(Posted - 11 Dec 2010)
Participants experienced Victoria’s trademark four seasons in one day today for the Cyclecover Circuit – A Rainforest Ride, but it didn’t detract from the purpose of the event to showcase the Otway Ranges and Great Ocean Road for its spectacular scenery. Despite wild weather warnings, 500 riders enjoyed the countryside, taking in many of the tourist attractions along the way making the event a success again for a second year.
With four course options, the majority chose to do the 140km Cyclecover Circuit. For a participation event, the route is still relatively demanding with some tough climbs making it a real challenge for all those involved. Being part of the attraction, the effort was rewarded with thrilling descents and of course superb scenery and for most, a few coffee stops and tours around iconic Australian attractions as well.
Darryl Griffiths, from Docklands in Melbourne recently moved to Victoria from Perth was really impressed with the ride. “It was very very challenging but also staggering how scenic it was," he said. “The weather wasn’t ideal but we still had a great time", he added. The highlights of the course were riding through the dense rainforest and the koalas on the way to the Cape Otway Lighthouse.
There were riders of all abilities and backgrounds enjoying a break from the pre-Christmas madness winding their way around the freshly sealed and low traffic roads. A good percentage of people did a tour of the Otway Fly tree-top walk and also the Cape Otway Lighthouse, also taking time out to sample the local treats and coffee at their café’s. Making new friends along the way they all regrouped at the end to enjoy the tunes of a local band, Spindrift, and hang out at the Expo at Apollo Bay.
The other events that riders had the option to participate in today were the 70km Patagonia Lighthouse Ride, the 23km Waterfall Explorer and the Glow Worm Twilight Ride that was also 23km in length. The glow-worms at Mariners Falls are a sight to behold and an amazing phenomenon, like stars lit up all around, however, the bad weather reduced the number of people who did this course this year.
All entrants received a free cycling jersey with their entry fee and so have a memento to remember the fabulous experience. Plus they also received a 6-month Cyclecover membership providing personal accident and liability insurance and other rider benefits, which hopefully they won’t have to use, but it’s a load off the mind having.
The Cyclecover Circuit – a Rainforest Ride, was a sensational day of exercise, socialising and most off all, enjoying the incredible and varied coast surrounding Apollo Bay.