The majestic Grampians and the award-wining Art Silos in Western Victoria will take pride of place at this year’s Great Vic Bike Ride.
The 537-kilometre route is expected to attract over 3,000 people from across Australia. The ride is arguably the world’s greatest cycling holiday and bike riding adventure.
Rebecca Lane, Bicycle Network’s General Manager of Events, said: “The 2021 Great Vic has an exceptional mix of scenery, art on a grand scale, wildlife, wineries and the awe-inspiring Grampians National Park”.
The Grampians and Art Silos were planned for the 2020 Great Vic until the COVID-19 pandemic caused its postponement.
The 2021 Great Vic Bike Ride will show people a different side to the Grampians, with both the riding and off-the-bike experiences showcasing something new.
“The Great Vic has visited Western Victoria and the Grampians previously, however, this time we’re extending to new areas of this spectacular region, with the event giving riders a great taste of the small communities and the local produce the area is famous for,” added Ms Lane.
Highlights include:
- The grain lands of Rainbow
- Grampians National Park
- Art Silos, part of Australia’s largest outdoor gallery
- A loop ride out of Horsham to arts hub Natimuk
- A Halls Gap rest day
- A first-time visit to Pomonal, famous for its spring-time wildflowers
- Finish line at Seppelt Winery
- A chance to slow down and see Victoria from the seat of a bicycle
- Being part of the most social week of the year.
- The grain lands of Rainbow
Those who can’t get away for the week but still want to be part of the fun can join the first five days from Rainbow to Halls Gap or the last three days of the ride from Halls Gap to Great Western.
“After a year on ice, we’re excited to get our pedal party back on the road”, Ms Lane said.
Grampians Tourism CEO Marc Sleeman said “After a few unexpected COVID delays, we are ecstatic to welcome The Great Vic Bike Ride back to The Grampians region. Grampians Tourism will be working in close collaboration with Northern Grampians Shire, Ararat Rural City Council, Southern Grampians Shire Council and Horsham Rural City Council to showcase this incredible region to participants of this year’s event.”
This event will help support the ongoing economic recovery of lots of small communities across the Grampians region and it is great to know that participants will have a high propensity to revisit the destinations they travel through on their journey effectively creating in excess of 3000 ambassadors for the destination.”
The 2021 Great Vic Bike Ride is supported by Northern Grampians Shire, Horsham Rural City, Council, Ararat Rural City Council, Southern Grampians Shire, Grampians Tourism, Hindmarsh Shire Council and Greater Hamilton. Seppelt Wines will assist with post-ride celebrations at Great Western.
WHEN: Saturday 27 November to Sunday 5 December 2021
WHERE: The nine-day bike riding holiday will start in Rainbow on Saturday 27 November and include stays at Rainbow (27th), Brim (28th), Horsham (two nights, 29th and 30th), Halls Gap (2 nights, 1st and 2nd December), Dunkeld (3rd) and Pomonal (4th) and with a finish in Great Western.
COST: Early bird entries for the nine-day ride open on 17 May. $1,085 for adults, $989 for concession, $775 for youth (13–17), $415 for children (6–12), and free for five and under. Bicycle Network members get 10% off all prices. Prices rise from 9 August.
The 5-day ride travels 328kms from Rainbow to Halls Gap, and costs $775 for adults, $659 for concession, $545 for youth, $305 for children, and free for five and under. Bicycle Network members get 10% off all prices. Prices rise from 9 August.
The 3-day ride travels 209kms from Halls Gap to Great Western, and costs $535 for adults, $479 for concession, $405 for youth, $225 for children, and free for five and under. Bicycle Network members get 10% off all prices. Prices rise from 9 August.
COVID-19 PROCEDURES: A COVIDSafe plan will follow all Victorian Department of Health guidelines. This includes special start and finish line procedures, physical distancing and hygiene measures at all event sites. Click here to see COVIDSafe changes.
A COVID-19 ticket policy offers refunds and transfers if COVID-19 rules or restrictions prevent you from participating.
Website: greatvic.com.au
