Tour de Trail delivers a ride for fun and fitness

Sunday, March 3 saw over 100 cyclists of various ages and abilities enjoy a bike ride under a clear blue sky and perfect conditions along the Great Victorian Rail Trail (GVRT).

With Tour de Trail gaining in popularity, a large percentage of riders came from many parts of Victoria to experience this community event that provides a safe, car-free environment. A group of 9-women from Melbourne based ’Ladies Back on Your Bike’ cycling group made a weekend of cycling along the rail trail culminating in Tour de Trail at Mansfield.

Organised by the ‘Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail’, this non-competitive, out-and-back ride offered the choice of two destinations: Maindample or Bonnie Doon with a coffee van at both locations to provide participants with coffee and refreshments before continuing their ride back to Mansfield to enjoy a BBQ by ‘A Third Hand’ community group.

“I’ve done quite a few cycling events, but this is the first one I’ve brought the family to” said Will Weijers from Heidelberg. “Brought the family up to Mansfield for the weekend for the ride. Found the whole day, from arrival to end to be one of the friendliest and nicest I’ve done”.

“We are extremely grateful for the 20-plus volunteers who were required to run the event” said Ross Vaughan, Chair of the Friends of the GVRT. “This is a big commitment by our volunteers who without them, the event would not be possible”.

At the conclusion of the event, David Mayne, Chair of Mansfield and District Community Enterprises drew the lucky winners of the raffle to raise funds for Friends of the GVRT activities. Winner of first prize was Frank Kinnersley from Moonee Ponds who will enjoy 4-day self-guided tour by Tour de Vines along the Great Victorian Rail Trail.

This annual event was made possible by the sponsorship of the Bendigo Bank, Mansfield and District. Raffle prizes were generously donated by Mansfield Apartments and Bushwalks, Yarck Bikes, All Terrain Cycles, Tour de Vines, Krush Products and Trawool Estate.