Great Vic Bike Ride
Monday 24th November started earlier than most school days at 5:30am. Bleary-eyed but excited, we arrived at school and boarded the bus that would kick off our adventure.
Day 1: Mortlake to Koroit
Our first destination was Mortlake, where we hopped on our bikes and began the 61km ride to Koroit. The route was mostly flat and smooth, through the lush, rolling farmland.
That night we set up tents on the soft green grass of the Koroit footy oval and even had a few people head out for a run – apparently 61km wasn’t enough exercise for the day. The evening wrapped up with an incredible orange sunset and a walk into town.
Day 2: Koroit (Loop)
A more relaxed start was had this morning, since it was a loop ride and no one had to pack up tents and luggage. The 67km route took us inland before returning along the stunning coastline with a stop at the beautiful Port Fairy for lunch. The jokes about the distance increased as the kilometres did. We also got our first real taste of what GVBR is famous for: amazing views, camaraderie and the odd bit of rain and wind thrown in for good measure.
The afternoon was spent playing soccer, card games, and a walk into town.
Day 3: Koroit to Port Campbell
The day started early with a pack up in the rain. By 7am we were riding again, with 90km ahead of us. Rain came and went, but the headwind near the end stuck around. We got to ride the spectacular coastline of the Great Ocean Road. Lunch tasted extra good thanks to ocean views and pasta salad.
Day 4: Port Campbell (Loop)
This was our longest and hilliest day: 100km, including one massive climb only a quarter
of the way in. We rode along the Great Ocean Road and past the Twelve Apostles before heading inland through towering eucalypts and rolling farmland. One of the rest stops was in Timboon, conveniently at the Timboon Ice creamery, where many took the opportunity to sample the local produce, delicious!
By the time we reached camp, every muscle in our body was tired… including some we didn’t know existed. Luckily our teachers took us for a freezing ocean swim, which somehow made everything better.
That night finished with an intense trivia competition.
Day 5: Port Campbell to Camperdown
We packed up for the final time and set off for our last 53km, with hills that reminded our legs what they had signed up for. We arrived in Camperdown around midday, tired but incredibly proud, before hopping on the bus home. The bus had barely rolled out of Camperdown before many of us were fast asleep.
364kms over five days is the equivalent of riding from NHS to just past Lakes Entrance with an elevation gain of 2808m, which is approximately 600m more than the highest mountain in Australia.
The teachers were so proud of everyone’s efforts both on the road and in helping each other out around the camp site.
The GVBR was an incredible experience that pushed us out of our comfort zones, helped us build new skills, and created friendships and memories we’ll carry with us long after the ride. If you’re thinking about joining next year – do it. You won’t regret it.
By Murray Grover