The Great Victorian Bike Ride

The Great Victorian Bike Ride is perfect for students who do not normally excel at traditional sports, according to McKinnon Secondary College teacher James McLaughlan.

He says that every student achieves his or her own goals whenever they take part in the Great Victorian Bike Ride.

"They learn how to get on with others as well as being organised and self reliant," Mr McLaughlan added.

"It is not like a traditional school camp. The ride is well structured with all towns being incredibly friendly. It is a great way for students to see Victoria," he says.

Each day of the ride the students are in bed by 8.30 or 9.00 pm and up by 6.00 am. The day's ride is usually over by 2.00 pm at the latest, leaving time to explore the town and play games, depending on energy levels.

From a teacher's perspective, Mr McLaughlan believes that the nine day ride allows him to build an excellent trusting relationship outside of a traditional school classroom.

"I recommend that students need to have completed at least six training rides with the group before the event," Mr McLaughlan added.

In 2009 McKinnon Secondary College was one of 55 schools who took part in what is not only a huge community event, but the biggest one week school camp on the calendar.

The Great Victorian Bike Ride is a nine-day, 590km cycling adventure - the sort of adventure dreams are made of! It is a fantastic way to give students a challenge - and an experience they'll talk about for years.

The on-road environment is fully supported with marshals, police and medical presence, and regular rest areas that have water, first aid and mechanical support. There is an evening meeting to brief teachers on the following day’s activities.

Leah Chesney, Bicycle Victoria's Event Manager says: “We get asked all sorts of questions. Common questions include details about the route, menu, how to get both rider and bicycle to the start, fundraising, accommodation, how it all works and what to bring”.

"We expect around 60 schools to fill the 1,200 schools-based entries this year, including Kerang Tech/High School which has participated in all twenty six Great Victorian Bike Rides."

There is a Schools program throughout the week including volleyball, a fun run, trivia competition and a tug-of-war challenge.

The Ride is a perfect way to challenge students, teaching them to focus and set goals and develop a sense of responsibility – a vital part of their education. The event can be used as part of a school’s curriculum outcomes, no matter what age group.

Experience shows that by participating in the Great Victorian Bike Ride students can benefit from the following:
Sense of achievement, having cycled nearly 600km leading to improved self-esteem, confidence and personal growth.
Improved teamwork through opportunities presented in the preparation stages and as the group manages itself through cycling and camping for nine days.
Increased awareness of social diversity in a large community from all walks of life, brought together by a common goal.
Improved social skills from close knit living within this diverse community.

Organised by Bicycle Victoria, 5,000 people are expected to participate in this year's event, which will be a touring cyclist’s delight – winding its way from the Murray River through the Goulburn Valley and into Marysville. The ride starts in Yarrawonga and includes overnight stops for Dookie, Euroa, Murchison, Nagambie (2 nights), Seymour, Yea and Eildon with a finish in Marysville.