travel

99 comments

1. 99 Deborah Sugrue
   Aug 14th, 2008 at 7:13 am

   A wonderful way to have a holiday, get away from it all, keep fit and see the best of Victoria.

2. 98 Sue Dietrich
   Aug 8th, 2008 at 4:27 pm

   The Great Victorian Bike Ride is something everyone should do with their family. We have been on 3 (2004, Great Ocean Road, 2006 up in the Mt. Beauty and Tawonga Gap — Wine region, and this last one in 2007, in the Gippsland region.) This year we are going to the Ballarat and Grampians area and it looks like it will be a blast. I am usually around the first person out onto the road in the morning, because I am the most over-weight and out of shape person on the ride. By the end of the day, they are closing the route by the time I get in. But, they look after me and everyone else. Last year, I was mesmerized by the school groups entertaining themselves by rolling down hills at the Rawson footy oval for hours on end. Good, clean fun. I would happily answer any questions you wish to ask.

3. 97 Bridie R.
   Jul 31st, 2008 at 2:47 pm

   Last year was my first time I went on the Great Victorian Bike Ride. It was the best experience I’ve ever had and I absoulutely loved it. I was so amazed by how many lovely volunteers there were, and how many wonderful people had taken their time to organise the event. Just the atmosphere of the whole thing was truely unbelievable. Words just can’t describe the feeling of this 9 day experience. I am definately going on it again this year and I recommend to everyone else that they go at least once.

4. 96 Ray
   Jul 25th, 2008 at 11:45 am

   A must do once at least experience. I’m not a keen rider and did my first last year. I was absolutely amazed by the infrastruture and organisational effort that successfully comes together for this event. Unfortunately they “the regulars” are quite correct in their description “a week in another world”. It’s a world where people are really nice and helpful even seem upset if they can’t help. The on the road support is un equalled, police, ambulance, doctors, warbys, signage, marshals and even firemen are always not far away. You would be hard pressed to get into trouble without any help. The people in charge of this effort must begin there planning process more than a year out for each event.

5. 95 Dave
   Jul 21st, 2008 at 10:45 am

   I have been on lots of GVBR - I enjoy the company, scenery and being able to smell the country side that the ride goes through.

6. 94 James
   Jul 19th, 2008 at 1:32 pm

   It’s the best 9 days of the year. It’s a week in another world.

7. 93 Belinda Tsering
   Jul 17th, 2008 at 10:23 pm

   I completed the Great Victorian Bike Ride in 2007 with my two children, aged 9 and 12. It was great to experience East Gippsland at bicycle pace, quite a different experience to touring by car. The kids had a wonderful time, and we are all looking forward to cycling to the Grampians in 2008.

8. 92 Barry Hahnel
   Jul 14th, 2008 at 5:49 pm

   The Great Victorian Bike Ride is an amazing event where hundreds of volunteers work enthusiastically to ensure that thousands of cyclists enjoy ten days of wonderful cycling in country Victoria. It is one of the most positive outdoor activities you could imagine. Be warned, however, that participation can become addictive!

9. 91 Leonie Harrington
   Jul 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am

   The friendliest, most scenic and longest of pub crawls with no guilt ‘cos you’ve cycled and sweated to reach each country pub and you deserve that shandy !

10. 90 Briarne
    Jul 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 pm

    I successfully completed the GVBR in 2006, and it was such an incredible experience. It tested my mind and my body and realy challenged me. Its definitely a great way to learn about yourself and push yourself to the limit. Its such an adventurous event whether you choose to ride solo, with your friends or family it is a great chance to ride through some of the most beautiful Victorian tracks as well as meeting new people along the way. Its a healthy and enjoyable way to see the state and definitely something to be proud of.

11. 89 vas
    Jul 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 am

    What a great way to see Victoria and get excersize at the same time.

12. 88 PETER
    Jul 2nd, 2008 at 10:53 am

    have done it twice & have absolutely loved it. its a well run event that all victorians should participate in at least once in their life. better than a sunday drive along the great ocean road. the ride is only half the fun. the towns along the way make this just the most relaxing, entertaining, unforgettable holiday one can have. do yourself a favour, sign up & go for it !!!!!!!!

13. 87 John Seal
    Jul 1st, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    It is the ride of the future and the ride for your life, the Great Victorian Bike Ride.

