General News
30 November, 2022
Cyclists converge on Noorat
THE region has been flush with cyclists this week as about 2500 visited as part of the Great Vic Bike Ride.
THE region has been flush with cyclists this week as about 2500 visited as part of the Great Vic Bike Ride.
The ride started in Koroit on November 26.
Overnight stops were held the following nights in Noorat on Sunday before heading to Timboon and Birregurra.
At the time of publication the riders are enjoying a two night stay Apollo Bay before setting off for stops in Anglesea and Inverleigh, finishing in Buninyong.
Bicycle Network chief executive officer Alison McCormack said the visit to the area was “fantastic”.
“We had a great time in Noorat,” she said.
“The town welcomed us beautifully.
“They opened up the pub and cafe for us.”
Ms McCormack said this year’s event had attracted about 2500 participants which range in age from 17 months to an 85 year old who makes the trip from Alice Springs each year.
“It’s a great event; we have people of all ages,” she said.
“We have a few families with three generations also.”
Among the riders was the Cunneen family, whose ties to the event date back.
David Cunneen said he and his father, Alan, have participated in the ride around a dozen times.
“Dad and I have done around five rides in the 90s when I was a teenager, around three in the 2000s, and I think every ride since 2016. So that would be 11 or 12,” he said.
“My highlights of the ride are the social aspects and exploring the towns along the way.
“Riding is hard work for me, but at the end of the day rewarding.”
David’s wife (Laura) and daughters (Abby, nine, and Maddie, 27 months) have since joined him and uncle, Jim, to bring three generations in to the family ride.
“As a family this is amazing time spent together, spending all day at our own pace, with Dad (Alan) and Jim,” he said.
“It’s invaluable quality time that we wouldn’t find if not for the ride.
“I look forward to it every year.
“I’m also very proud of my kids and Abby when she rides – She’s on an ebike but making the distance on long days and still enjoying it is an accomplishment.”
