The Great Vic Bike Ride is back for 2022 with one of the best routes that we have seen, that will take us through some of the most beautiful, historic and famous Victorian regions.

Every so often I have to remind myself of the next-level landscape that is presented here on our doorstep in Victoria. The Great Ocean Road, historic gold fields, the deep green grass and rolling pastures of dairy country and the spectacular Great Otway National Park are all stunning locations that international visitors flock to. Amazingly these locations are all positioned within a few hundred kilometres of each other and within striking distance of Melbourne.

This geographic positioning provides the perfect opportunity for a bike ride that features day after day of spectacular scenery, varied terrain and arguably some of the best foodie options.

The Great Vic Bike ride comes in three flavours for 2022; 9 day 522km, 5 day 310km and 3 day 212km. This provides something for everyone, whether you are looking for a weekend with a few days of riding, all the way through to the full-fat tour, 9 days experiencing all the route has to offer and taking the opportunity to meet new like-minded people.

HIGHLIGHTS

It’s tough to know where to start with this one! Each day has its own highlight. Those first days of soaking up the fresh country air around Koroit, Noorat and Timboon always soothe the soul, as does the absolutely epic ice cream from Timboon… if you haven’t tried it you haven’t lived.

Apollo Bay for the rest day promises to offer a long list of options. A walk on one of the most stunning beaches of the coastline, next-level fish and chips, and of course the Apollo Bay Distillery if gin is your thing.

From Apollo Bay to Anglesea it’s ridiculously good views all the way as you ride one of the best sections of the Great Ocean Road. I’ve ridden this section of road many times and each time it takes my breath away. Experiencing this section by bike provides an entirely different perspective to driving and will leave you inspired. Not to mention the fact that it provides a very rare opportunity to ride on a fully closed section of the Great Ocean Road from Skenes Creek to Anglesea!

The final push is north into gold field territory and toward what many Australian cyclists consider the spiritual home of cycling in Australia, Buninyong, the location for the Australian National Championship road course. If you’re feeling up to it, a lap of the 10.1km course with its sharp climb up Mt Buninyong will keep you honest and provide views all across the Golden Plains Shire.

9 Day – 522km – Koroit to Buninyong – 26 November to 4 December 2022

This one is the full experience, providing seven days of riding with one rest day and covering an average of 75km per day and a total of almost 5000m of climbing. The full version of the Great Vic obviously gives you all this region has to offer and provides you with everything listed in the 5 and 3 day options below.

Take the time to stop off in the towns along the way and experience those hidden treasures that small towns hold, bakeries (I’m sure there’s some pretty good vanilla slice to be sampled in this region) plus the multiple historic sights, buildings and sacred lands. The region has seen an explosion of cafes, wineries and distilleries over the past few years that promise to cater for every taste. So take your time, enjoy the 9 days of adventure and be sure to sample the offering that each day’s destination provides.

See the 9 Day Route

5 Day – 310km – Koroit to Buninyong – 26 November to 30 November 2022.

5 days of riding promises to deliver the perfect middle ground, with 78km per day taking you from Koroit to Apollo Bay. Experience Koroit’s Noodledoof Distillery, historical hotel Botanical Gardens and the ancient dormant volcano… and that is only day one!

Make your way through stunning country and finish with your feet in golden sand at Apollo Bay where you could choose to stay on for a couple of days to further experience all this area has to offer.

See the 5 DAY ROUTE

3 Day – 212km – Koroit to Buninyong – 1 December to 4 December 2022.

Limited time? First multiday ride? Well the 3 day, 212km option is a great option and gives you around 71km per day, taking in the stunning section of the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay to Anglesea (this leg is my personal favourite) and through to Inverleigh and of course, Buninyong where you can explore the Gold Rush era buildings, visit Sovereign Hill or take on a lap of the 10.1km Australian National Road course to compare yourself to the pros… or just take in the views from the top of the extinct volcanic mountain and home of the Keyeey Balug clan of the Wada Warrung people.

See the 3 day route

REGIONS

Great Otway National Park and Great Ocean Road

This significant National Park starts close to Torquay and follows the coastline all the way to the Otway hinterland. Of course, its main built feature is the Great Ocean Road, built by soldiers returning from World War 1, it forms a war memorial of sorts that is a tribute to those that have gone before us. It balances along cliffs and weaves into the valleys and forest along the way. Each turn brings a new outlook to the hundreds of beaches and a view of what has come to be known as the Shipwreck Coast. There are endless natural features to behold, waterfalls, eucalypt forest, dense fern gullies, rockpools, rock platforms, 300-year-old giant beach trees and Californian Redwoods just to mention a few.

Dairy Country

The farms along the western coastline are world renowned for their excellent pastures and happy cows. This is strong dairy country with beautiful Jerseys, Shorthorn, Holsteins and similar. The Jerseys are my all-time favourites with their beautiful colouring, rich creamy milk and inquisitive and friendly nature. Anything related to dairy just tastes better when you’re eating it in this region.

GoldFields

The Victorian goldfields stretch from south of Ballarat and to the far North and West and across to the High Country. Ballarat is one of the notable towns and was known for huge nuggets of gold that brought a period of extreme wealth and prosperity to the region that is reflected today in beautiful period buildings. There is still the potential to find some gold!

The region to the south that the Great Vic passes through is part of the Golden Plains Shire that now provides excellent tourism options with fantastic food, beer and wine options.

WHAT BIKE DO I NEED?

The Great Vic averages around 70km to 75km of road riding per day so I would recommend a road bike or road hybrid to make the journey as smooth as possible. It’s certainly ridable on a mountain bike, but I’d consider having it set up with some more road-focused tyres if you are going to go that way.

HOW TO SIGN UP

The Great Vic is in early bird until Sunday 7 August 2022 at 11.59pm with members’ adult prices starting at $599 for the 3 day, $806 for the 5 day and $1112 for the 9 day.

There are discounted rates for concession, youth (13-17), child (6-12) and children 5 and under are free. There’s also the bonus of a free event jersey valued at $90 if you are one of the first 1000 people to sign up.

Learn more

DETAILS

The full event information can be found HERE

Bicycle Network has been putting on the Great Vic for many years now and has the logistics of the event highly refined. Accommodation is camping with options to have the team put up your tent so it’s all ready for you when you arrive.

Most meals are included in your entry, with the option of sampling other tasty delights along the road.

All your luggage is also taken from campsite to campsite, so there is no need to equip your bike to carry your gear. We love that Bicycle Network continues to provide great entertainment, including live music, food trucks, yoga, and even an outdoor cinema. It’s really a travelling festival with many like-minded people, providing an amazing opportunity to meet new friends or get a big group together for an adventure.

There are charging facilities available in addition to everything you will need to make your trip smooth including bike mechanics, marshals, some road closures, rest and lunch areas and extensive signage to keep you on track. You can check out all the campsite facilities HERE

Given the arrival of Covid, Bicycle Network has implemented a policy to be COVIDSafe that you can view HERE

This promises to be one of the best Great Vic Bike Rides to date. To find out more or sign up click below.

Find out more

This is a paid article, but contains my thoughts alone and has not been altered. At La Velocita, we are huge supporters of Bicycle Network and their continued efforts to improve cycling infrastructure and provide fantastic events and experiences.