2016 Great Victorian Bike Ride Information
Welcome to the 2016 Great Victorian Bike Ride, or as it’s more affectionately known, the Great Vic. This year’s ride, a nine day cycling and camping adventure, involves a ride through The Grampians and along the Great Ocean Road, from Halls Gap to Geelong. The Great Vic is the largest fully supported bicycle event in the world and offers students the opportunity to mix with people from all ages and walks of life. Students gain a sense of achievement, improved self-esteem and social skills, an awareness of the benefits of physical activity and improved on-road cycling skills from participating in the ride.
WHEN: Saturday 26 November – Sunday 4 December 2016
This non-competitive 9-day Ride includes 5 school days and 2 weekends
WHERE: Halls Gap to Geelong
WHO: Any student in Years 8 and 9
HOW FAR: Total distance is about 540km (average about 75 km per day)
How many can go? The number of students that can participate in the ride with McKinnon is likely to be capped at 60.
Can parent/guardians come too?
Yes, parent/guardians are encouraged to share this wonderful experience with the school. Some parent/guardians may wish to join us for a portion of the ride. See Bicycle Victoria’s web site (https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/racv-great-victorian-bike-ride/) for the options that are available
How much will it cost?
This year the ride will cost $715 per student (the cost for any adult coming on the ride is $985). This includes all meals and camp fees, luggage transport each day, first aid support, massage, entertainment. Please note that there will be an additional fee of up to $60 to get to Halls Gap for the start of the ride and that students will have to make their own way home from Geelong at the completion of the ride. This year’s entry fee will also include a McKinnon cycling top. Further costs will include any spending money you may require and travel insurance if you wish to purchase it (not compulsory).
Fitness and pre-ride training:
Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and preparation can complete the Great Vic. However, participants are expected to complete at least five of the organized training rides (usually on a Sunday morning at 8.00am) to ensure good preparation, and to get to know others in the group. There will also be a compulsory training session at Carnegie Velodrome to introduce students to riding on the road.
Parent Financial Contributions
As this event is outside the standard school curriculum program, School Council requests at least half of parent financial contributions (which covers the non-voluntary component) be paid prior to participating in the Great Victorian Bike Ride. (Parents paying by automatic payments set up on Compass are covered).
How to be a part of it:
Compass documentation should be available upon completion of this form https://docs.google.com/a/mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au/forms/d/1V_HX6f2bNHSC3LlbGbiZoeYSZsLAWrJJqn4D4LgSBu0/viewform (please note that a McKinnon email address is required to access this document)
The non-refundable deposit of $200 has to be paid by Friday May 20 (the balance due by Friday July 22). Please note that payments can only be made online via Compass.
If you require any further information please contact James McLaughlan (G.V.B.R. Coordinator) on 85209000, or 0433 420 219
