The smiles were as huge as the front wheels when eight penny farthing riders rode their bikes around Albert Park Lake to celebrate 40 years of the Great Vic Bike Ride – and the end of an era.
Charlie Farren, Bicycle Network's first female President and one of the founders of the iconic ride in 1984, says the Great Vic was created to encourage people to enjoy the thrill of the great outdoors on two wheels.
"Victoria was going to celebrate its 150th anniversary and we thought we needed a bike ride to celebrate," says Farren. "We could never have done it without the volunteers who numbered one to every five or six riders and gave us their hearts and souls.
"About 10 of us decided to ride the first Great Vic on penny farthings and I am delighted to hear that a similar number will be doing the same thing in 2024 – 40 years is an incredible achievement."
Other riders included Dan Bolwell, who builds bespoke penny farthings and has helped countless people learn to ride them, Phil McDonald who rode on the first event and has joined many others and is signed up this year and Matt Benn, who is taking on his first Great Vic in 2024.
Bicycle Network announced this week that the 40th Great Vic would be the last time the event ran as a nine-day rolling festival.
CEO Alison McCormack says the organisation is working towards recreating the event in 2025, but advises that 2024 will be the last chance to experience the Great Vic Bike Ride in its current format.
"We are 100% committed to ensuring this year’s event will be its best regional Victorian adventure yet, but the event must evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities.
"Increasing costs and a challenging post-pandemic climate have added to the financial difficulties, and, without government or major sponsor support, this iconic regional event is no longer viable," McCormack says.
The Great Vic Bike Ride has provided lifelong memories for more than 200,000 riders, including 60,000 students, and given them the opportunity to ride through and experience the best of regional Victoria. Thousands of volunteers have supported the event, too.
McCormack says the mass-participation bike ride, aimed at all ages and abilities, would not have been possible without the support of riders, volunteers, staff members, stakeholders and sponsors over its 40-year history.
“Local communities have supported and welcomed us annually and we know the Great Vic has had an unforgettable impact on regional tourism," she says.
"We offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has ever been a part of the Great Vic Bike Ride.
“Whether you are a rider, a volunteer, a sponsor or a stakeholder, please get on board to help us make the 40th anniversary of the Great Vic Bike Ride a huge success."
Sign up now for the 40th Great Vic Bike Ride