Monbulk Rotarians Norma Utting, Rob Clark and Dick Bartley are getting ready for the Great Victorian Bike Ride.
By Tania Martin
FOUR Monbulk Rotarians are putting their best feet forward for the 2010 Great Victorian Bike Ride challenge.
They are training hard for the 590 kilometre ride through the Murray River and Goulburn Valley regions to Marysville.
Spots for the 2010 event in November are open, but only 5000 riders can enter.
Norma Utting is looking forward to joining fellow Rotarians on the trip.
She has been taking part for the past three years with the ride fast becoming a top event on her “to-do” list.
Mrs Utting’s daughter got her involved in the event more than three years ago – and she hasn’t looked back since.
“I just love doing it and the company of all the thousands of people is wonderful,” she said.
Bicycle Victoria event manager Leah Chesney said the ride gave people the chance to slow down and discover some of the state’s best kept secrets.
“This is no ordinary bike ride. It’s a travel holiday on wheels, which energises the senses and your body,” she said.
“It’s social, inspiring and a challenge.”
A former teacher, Mrs Utting said she was always amazed at the logistics that went into organising the event.
She warns those thinking of entering for the first time to start training now.
“There is no substitute for time in the saddle,” she said.
“Also believe in yourself. When you get to the finish line, you will have a great sense of achievement.”
Rotarian and rider Rob Clark will put his foot to the pedal for his sixth ride in more than 10 years.
He was the first teacher to take a group of primary school students on the ride.
Mr Clark has taken various schools over the years, but is looking forward to experiencing the thrill with fellow Rotarians. He said the ride gave him a great sense of achievement.
“Some climb Everest and some do the Great Victorian Bike Ride,” Mr Clark said.
Mr Clark said the highlight of the ride was the people he met along the way.
The pair will be joined by Dick Bartley and Helen Riethof and are now training hard.
Those interested in taking up the challenge should sign up now, by logging onto www.bv.com.au.
