Emerald’s John Collins is gearing up for the Great Victorian Bike Ride. 67148Picture: Russell Bennett
By Casey Neill
JOHN Collins is grabbing life by the handlebars – and encouraging others to do the same.
The Emerald 56-year-old is gearing up to hit the road for his seventh Great Victorian Bike Ride this November.
His brother convinced him to give it a go in 2005 and he’s never looked back.
“We just have a ball,” Mr Collins said.
Family and friends ride at his side, including his children, nieces and nephews. They pitch their tent, take in the town and check out the local pub.
“It’s a great week,” he said.
The Bicycle Victoria event will this year explore the mighty Murray and the goldfields from 26 November to 4 December.
“My advice for the first timer is to get some miles into your legs,” Mr Collins said.
“I suffered a bit on my first as my legs were not really ready for it. Since then I’ve been fine.”
He first took up cycling to improve his health and build up leg strength for his barefoot waterskiing hobby.
“When I turned 50, I decided I wanted to get fitter,” he said.
Mr Collins now rides up to four times a week and has taken on Around the Bay in a Day four times, and a riding trip around Tasmania with his son.
He said the Great Victorian Bike ride was a great week of relaxation, and the hardest part wasn’t the hills.
“It’s trying to find your tent at night among others on a football field full of them,” he said.
“Give it a go. Get reasonably fit and get the right equipment.
“You just meet some fantastic people.”
More than 4000 people will take part in the event’s 28th year, which will include a 590km nine-day ride from Swan Hill to Castlemaine, two three-day rides and two day circuits.
Organisers will transport six luggage trucks, seven shower trucks and nine loo trucks from campsite to campsite, with catering, entertainment and medical vehicles and volunteers in tow.
The nine-day ride is fully catered and until 29 July costs $835 for adults, $599 for children under 18, $299 for those under 13 years and free for kids aged five years and under. Prices rise $100 after 29 July.
Visit www.greatvic.com.au or call 1800 616 600 to sign up or for more information.
