Melton resident Penny Byron will tick off a “bucket list” item when she takes on the Great Vic Bike Ride later this year.
From November 23 to December 1, cyclists like Ms Byron will ride more than 500 kilometres through the High Country of Victoria.
Along the way, participants will stop in Wodonga, Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Mansfield, Alexandra and Marysville.
Ms Byron said the ride gave her the chance to do something she could not do by herself.
“I have wanted to ride in and around the various locations using the existing rail trails but have been a bit nervous doing this on my own,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to being supported by a well-oiled team who have prepared and practised for this over so many years.”
The opportunity to see new places and make new friends were also high on the agenda for Ms Byron.
“I can’t wait to see and explore our wonderful country from a bicycle in the fresh air with so many like-minded people.”
Cycling provides many physical and mental health benefits for Ms Byron, who learnt to ride out of necessity growing up in the sparsely populated areas of country Victoria.
“I plan to ride for my entire life as I love the freedom it gives me, the closeness to the environment, and to share a ride with a friend or two.”
This upcoming Great Vic Bike Ride will retrace its roots back to when it first took place 40 years ago in Wodonga.
Chief executive Alison McCormack said this year was a “nod to the ride’s extraordinary history” and expected 3000 cyclists to take part.
Eddie Russell
