ORGANISERS of a cycling event which will bring 3000 people to Myrtleford in November say this will be final year for the event in its current form.
Bicycle Network recently announced that the Great Vic Bike Ride, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, will be recreated in 2025.
Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack said increasing costs and a challenging post-pandemic climate had added to the financial difficulties, and, without government or major sponsor support, the iconic regional event is no longer viable.
“Bicycle Network is working towards recreating the event in 2025, but advises that 2024 will be the last chance to experience the Great Vic Bike Ride in its current format,” she said.
Ms McCormack said while a 2025 event is likely to be over less days and visit fewer towns, this year's event is well on track.
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Great Vic Bike Ride organisers held a public meeting in Myrtleford in August to discuss local opportunities for involvement in the biggest multi-day bike ride in the Southern Hemisphere, which will start in Wodonga on November 23 and end 501kms later in Healesville on December 1.
Participants will stop overnight in Myrtleford on Sunday, November 24, accommodated at Myrtleford Recreation Reserve.
Ms McCormack told this masthead in August that she was thrilled at the turnout and show of support from the community at the meeting.
She said community groups and businesses were well represented and the local chamber (of commerce) had already started to rally the troops, with strong support from Alpine Shire Council too.
Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce secretary Kerry Murphy said the chamber had secured funding to organise a lazy Sunday session in the public piazza to welcome riders and let them enjoy and savour the local hospitality, with music, food and beverages from 2pm to 6pm.
“We will have a shuttle bus running from the rec reserve to piazza and we want visitors to enjoy our businesses while they’re here,” she said.
“Other clubs and groups are looking at further involvement at the rec reserve.”
Ms McCormack said engaging with the communities is “100 per cent the bike rider’s favourite part” of the ride.
“There is a big economic benefit for the restaurants, pubs, bars and accommodation...each rider spends an average of $35 a day on the Great Vic, injecting more than $100,000 each day into the region,” she said.
“Some 68 per cent of our participants say they’ll come back to a town within 12 months, with more people in tow.”
For more details visit greatvic.com.au.
