The Deniliquin High School Great Vic Bike Ride team at the finish line.
After rigorous training, a contingent of local pilgrims from Deniliquin and the Southern Riverina conquered the Great Vic Bike Ride last week.
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The participants made their way down to South West Victoria for the newly reformatted event in its 41st year.
The ride included five days of cycling from November 24 to 28, totalling up to 364km with an overall elevation of 2808m.
They started Mortlake, and travelled to Camperdown via the Great Ocean Road.
Once again, locals from the district were led by the team of riders representing Deniliquin High School.
Teacher Sue Laing again help lead the expedition, and said the whole group and support team had a great experience despite occasional inclement weather.
“We went up on Sunday because Mortlake is quite a long way away from Deniliquin and camped on the Sunday night. We then got home on Friday.
“It was very windy on some of the days, and some really tough conditions.”
“We had 11 students who did it.
“There were 12 students, but one had an injury prior to the ride.
“We also had staff members Genevieve Dunmore, Alex Glowrey and parent Natalie Conolly.
“Highlights included riding the Great Ocean Road and getting to see the 12 Apostles, Bay of Martyrs and all of the beautiful views along there.”
Mrs Laing said it was a new route and schedule for the Great Vic Bike Ride, but it was still just as challenging and enjoyable.
“It was a new five-day format and it was great.
“They’re never running a nine-day ride again due to the cost of it.
“They changed the number of same town camping nights due to logistics, and included doing two loop rides.
“But overall, it was a fantastic experience.”
The ride was particularly rewarding for the Deniliquin High School students that had completed a year’s worth of training, claiming an overall school-based achievement, Mrs Laing said.
“The kids were very proud of themselves.
“We wait for each other along the ride, even still we were the first whole school group to cross the finish line.”
The Deniliquin High School Great Vic Bike Ride team at the beginning of their ride.
There was plenty of entertainment and group bonding during the ride.
Highlights on the ride included spectacular views of the Great Ocean Road.
The Deniliquin High School team bonded during the ride while camping with meals and entertainment included.
Stuart Benger, Archer Moodie, Eliza Weir, Brydey Maher and Amy Doherty on the Great Vic Bike Ride.
There were windy and tough conditions for riding and camping during the 2025 Great Vic Bike Ride.
There were plenty of enjoyable moments along the Great Vic Bike Ride for the Deniliquin High School team.
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