14. 86 Cycletourist
    Jun 30th, 2008 at 8:45 pm

    I look forward to the GVBR each year as an opportunity to drop out of the rat-race for a week. Don’t have to think about work or the doom and gloom on the news for a whole nine days. All I have to do is get up, eat, ride through some great part of our beautiful state, eat some more, sleep and then do it all again the next day - my idea of a great holiday.

15. 85 Terry
    Jun 30th, 2008 at 8:05 pm

    Good fun and good for you. Very well run event and a great holiday.

16. 84 Dr Michael Ryan
    Jun 30th, 2008 at 6:16 pm

    Simply a great experience. Seeing Victoria up close and personal, with wonderful people, beautiful views and getting fit too. This is not only a great as a goal to get fit, it is a wonderful way to travel with the family and share memories of a place we call home - Victoria.

17. 83 Dr Michael Ryan
    Jun 30th, 2008 at 6:16 pm

    Simply a great experience. Seeing Victoria up close and personal, with wonderful people, beautiful views and getting fit too. This is not only a great as a goal to get fit, it is a wonderful way to travel with the family and share memories of a place we call home - Victoria.

18. 82 George Giles
    Jun 30th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

    Not only can one see heaps of victoria but there is participation as a rider or a volunteer if you are inclined. One of the great things to do–more than once- before you die !!

19. 81 Big John
    Jun 30th, 2008 at 3:09 pm

    What an awsome expierance, new faces, new towns, it can take your breath away. The routes are well thought out , the campsites are an excellant way of making new friends over a lovely evening meal and drink. Everyone has to try it ,you’ll vote it. Its truely a week in an other world.

20. 80 Aaron
    Jun 30th, 2008 at 12:18 pm

    As a newcomer to Australia, the ride is an amazing way of seeing the beautiful countryside of Victoria for the first time and meeting new friends. All you need is a bike, tent, sleeping bag and a sense of adventure!

21. 79 Geoff
    Jun 30th, 2008 at 10:58 am

    I’ve been on four GVBR’s and hope to go on many more in the future. Great way to get or keep fit, and see lovely areas of Victoria. You go at your own pace so you can challenge yourself or take it easy. I have met lots of great people on these trips - it has a wonderful sense of community and the people in towns you visit are friendly. Food and organisation is really great considering the numbers they are catering for.

22. 78 Cassandra
    Jun 27th, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    I have participated in the Great Victorian Bike Ride Three times, 2005, 2007 and this year 2008. In totaly I have travelled over 2,000km by bike around all kinds of terrain in Victoria! There is no travelling experience which can beat the feeling of cool wind in your face, a bit of pain in the legs and knowing you are making one of the most memorable moments of your life. The people you meet, the things you experience and the hills you climb are unforgettable. Despite losing the feeling in by backside and hands it is something I would never replace with a car or with photos. The feeling of riding 500km in 10 days cannot be replaced with such emotion and happiness. It it truly a necessary first hand experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

23. 77 helen taylor
    Jun 25th, 2008 at 11:46 am

    a great way to see parts of victoria that otherwise you may not, in a fabolous supported enviroment with others who are all encouraging and having a great time in the process. its one of lifes must do,s.

24. 76 michele
    Jun 24th, 2008 at 3:45 pm

    My husband is very well into this hobby. He loves his riding, and to vote for this is very special for him.

25. 75 david dwyer
    Jun 22nd, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    please i want to go

26. 74 Cynthia
    Jun 19th, 2008 at 9:42 am

    Go ‘BUCHAN OR BUST’ TEAM! (GVBR 2007)
    I hadn’t had much bike-riding experience, but needed a challenge to keep the 22 kilos off that I lost in 2006! I started working up my 4 mates, all as inexperienced as me, in February, and kept it up until they signed up with me.
    We all managed to finish, getting fitter all the time, and the relief and exhilaration I felt as we free-wheeled down the hill into Buchan was unbelievable. No punctures, no mishaps, and we felt FANTASTIC.
    We were all so impressed by the great organization of the event, the beaut food & the wonderful efforts of those volunteers.

27. 73 Lael Osun
    Jun 17th, 2008 at 3:29 pm

    The Great Victorian Bicycle Ride tops my list of ‘must do’ experiences in Victoria because you get to see the most beautiful scenery at the perfect pace, at bicycle speed! Also, by riding with the Great Victorian group you contribute to your health by engaging in a fitness activity while touring, you widen your social circle by communing with other riders, it is a fuel efficient holiday which leaves a very small carbon footprint and best of all, it is fun! I first heard about the ride from a friend whose 65+ year old mother joined the group and who reported about the great time she had. Her enthusiasm has been infectious!

