would have to wait and see if we would have
preferred it later in the ride, and if it actually made much of a
difference.
Being a cycling nut, my goal was a round trip to
tidal river on the bike, while my son went to the pool. I had spoken
to many people who were also going to do the return trip. It was
120km, which included some sharp climbs when you were in the park.
The ride was definitely a great one. With rolling hills all the way
into the park, then some steep but short hills. I passed a few
riders going down to the promontory as well, but not many people
took up the challenge, and many people were grateful for the rest
day. At Tidal River there was a ferry of buses providing people with
the option to spend a day at the prom.
After some food, rest and play in the water, the
return trip was also a great one. The steep hills were over early
before hitting the rolling hills again. My energy levels dropped as
I headed home so I soon felt the need to stop and eat my muesli bars
half way back. My total trip was just over 120kms with an average of
30km/hr by myself the whole way; I was happy with the effort and the
results, and made it back to camp by lunch time. |
 |
|
Foster – Yinnar:
This was the first day of real climbing. As we left Foster we had a
great tail wind and spinning along at 35km an hour, without wind in
the face, was definitely a great way to start the day! Of course it
just couldn’t stay this good the whole way, and we soon found that
out the hard way, as when the climbing started we headed into the
wind, across the wind and generally every way but from the wind! But
Daniel and I were up for the challenge.
We turned a corner directly into a howling head
wind staring into a steep 500m climb – most demoralizing. Most other
riders agree that this was the worst part of the whole day if not
the whole ride.
Lunch was at Merboo
North and when we saw the town sign we was great relief after
completing the days climb (a 500m rise in total, which is about the
height of mount Dandenong in Melbourne)
After lunch it was a much easier roll into Yinnar.
Before we had left Foster, we had thought that
the first day of climbing was going to seriously challenge a lot of
riders. We were definitely proved right. But everyone who put
themselves up for the challenge, and saw it through to the end, was
rewarded. Even if it was just with the knowledge that they could do
it- had done it.
Yinnar put on a street festival for us while we
were in town, which went down really well. It created great business
for everyone in the town, and seeing so many riders definitely
created a huge sense of excitement from the people in Yinnar. They
also set up a free shuttle bus to the camp (1 km). Yinnar was a
great place to stay, and we all had a great night there.
|
 |
|
Yinnar to Rawson:
The second day of climbing included some steep climbs. The total
height was about the same as the day before but it felt worse due to
the steeper gradients. My son did the climb like a champ! He put it
down low (on a road bike without the granny ring that isn’t too low)
and just kept going. 5-6km up the steep parts without stopping was a
great result! I’m impressed, he really proved himself to me, and
himself.
I was really grateful that I had remembered to
bring the fly spray as the flies were really, really bad in Rawson.
I have never seen so many flies in one place before in my life (and
hopefully never will again). But on the positive side there were no
mozies!
Rawson is nestled in the hills and is close to
some great attractions. Walhalla is an old historic gold mining town
and was only 10kms away, which was a short ride in the shuttle bus
from Rawson. We spent the afternoon touring around Walhalla and
visiting the mine. This was the only time that it really rained in
the whole trip. But the rain had stopped by the time we returned to
Rawson. We were lucky with the weather, the whole trip, as it didn’t
rain much and was never really hot. Other riders spent their time in
Rawson going four-wheel driving around the local area, going on
tours and other such pass times.
|
 |
|
Rawson to Maffra:
What was talked about as being a nice easy down hill day turned out
to be a bit different to what we had expected. We left Maffra in
heavy fog (latter riders had rain) which kept the speed down. It was
very disappointing to see lots of people without lights. There were
lots of down hill parts, which chilled to the bone, but also some
short up hill sections to keep us warm. Taking it ‘easy down the
hills’ was the motto we swore by to make sure we had all our skin
where it should be when we reached the bottom.
We snaked our way along the valley, riding
through a light mist with rain following us close behind. Luckily we
didn’t need a rain jacket as the rain was light, air temperature
good and our cycle clothes were drying out very quickly when we
found a dry patch to ride through. Lots of people did don the rain
jackets, but I would suggest to others to make sure your rain jacket
doesn’t balloon up behind you, make you look the Michelin man, and
make it harder to pedal forward. We made it into Maffra just as it
started to rain, at about 11:00am, looking forward to our
well-earned pie and chocolate milk.
Maffra put on some crits (Criterium Races) for
us and some of the riders joined in. We gave the locals some new
competition and it was great to get up a close to the action.
|
 |
|
Maffre to Paynesville:
This was the flattest day of the ride, which allowed some trains of
riders to be formed; it was a nice easy rolling day, if that’s what
you wanted. It was a longer stage at around 90km. My son finally
clicked with the drafting and we set off at a good pace (average
25km/hr by the end). As we passed people I would say hello and offer
for them to join. By the first rest stop we had a band of merry guys
and gals who had enjoyed the opportunity to ride in a small train (peloton
or group) A lot of them had not ridden in many groups before as they
couldn’t find one the right pace. We agreed to stay to together and
I kept the pace so they could keep up. A few of the others offered
to take the lead, but often did not last long. The few hills strung
the group out but we slowed down to keep the train together. It was
a really good feeling, and I enjoyed it the whole way as we rolled
along at a good pace.
On arriving at our campsite, we decided that we
had not done enough activity along the way, so we hired a canoe and
went paddling around the water ways. We saw some great houses,
interesting and unlike ones found in the cities or the suburbs. My
only concern was the amount of sun I picked up… I did get a
little burnt. We finished it off with a great pizza to
keep the energy levels up.
|
 |
|
Paynesville to Buchan:
The last day of riding wasn’t as easy as the flat
stage, with some climbing to be done. The sense that this was the
end of the trip loomed around all of the riders, which put a
dampener on the mood. The talk was now about what you missed from
home and what you would do when you got back. Other than the people
I missed, I wasn’t hanging out for anything. My son was going to
cuddle our dogs while watching TV.
The energy levels of many riders were definitely
starting to get depleted which made the day fairly hard. We heard
later that the last riders had come in around 7:00pm. Maybe the
early rest day did make a negative difference. It would have been
better for the non-serious riders if the rest day was closer to the
end of the week.
The last 7kms to Buchan was all down hill and
everyone enjoyed the rest and the roll into town. There was a large
grassed area at the pub, next to the road on the way in, which was a
favorite place to sit a cheer everyone as they came in. Throughout
the whole ride I was impressed by the really great atmosphere of
camaraderie between riders, support crew and locals. |
|
Wrap
up.
Would we do it again – definitely. If you are a
really serious rider looking for some fast and furious riding then
this is not the ride for you. Maybe it’s an old cliché but the
journey really is the reward. The small town events, the local
school putting on a sausage sizzle, and the new friends you make are
just as important if not more so than the cycling. The cycling was
great, but it wasn’t the reason so many people go on the trip, and
it’s not the reason I would go again.
|
 |
|
Cycling Event Stories
Cycling Commuting Stories |
| |
|
