The very first Little Vic Bike Ride and 37th iteration of the renowned Great Vic finished-up on Sunday in Great Western, after 4 magnificent days of riding and camping around the Grampians.
More than 1500 riders, volunteers and contractors met up in Halls Gap on Thursday 31 March at one of the most iconic campsites in the event's history – entirely surrounded by sheer cliff faces and sunbaking kangaroos.
Greetings were zealous between the many Great Vic veterans who had been kept apart for two years due to the pandemic. Everyone was thrilled be reunited with their unique community on this special, shortened version of the traditional ride, and hundreds of first-timers were warmly welcomed to the family as tents were pitched on arrival day.
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The good times rolled on Friday morning as riders made their way from Halls Gap to Dunkeld, straight through the middle of Grampians National Park. After 72 kilometres, some pinchy hills and a nasty headwind, most riders were still smiling upon arrival, with many more cheering-up after jumped off the bike and taking in the views from the campsite.
Cheers turned to tears that evening as the Great Vic community commemorated six legends that we’ve sadly lost since the last ride in 2019. Bicycle Network staff, fellow-volunteers and family members all took the stage to share stories and celebrate the lives and contributions of Arthur Humphreys, Ray Dowse, Maggie Luke-Davies, Dennis Shepherd, Andrew Long, Robin Greenwood-Smith and Joan Horton.
With the memories of these Great Vic legends front of mind, our rolling community headed back to Halls Gap riding high; this time taking the scenic route around eastern side of the Grampians, via Willaura, Moyston and Pomonal, clocking up over 110 kilometres of riding.
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The super rest stop in Pomonal proved popular, with riders stopping at Pomonal Estate Winery for an enticing selection of local wines, ciders, craft beer and food stalls. Fair to say a few more riders than usual opted to chuck their bike in the trailer and took the bus back from the rest stop to the campsite.
But the party didn’t stop at our second stay in Halls Gap in as many days. The talent show warmed up the crowd before Great Vic favourite’s 80s Enuff rocked the marquee like only they can!
We also took a moment to celebrate our amazing team of volunteers who founded this event nearly 40 years ago and who keep it running smoothly still today. In between the celebrations, the traditional November version of the Great Vic 2022 route was announced, with one lucky rider winning free tickets for guessing the location of our next great adventure from Koroit to Buninyong.
Learn more about Great Vic 2022 route here, and get access to a special pre-sale price until Sunday 10 April.
After a big night of celebrations and two big days in the saddle, there was luckily only a little bit of riding (52 kilometres) left to cap off the Little Vic. Riders rolled under the big blue gantry one last time at Great Western’s Seppelt Winery, and stayed to enjoy the vibrant finish site historic cellar door, while reminiscing on a memorable long-weekend in another world.
Caitlin Borchers, Bicycle Network General Manager of Events said: “The Little Vic was a fantastic four day event and everyone is on a riding induced high.”
“We have experienced challenging hills and headwinds, stunning scenery, great weather and we’ve done it all with 1,500 new and old friends”, Ms Borchers said.
“One highlight that needs to be experienced to be appreciated is the community spirit of a Great Vic where people are intent on having a good time,” said Ms Borchers. “From toddlers to riders over 80 years of age it’s an amazing active holiday”.
“We’d like to thank all the communities who’ve supported us over the past 28-months including Northern Grampians Shire, Horsham Rural City, Ararat Rural City Council, Southern Grampians Shire, Hindmarsh Shire Council, Yarriambiack Shire Council and Grampians Tourism,” Ms Borchers added.
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