28. 72 Roy Gwyther-Jones
    Jun 13th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

    A great way to see the country and enjoy safe cycling on roads (the police take good care of you). You make new friends with a common interest from all over the world.

29. 71 Anthea Tall
    Jun 12th, 2008 at 8:13 pm

    This is a FANTASTIC way to have a good look around Victoria. We’ve been over from NZ to do 3 rides and are looking forward to the 2008 Ride. Cheers

30. 70 Sandon Lowe
    Jun 11th, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    It was the longest school ride I ever did, but it was definitely worth it.
    I’m doing it again, this year.

31. 69 David Blythman
    Jun 11th, 2008 at 9:11 am

    An annual holiday that offers fun, fitness and an unmatched chance to see the countryside firsthand. A wonderful social event with friends, a great shared experience, and an exciting personal challenge for all ages.

32. 68 Ron Blint
    Jun 11th, 2008 at 7:23 am

    I’ve done two and they are filled with personal challenges, it’s the best “get fit quick” programme you will ever have and you meet the most vibrant and interesting people along the way, and the food it plentiful and good for you too.

33. 67 Jodie
    Jun 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    I rode the grate vic bike ride along the Great Ocean Road in 1998 and it was the most awesome experience of my life so far!!! Riding along the edges of the cliff faces overlooking the ocean is spectacular - Lavers Hill was a killer but i enjoyed every kilometre all the way to Melbourne…..a must experience for everyone to try.

34. 66 Jan Lawrence
    Jun 9th, 2008 at 3:13 pm

    It is the ultimate travel experience in that is relatively inexpensive, you ride through areas you can take in as the speed is much slower, you appreciate the towns and geography, you meet the most good natured and interesting people,fellow riders, volunteers and country folk alike.

35. 65 Mark
    Jun 9th, 2008 at 12:30 pm

    It’s a brilliant ride through some of the nicest parts of Victoria. It’s also a lot safer than riding your bike on open roads on your own, where many cyclists are killed by car drivers in culpulable driving incidents.

36. 64 Lou Wilson
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 12:51 pm

    Ride different parts of Victoria each year Novemver December for 9 days, meet lots of new people with the same interest in bike riding and fitness, see lots of places you would not see by car, and at the pace of a bike you get to see and sence more in the open fresh air than you would any other way. I have done four now and looking forward to the next one.

37. 63 Liz
    Jun 4th, 2008 at 8:04 am

    What could be better than something that promotes participating in a healthy and enjoyable activity with your family and friends, old and new.

38. 62 andrea
    Jun 3rd, 2008 at 4:04 pm

    the art space is a lovely relaxing enviroment
    to enjoy a coffee and appreciate great qualitiy
    art work .
    The art space is a uniquie place to see

39. 61 Rod Smart
    Jun 2nd, 2008 at 3:14 pm

    My father and brothers have been doing it in previous years, I did the Phillip Is -> Buchan ride in ‘07, will be doing the Ballarrat-Ballarat (yes it can be spelt both ways, look at the spelling on the town hall) this year possibly with at least 1 of my brothers, unfortunately, my father has passed away, otherwise he’d be there too.
    The $1000 would surely help with the ride entry and fixing the bike up a little more for this years Great Ride ;o)

40. 60 Mike
    Jun 1st, 2008 at 3:15 pm

    What a way to see Victoria! Exercise, scenery and camping!

41. 59 Katrina
    May 29th, 2008 at 6:11 pm

    I have now completed 2 GVBR and can’t wait for my 3rd one this year. It is wonderful to see the varied landscapes and country towns that the GVBR passes through and enjoy the exhilaration of riding each day. Curling up in your tent at the end of the day physically tired and having enjoyed the comradeship of fellow riders along the way and at dinner at the end of the day, is great for the mind and body.

42. 58 ron wiggins
    May 26th, 2008 at 3:11 pm

    To me it was like climbing mt everist I did it and rode all the way, its a challenge and a half and you learn a lot about yourself. The experience was great sites great and cannot wait till this years comes around

43. 57 Geoffrey Gatt
    May 25th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

    I have done a lot of travelling in my vehicle, so I guess I picked the Great Victorian Bike Ride because I have also done that and with out doubt know that you can see a lot more of the country side riding a bicycle and you get to stop at almost every town you go through . In a vehicle you tend to keep driving until you get to your destination and miss a lot of history and great little townships.

