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The 2009 Great Escapade Western Australia
- By Jodie Batchelor
- Published 21-Oct-08
- Western Australia
- Unrated
Jodie Batchelor
Jodie is the current Victorian Vets Criterium and Road champion in her age group. She has been racing for several years now and likes any event that involves sprinting and not too many hills. She initially used cycling as an important part of her rehabilitation from a mountaineering accident in New Zealand. She then got into racing as a replacement for martial arts in which she represented Australia and won Gold, Silver & Bronze medals in the Martial Arts World Games in 2000.
View all articles by Jodie BatchelorThe 2009 Great Escapade Western Australia
Saturday 28 March - Sunday 5 April 2009
After three years, the bike Ride known as the Great Escapade is returning to WA in 2009 when up to 2,000 people are expected to holiday in one of the world's premier cycling regions, the South West of Western Australia.
Organised by Bicycle Victoria, the 567 kilometre cycling holiday will ride a loop around the South West starting and finishing in Margaret River.
Sarah Greenwood-Smith, the Great Escapade Ride Director, said: "The South West of WA has it all: national parks, beaches, Karri forests and wineries. We are very much looking forward to returning and welcoming new and old cyclists to enjoy the wonders of WA" she added.
Bicycle Victoria first organised an interstate ride in 1990. Since then there have been 22 rides covering all states as well as six overseas. In 2006, WA played host to its first Great Escapade when over 2,600 cyclists and over 250 volunteers took part. The event was called the 2006 Main Roads LifeCycle Great Western Australian Bike Ride. Since then the Great Escapade has experienced the East Coast of Tasmania in 2007 and in April 2008 the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley in NSW.
The support we received from the local councils and community organisations in 2006 not only helped make the ride a huge success but showcased what a wonderful cycle touring destination the South West has become, Ms Greenwood-Smith added.
Holiday makers ride at their own pace as the Great Escapade is definitely not a race. It is the perfect holiday for people who want to discover their country, their health and even themselves," Ms Greenwood-Smith added.
If you can't get away for nine days then join the two day-two night Busselton breakaway Ride. Explore the Margaret River region by bike as you take two days to ride 141km through Busselton to Donnybrook. The Busselton Breakaway is a weekend getaway with a difference.
Ride Fast Facts
The entry fee is $995 for adults, $750 for children 13 to 17, $395 for children 6 to 12, and free for 5 and under. Enter online and save $20;
The two day-two night Busselton Breakaway Ride starts on March 28 in Margaret River. There's two days and 141km of riding.
The entry fee is $245 for adults, $195 for children 13 to 17, $95 for children 6 to 12, and free for 5 and under.
Transport packages are available. Enter online and save $20;
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 sleep easy accommodation, motel accommodation, ride gear, travel insurance and rest day tours.
Public inquiries: People wanting more information can ring 1 800 616 600 log onto www.greatescapade.com.au and register for the monthly E-scapade newsletter.
