By Dongyun Kwon
A 71-year-old Healesville resident has decided to participate in the Great Vic Bike Ride (GVBR) 2024 with his son and stepson.
GVBR will return at the end of November, marking its 40th anniversary.
Healesville resident Michael Brewster wants to make good memories with his children and has decided to join the ride with his son and stepson.
The final destination of GVBR will be Healesville, and the participants will ride through the car-free Black Spur to arrive at their last destination.
Brewster said he’s always wanted to do something big in bike riding as he is getting older, and this year’s the time for it.
“I’ve got back into bike riding as part of a lifestyle change and I’m now a lot fitter,” he said.
“I was interested years ago to take part in the GVBR and finally I’m doing it.
“It’s a rare opportunity to ride the Black Spur traffic free as the biking holiday ends in Healesville.”
The Healesville resident has been into bike riding for about four years to get better health.
“I was previously running, and I thought it was time to move on and do something a little bit less destructive to my knees,” Brewster said.
Brewster’s son Brennett Brewster in Hunter Valley, New South Wales and stepson Thom Wood in West Gosford, New South Wales will join his adventure.
There are nine, five and three day ride options giving riders the choice to cycle the whole route or sections, and the three men have chosen a three day ride option.
They will start from Mansfield on Thursday 28 November, ride through Alexandra and Marysville and finish their journey in Healesville.
Each day, they will ride approximately 60km.
Brewster said he is not worried about himself as he is fit enough for 60km bike riding per day but he’s worried about his two sons.
“I often ride from Yering Station to Warburtan and back, which is about 90km,” he said.
“I also often do it easy from St Leonards Road, Healesville to Toolangi and back down Myers Creek Road which is 33km.
“Going out St Leonards Road is climbing all the way, so it gives you a bit of a workout.”
Brewster’s stepdaughter Grace Haydock, who is a manager of Lululemon Camberwell Store, has played a big part in his bike riding journey as she supplied all the gear.
Bicycle Network chief executive officer Alison McCormack said this year’s GVBR is a nod to the ride’s extraordinary history which has introduced tens of thousands of cyclists to Victoria’s varied and beautiful countryside, local sights and culinary delights.
“With a mixture of rolling hills and valleys, it’s no surprise that Victoria’s North-East has become Australia’s most popular biking destination in recent years,” she said.
“The GVBR has been exploring regional Victoria for 40 years. It’s an unforgettable holiday, suitable for all ages. It’s social, inspiring and a challenge.
“Great Vic riders love becoming a local for a night, sampling produce and dropping into the restaurants, pubs, shops and cafes. They fall in love with the places they visit often returning to explore more after the ride.”