    Geoff Gatt Silver member RACV

44. 56 Ian
    May 24th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    To truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the country, the sights, the smells the tastes of new places. Smile at the locals and have them smile back. Maybe even stop and chat a while. Be the major fundraiser for a single room school just by passing by and buying a home made cake. Its something you just cant do cocooned inside your car. A few thousand fellow riders of all ages and abilities and from all walks of life, all with the same aim. One week to really appreciate what lies beyond the cities.

45. 55 vivienne
    May 24th, 2008 at 10:19 am

    Our kids love the GVBR. They have all ridden with their schools and love it so much that they have refused to even contemplate going to schoolies after VCE because it clashes with the GVBR.

46. 54 Maria
    May 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 pm

    There’s no better way to see the country than by bike!
    You see so much more than zooming past in a car!

    You can see, smell & hear!

47. 53 Yama Hilder
    May 23rd, 2008 at 8:22 pm

    I went on the ride last year and had a fantastic time, I think it adds to the novellty of a holiday to have some physical challenge everyday! Also great scenery on the way

48. 52 Mel
    May 23rd, 2008 at 1:29 pm

    theres no better way to explore the state than with the gvbr.

49. 51 John Flett
    May 23rd, 2008 at 7:29 am

    Both socially and physically it is a real experience in terms of preparing oneself for the event itself and then just feeling the breeze in your face as well as appreciating the scenery, it’s certainly weel worth while!

50. 50 Jim Berkman
    May 22nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm

    Plan to do my first GBVR this year! I have heard nothing but praise about this event. What a great way to meet people and see the country while doing something as healthy and enviro friendly as bike riding!! Can’t wait..

51. 49 anne roberts
    May 22nd, 2008 at 12:54 pm

    I have completed 3 GVBRs, the last with my familiy & friends. It is a fantastic way to travel and really see and experience Victoria. other than just driving through. You actually stop and enjoy all those little towns and meet fantastic country people along the way.
    I cannot rate this highly enough and believe it to be a must see for all Australians and our overseas visitors also.

52. 48 Jon Leighton
    May 20th, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    I too rode in and enjoyed the event @ age 73; in fact when we got to Bruthen, my friends and I had a glass of champagne to celebrate my completion of the crossing of the continent from Indian Ocean to Pacific, by bike, over the past 18 months.

53. 47 CAZ
    May 20th, 2008 at 11:31 am

    The GVBR is a great way to see Victorias many different regions. Meet new and old friends. A Fantastic experience.

54. 46 toni
    May 19th, 2008 at 2:48 pm

    Wonderful experience that uou will never forget. A great way to see our beautiful state, all in the company of good friends and new friends.

55. 45 David
    May 19th, 2008 at 10:59 am

    The GVBR was a magnificent event; it had everything - well organised, a challenge, great people, beautiful scenery. I had a fantastic time and would recommend everyone give it a go at least once in their lifetime.

56. 44 David
    May 16th, 2008 at 9:05 pm

    GVBR takes you away from your world. It gives you the chance to experience and absorb country Victoria from the vantage point of a bicycle. There is nothing like riding out of camp on a crisp morning with birds and tree’s and like minded friends for company. It’s good for the soul.

57. 43 Dianne
    May 16th, 2008 at 8:13 pm

    The feeling of riding in and completing a Great Victorian Bike Ride is hard to describe - you just have to experience it! I have done the last 5 and cant wait for this years ride. There is a real friendly vibe on the road and in the camp each day, the scenery is great and GVBR do a sensational job at meeting the needs of cyclists. If you have been thinking of doing it - Go for it! You wont be disappointed!

58. 42 Jane
    May 16th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

    I totally agree with John. It is an awesome ride. Challenging but so much fun. I’m planning to do the GVBR again this year!

59. 41 marika shapiro
    May 15th, 2008 at 10:51 am

    An amazing experience that you can share with family, friends and new friends you make on your journey through the Great Victorian Bike Ride. It allows a great challenge to work towards throughout the year.

60. 40 Kylee
    May 13th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    It was something I had always wanted to do. Finally did it for my 40th birthday present to myself. I have been every year since. What a way to see the sights of Victoria - with a different region of Victoria every year!

61. 39 Kelly
    May 13th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

    A wonderful way to really explore Victoria. It takes you to a different part of the state each year and always seems to visit new small little towns that you have never heard of before - it awakens the senses and gives you a real, honest experience of Victoria’s towns, scenery and people.

62. 38 MEG
    May 13th, 2008 at 1:32 pm

    I have been on the last 5 GVBR