Over 20,000 students have participated in the Great Victorian Bike Ride since it’s inauguration in 1984.

When: Saturday 27 November – Sunday 5 December 2021

This non-competitive 9-day ride includes five school days and weekends

Where: Rainbow to Great Western

Who: Students in Years 7–10

How Far: The total distance is approximately 523 km

(averaging about 75 km per riding day)

How many can go?

School groups vary in size from two to 90, with the average group size being 16. We have previously offered 40–60 students from Year 7 to Year 10 the opportunity to participate in the event, which equated to 10-15 places for each year level. Given the unprecedented level of interest in this year’s event we are waiting until we have an accurate indication of numbers before we determine the final numbers.

How much will it cost?

The cost for students is $1,100. This includes all meals, luggage transport each day, supply of tents, first aid support, entertainment, camp sites, on road mechanical and police support, the cost of transporting bikes, luggage and participants to the event and the rider’s kit for students.

Please note: There is no additional charge for students ordering vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free meals in 2021.

Can parents/guardians come too?

Yes, parent/guardians are encouraged to share this wonderful experience. They can ride in a supervisory capacity with the Frankston High School team. If you wish to participate as a parent/guardian you will need to complete the relevant section on the Contract of Commitment and return it with your child’s Contract of Commitment. The cost for parents is also $1,100. Given that the parents/guardians are expected to assist with supervision during training rides and the event, as well as helping around the campsite, we subsidize the other costs such as transportation to the event and meals not provided by Bicycle Network Victoria.

Requirements?

All students need to have a sound, reliable and roadworthy bike. All bikes will undergo a thorough safety inspection prior to the first training ride. Students will also need to have appropriate riding gear that is capable of coping with all weather conditions. As we will be camping students will need to have their own camping gear.

Fitness and Training Rides

Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and preparation can complete the Great Victorian Bike Ride. Participants will be required to complete the organised training rides that will generally be held one evening after school each week and on a couple of Sundays’ each month. This provides the students with the opportunity to get to know the other students in the group whilst improving their fitness and road sense when riding in groups. A detailed calendar of training rides will be released once numbers and participants are confirmed. Below is an indication of the types of distances that will be covered on the Sunday rides.

August: at least one 25 – 50km ride

September: at least one 40 – 60km ride

October: at least one 50 – 75km ride

November: at least one ride over 100km

In addition to the organised training rides, students are expected to do some training rides at home.

Selection Procedures

Student interest in the 2021 Great Victorian Bike Ride has been very strong. There will be an information session (date to be advised pending COVID-19 restrictions) where we will discuss details of the event and answer any questions that you may have. You will also receive an information pack which will include a number of forms that need to be returned (dates to be advised pending COVID-19 restrictions). These include the Contract of Commitment, the Frankston High School Excursion Form and the Confidential Medical Information for School Council form. Returning these forms DOES NOT guarantee the student’s position on the camp. It will provide an accurate indication of the number of students that are able to participate. Should the numbers exceed our capacity, we will implement further selection procedures that will provide each student with an equal opportunity to secure a position on the ride.

It is also important to know, that whilst we are excited to be on our bikes and travelling to some of Victoria’s magnificent destinations, we also understand there is some apprehension around purchasing ride entries, given the uncertainty we have all faced within the COVID-19 environment. With this in mind Bicycle Network have updated their refund policy to support some possible scenarios based on past and current government restrictions. As the COVID-19 environment and government responses to it are constantly evolving, they have tried to keep things simple, so in essence, if COVID-19 related restrictions prevent the event from proceeding, you from attending or require you to quarantine to attend, then you will be able to transfer your entry to a future event or take a full refund.

All students are expected to uphold the highest levels of behaviour at school throughout the training sessions and during the ride. They must also ensure that they are up to date with their work prior to departure. All students will be informed of their selection or non-selection as soon as possible. Please note that payment of the initial non-refundable deposit of $300 will be required one week after notification of selection.

Should you have any queries regarding the 2021 GVBR, please contact:

Mr Malcolm Burt

Great Victorian Bike Ride Coordinator

9783 7955 or mburt@fhs.vic.edu.au

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