THE population of Mansfield swelled by more 2600 last week when the 40th Great Victorian Bike Ride (GVBR) rolled into town to enjoy a well-deserved rest day after arriving in challenging wet conditions in the 114km leg from Wangaratta.
Once settled into their base at the Mansfield Showgrounds, an army of riders later descended on local businesses to escape the rain on Wednesday.
Some riders had booked accommodation elsewhere preferring a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Wednesday night was busy for mid-week with all three pubs serving dinners to a large number of diners.
After dinner, the pub chorus in the front bar at the Delatite Hotel with Naturally Kirley had the place rocking with the crowd singing along.
Last Thursday morning the sun emerged on a muddy campsite where the Mansfield Rotary Club was cooking bacon and egg rolls for the hungry hordes.
The grounds had been transformed into a massive tent city overnight and wet clothing was hanging from temporary lines in an attempt to dry it out.
The Mansfield Shire provided back up support and information services for visitors during their stay.
“The Great Victorian Bike Ride was a big chance to show off the wonderful tourism destinations in our shire," said the Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.
“Council partnered with local businesses and tourism operators to promote a wide range of enticing options for our visitors.
“The shuttle buses have been a big success in helping visitors get to places outside Mansfield, like the Delatite Winery, High Country Gardens and Maze and even out to Jamieson.
“Overall, the event has been fantastic for local businesses wanting to boost their profile in our region and beyond.
“Research shows that a high proportion of visitors go back to towns they discover through events like the Great Victorian Bike Ride.”
“Mansfield Shire is a great place to visit and to live, and council continues to support our community in making the most of the economic opportunities tourism brings."
Speaking to two GVBR veterans in the centre of Mansfield on rest day, they were impressed by the courtesy bus tour around the township run by the shire that morning.
Brett Marlow from Altona has ridden 33 GVBRs while his friend Graham Leary from Vermont had completed 35 rides plus two Queensland ones.
Brett said he loved the friendliness of the locals, who had made the cyclists feel so welcome.
“We call ourselves COBWEBS, Crusty old buggers with expensive bikes,” he said with a laugh.
The High St median strip was set up with seating and food vans, as well as massage tents for those with tired, sore muscles.
Further down the street, the CWA was doing a brisk trade in hot drinks and home-made biscuits, a most welcomed spot to sit and relax for riders.
“The town has been fantastic,” said visitor Penny Tolhurst from North Fitzroy as she sipped on a cup of tea with fellow riders.
According to CWA president Jo O’Brien who was on duty with several other volunteers there had been “lots of people coming in.”
As part of an op shop challenge several young boys had come in to buy suits and girls were snapping up dresses for a special dinner and talent show that night.
Mansfield’s Ron Ekkel opted to spend the rest day in his own home to dry out soaked belongings.
Describing the 114 kms from Wangaratta to Mansfield “as a big day” Ron said, “It’s been a great ride so far.”
Thursday night saw lots of people out and about in town, some more mindful of conserving energy than others for the next day’s ride across the hills to their next stop at Alexandra.
Friday morning the cavalcade moved on with many memories and new friendships formed while the townsfolk were busy clearing up.
This was the last GVBR in its current format as the burden of organisation and increasing costs each year has impacted the ability to run such a massive event.