The 2008 Great Victorian Bike Ride
Saturday 29 November - Sunday 7 December
 Route description #1
Feel the buzz of the Ride. Strike out through gold country and the Grampians , past wineries and back to historic Ballarat. Challenges await, there are hills to be tackled, and plenty of flat roads too. Experience the exhilaration of achievement, feeling fit and riding steady. Meet friendly faces, colourful characters and have a chat along the way. The kilometres slip by as the conversation flows.
Route description #2
From the shores of Lake Wendouree shady roads lined with reminders of a gold mining past lead to lakes Corangamite and Gnarpurt. Follow the Crater to Coast Rail Trail to discover Cobden’s miniature railway and town of Mortlake. The Grampians rise spectacularly ahead, and the ride cuts straight through the middle to Dunkeld and Halls Gap, the bushwalking capital of Victoria. Rest day here and there’s loads to see – or just chill out with the other riders, your new best buddies! Delightful rural towns pop up towards Lake Bolac and a 106km challenge day will bring you to charming Beaufort. Loop the loop back to Ballarat – 590km of exhilarating cycling.
Cycling route – daily locations and distances
| Day & Date |
Location |
Distance |
| Day 1: Saturday 29 November |
Ballarat to Rokewood |
47km |
| Day 2: Sunday 30 November |
Rokewood to Cobden |
88km |
| Day 3: Monday 1 December |
Cobden to Mortlake |
64km |
| Day 4: Tuesday 2 December |
Mortlake to Dunkeld |
85km |
| Day 5: Wednesday 3 December |
Dunkeld to Halls Gap |
65km |
| Day 6: Thursday 4 December |
Halls Gap – Rest Day |
0km |
| Day 7: Friday 5 December |
Halls Gap to Lake Bolac |
85km |
| Day 8: Saturday 6 December |
Lake Bolac to Beaufort |
106km |
| Day 9: Sunday 7 December |
Beaufort to Ballarat |
50km |
Key facts
- Dates: 29 November – 7 December 2008
- Distance: 590km
- Website: www.greatvic.com.au
- The Ride is Bicycle Victoria’s longest running event and will celebrate it’s 25th year in 2008.
- The ride is a fully catered, tent based holiday. There is extensive back up including luggage transport, a licensed cafe under canvas, massage, full medical team, and bicycle repair facilities.
- People can join the Ride for 3 days on the Grampians Explorer Ride.
- Pricing
Adult: $795
Youth 17 & under: $630
Child 12 & under: $330
Infant 5 & under: Free
- Enter online and save $20 on the above prices
- Early Entry Offer: pay a deposit by 31 July 2008 and you can kit yourself out with bike and camping products with a $140 gift card and 40% discount voucher from Anaconda. Or pay a deposit by 31 July 2008 and save $100 on your entry.
 Grampians Explorer Ride
Not ready to go all the way? Come on our short escape and get a taste of the Ride. The Grampians Explorer is a four day cycling getaway, promising all the adventure of the Great Vic Bike Ride in one laughter-filled long weekend. Kick off the journey with dinner at Hall’s Gap – pitch your tent, grab some tucker and start meeting fellow riders. Hit the road, pedal 241km over three days surrounded by colourful cyclists and spectacular countryside. Uncover the grandeur of the mighty Grampians. Not a care in the world, we’ll even arrange transport for you. Grab your bike, hit the road and be a part of the fun.
 Public inquiries: People wanting more information can visit www.greatvic.com.au or ring 1800 616 600
Media inquiries:
Nikki Tyler, Development Director, 0418 322 784
Sarah Greenwood-Smith, the Great Escapade Ride Director 0409 707 162
Vincent Ciardulli, Bicycle Victoria's Rides General Manager 0417 338 715.
John Myers on 03 9818 6339 or 0409 215 120. |
