IN a nod to history, this month's 40th annual Great Vic Bike Ride returns to where it began in 1984, starting in Wodonga next week and taking in the North East.
The event expects to draw up to 3000 avid cyclists, including Wangaratta's Amy Hopkins.
Her keen interest in cycling was kickstarted after being part of the first aid team on the 2019 Great Vic Bike Ride, but this will be her debut in the saddle.
“I brought a bike after being part of the first aid team and then I spent most of Covid cycling," she said.
“I've always wanted to ride in the Great Vic Bike Ride, and this year my leave coincides and I’m really looking forward to it."
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While there are five and three day ride options, Amy is going "the whole nine yards", doing the full nine day, 501km journey.
Her adventure starts in Wodonga on November 23, with overnight stops are in Myrtleford (24), Wangaratta (two nights with a loop ride, 25 and 26), Mansfield (two nights and a rest day, 27 and 28), Alexandra (29) and Marysville (30) - finishing on December 1 in Healesville, with a rare opportunity to experience the picturesque Black Spur car-free.
Amy said she has been preparing for the event by cycling around local areas in her free time.
“My training is going well, on my days off I’ve been riding around Wangaratta, in the Warbys, to Glenrowan and to Beechworth," she said.
“I’m excited for the challenge and I’m doing it with a friend who I did the 'Around the Bay' ride with last year so I figure we have the distances covered."
The 2024 Great Vic Bike Ride is supported by Wodonga Council, Rural City of Wangaratta, Alpine Shire Council, Mansfield Shire Council, Murrindindi Shire Council and Yarra Ranges Council.
For more information visit greatvic.com.au.
