591km the best week of the year!

A WEEK IN ANOTHER WORLD
The Great Victorian Bike Ride
Saturday 29 November - Sunday 7 December 2008

The ultimate cycling holiday - The Great Victorian Bike Ride in 2008 - is 25 years young this year and is as popular as ever. Over 4,000 people look set to join the celebrations of this special bike ride.

This year it will have a significant difference: it will be the first ever loop ride starting and ending in the same place, Ballarat. It will also feature the countryside in and around the Grampians.

Bicycle Victoria's Ride Director, Nikki Tyler said: "The route this year has it all: the stunning Grampians, lakes, rail trails, wineries and wildlife". "When planning the best route in Western Victoria we identified quiet scenic roads we wanted to cycle along and which towns we wanted to stay at. Starting and ending the ride in Ballarat, instead of the traditional ride from one corner of Victoria to Melbourne, made a lot of sense" Ms Tyler added.

Cyclists who are unable to get away for nine days should consider joining the four day Grampians Explorer Ride from Halls Gap in the Grampians to Ballarat. "The Great Victorian Bike Ride is one of life's must-do holidays. It is a week in another world. The cycling's terrific, and it is a real buzz being part of an amazing journey that you will remember for the rest of your life" said Ms Tyler.

Ride Highlights include:
Pre Ride - Friday 28 November Arrive early to relax in bike-mad Ballarat. Explore local trails, pan for gold at Sovereign Hill, witness stockade history at the Eureka Centre or limber up for the ride ahead. Camp on the shores of Lake Wendouree and join other riders to kick off the fun.
Saturday 29th November - Excitement builds - time to ride. What a scene: shady roads, green parks and old gold mining relics along the way. Legs are warming up now, pedal hard on the small, steep hills. Go with the flow. Roll into Rokewood, grab some nosh and relax day one is under your belt.
Sunday 30th November - Lakes country! Lakes country! Salty Lake Corangamite, Lake Gnarpurt... long day today, take it easy, take in the view. Camperdown, stop for a cuppa? Why not - there's a familiar face pulling in up ahead. Leave the road to discover the Crater to Coast Rail Trail. Ready for another ride? The Cobden miniature railway awaits.
Monday 1st December - Cycle quiet back roads in a caravan of colour - riders of all shapes and sizes are rolling along. Bends and twists coming up, concentrate now - keep up the rhythm, master the road. Cruise through Terang, strike up a conversation at the bakery. There's a buzz at the camp - the Grampians are near.
Tuesday 2nd December- Power up undulating hills, freewheel down the other side. Look out over dairy country. Turn north, there they are - the Grampians rise up in front. Beautiful. Pitch a tent at the foot of the Grampians National Park or check into the historic Art Deco hotel? Take a stroll, admire the ever-changing colours of the rocks.
Wednesday 3rd December - Cut through the middle of the Grampians. Watch out for local traffic - koalas, emus and wombats. Legs pumping, getting stronger. Rest day tomorrow, time for a treat? There's 6000 beds at Halls Gap - and a rollicking good pub! Everyone is ready to celebrate and relax in style. Wonder what's happening at Café De Canvas?
Thursday 4th December - Linger over breakfast, no need to pack up today. Grab a map, hit the bush trails for a hike. Funny to see all the cyclists out walking. Book in for a massage to soothe hard-working muscles. Everyone's talking about wine, the local drops are superb. So much to see!
Friday 5th December - Back on the bike, this is what it's all about. Around the other side of the Grampians today, a different view, more wineries to see. A welcoming committee waves hello in Moyston, then Willaura - beautiful towns. Someone calls 'Lake!' Speedo says 80km, could it be? No! but it's only another 5km to impressive Lake Bolac.
Saturday 6th December- Big day, hit the 100km mark - and keep going! It's the 106km challenge. Gentle, sloping hills keep the wheels rolling. Mountain views rise up ahead. It's Grampians to the left, Mount Langhi Ghirian to the right, and you, stuck in the middle - with several thousand cheerful bike riders!
Sunday 7th - Back to where it all began. Could it only be nine days ago? Take it slow, have a yarn along the way. Try to meet one more new person. Smiling faces look familiar now. The adventure's not over yet - funny how the small hills are no longer daunting. There's the finish line! Give yourself a pat on the back.

Only 4 months until the 2009 Great Escapade in WA and another 12 months until the next one in Victoria! can't wait.

Ride Fast Facts
The entry fee is $795 for aults, $630 for children 13 to 17, $330 for children 6 to 12, and free for 5 and under. Enter online and save $20.
The four-day Grampians Explorer Ride starts on December 4 in Halls Gap. There's three days and 241km of riding and one day to explore the Grampians. The entry fee is $290 for adults, $230 for children 13 to 17, $120 for children 6 to 12, and free for 5 and under. Transport packages are available.
The ride is a fully catered, tent-based holiday. There is extensive back up including luggage transport, a licensed cafe under canvas, first aid, bicycle repair facilities, entertainment and preparation DVD;
Optional extras include merchandise, sleep easy accommodation, Phil's Phantistic accommodation, ride gear, travel insurance and rest day tours.

THE ROUTE
Day     Date                     From               To                KM
1       Saturday 29 Nov     Ballarat           Rokewood   47
2       Sunday 30               Rokewood     Cobden        88
3       Monday 1 Dec        Cobden          Mortlake      64
4       Tuesday 2               Mortlake         Dunkeld       85
5       Wednesday 3          Dunkeld          Halls Gap     65
6       Thursday 4              Rest Day
7       Friday 5                  Halls Gap        Lake Bolac    86
8       Saturday 6              Lake Bolac      Beaufort        106
9       Sunday 7                Beaufort           Ballarat          50
Total 591

Public inquiries: People wanting more information can ring 1800 616 600 or more information here.