Bike Stories

Great Vic Bike Ride, 1992

We enjoyed the GVBR'91 so much that we encouraged a few more people to join us in 1992. This time, we had me, John, Krista (4 years old), Tim (7 months old), Cheryl, Kathy and Cheryl's Aunty Margaret. We did some memorable training rides including a very wet semi-ascent of Mount Donna Buang with a descent into Healesville in pouring rain. I had some trouble stopping on the downhill with the trailer holding the kids because it didn't have independent braking, so John had to hold on to it while I slowed down - all a bit hairy !!

The ride itself was from Natimuk via Lake Fyans, Yarrawonga, Mansfield, Jamieson on a dirt road to Bonnie Doon, Yea, Whittlesea to Melbourne. The day from Mansfield to Bonnie Doon was probably the most difficult and stressful day's riding I've ever done towing the trailer with two kids through hilly terrain on a corrugated gravel surface. It took us 12 hours and we were among the last people to arrive at Bonnie Doon, the only time we've been tagged by the Sag Wagon, who probably didn't want to take us on board since they didn't have baby seats for the two kids.