Great Vic Bike Ride

Tips and training

From the first pedal stroke of your training to crossing the finish line on the final day, our tips and training guide has everything you need to prepare for the Great Vic Bike Ride.

Brought to you by trail Towns and Great Vic Bike RIde

Trail Towns Training Ride Capital City Trail loop

To celebrate the launch of Trail Towns season three featuring a two-episode showcase of our very own Great Vic Bike Ride, join the stars of the show on a bike riding tour of Melbourne along the Capital City Trail. Enjoy a leisurely pedal while Vandy and Deetz share the fun facts and stories they learnt while filming episode seven of the series showcasing the trail.

It’s the perfect way to kick off your Great Vic training and get a head start on the 12-week training plan (starting 4 September).

When: Saturday 2 September. 7:30am arrival for a quick briefing.

Meeting spot: Corner of Princes Walk and Swanston Street (near Fed Square).

Route: Capital City Trail loop with Walmer Street and Gipps Street Steps detour. See on Strava.

Pace: No drop (Under 20km/h but will be based on the participants level)

This ride is open to anyone who wants to join.

Register free

Training plan

Our 12-week training plan is designed to help get you to the Great Vic feeling fit, fresh and ready to roll.

Mark your calendars for Monday 2 September 2024 to get started.

Until then, it’s all about getting regular kms in your legs. Whether you’re commuting by bike, joining a weekly spin class or enjoying a weekend ride with friends, it all adds up!

Download now

For more tips, check-out Tina McCarthy’s simple 10 week training plan. It’s all about fitting in what you can for maximum gain!

Blog

Packing for the Great Vic

Forgetting to pack something is never a great way to start a holiday. Here’s our basic guide to packing your bags and bike for the Great Vic.

Doing the Great Vic with a toddler

Hannah and Jakob Kapelj rode the 2019 Great Vic from Robe to Torquay with their toddler in tow. It turned out to be one of their best holidays ever.

Bike Maintenance 101

These handy bike maintenance resources will help you keep your bike running smoothly.

Get ready

Training rides

Training rides help get you in the groove for Great Vic. Come along to our guided rides to get a feel for riding with others and to pick the brain of some of the most experienced riders out on the road.

These are run by our WARBY (We Are Right Behind You) team and as part of our Women’s Community.

Join the Bicycle Network strava club to be the first to hear when new ride dates are released.

More 2023 ride dates will be confirmed in the lead up to the event.

Join the club

Bicycle Network’s Strava club is full of like-minded bike riders of all abilities, from the Peaks Challenge regulars to those entering their first 50km United Energy Around the Bay ride. Join the club and stay tuned for local training rides in the lead up to events near you.

Go to strava

Preparing for the campsite

What to pack?

Forgetting to pack something is never a great way to start a holiday. Here’s our basic guide to packing for the Great Vic. Add to it as your need:

Tent, bed roll or mattress and sleeping bag
Comfy pillow
Quick-dry towel
Toiletries
Thongs
Warm clothes
Waterproof gear
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

Suitable cycling clothes (be prepared for all weather!)
Plate, bowl, mug, cutlery and tea towel
Torch or head lamp
Laundry supplies
Ear plugs
Rechargeable battery pack
Socks – there’s nothing that a fresh pair of can’t fix