Braemar College students are buckling up and putting pedal to the metal in this year’s Great Vic Bike Ride, for a nine day journey covering 540 kilometres.
The ride will start on November 25, in Orbost and will finish on December 3, in Wonthaggi, winding its way through the regions including Buchan, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Sale, Port Albert and Fish Creek.
For Braemar College, this year marks the 16th ride for the school, with 18 students from year 10 and 11, as well as four teachers and one parent set to take off.
Teacher Don Moran said training started in the last two weeks of term three, and the group has completed 12 rides around and across the Macedon Ranges.
“The students have learned individual bike skills and how to ride as a group which requires confidence and exposure to develop expertise,” he said.
“[The ride] builds resilience and leadership… [providing] students with a challenging and fun experience along with the chance to engage and build relationships with people from all age groups.
“We not only focus on fitness but bike etiquette and communication [which] is key to safe cycling. [It] allows schools to focus on education and developmental goals.”
Bicycle Network events general manager Caitlin Borchers agreed and said it is a fun, friendly and challenging holiday.
“Gippsland has some of the best bike riding in Australia- gentle gradients, quiet country backroads and scenery to die for, making it ideal for bike riders of all levels,” Ms Borchers said.
The ride is a rolling bike festival with tent-based accommodation, and there comprehensive on-route support throughout.
