Cyclists to pedal into Grampians
Tourism and community leaders are encouraging Wimmera people, particularly in centres and settlements surrounding the Grampians, to open their arms to visiting cycling enthusiasts this week.
About 1700 cyclists, who will also bring with them supporters and support teams, have started arriving at Halls Gap for the Little Vic Bike Ride, starting tomorrow.
The Little Vic Bike Ride involves a 235-kilometre three-day loop ride from Halls Gap to Dunkeld and back to Great Western. It represents the modified alternative to the Great Victorian Bike Ride that Bicycle Network had originally planned for the Wimmera-mallee before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman, in encouraging the region to lay out the welcome mat, said it was important visiting cyclists had a happy and memorable experience.
“Data shows that each person who participates in these rides invariably goes back to the region for another taste,” he said.
“For us it’s about building brand awareness. We’re encouraging people to extend their stays, to visit the Grampians and disperse further into the region.
“It’s a great promotion. The research generally shows that people who come here come back for another bite within 12 months.
“And this is a type of audience we want to attract – they like the outdoors, they like the big nature and they have money and time to spend.
“As a destination, we want them to come back again and again.
“Organisers are encouraging participants this week to also use the opportunity to explore beyond the Grampians and travel to Horsham district attractions.”
Mr Sleeman said Bicycle Network had made a commitment to present the Little Vic Bike Ride after COVID-19 uncertainty forced it to abandon plans for a Great Victoria Bike Ride that stretched from the southern Mallee to the Grampians.
“They are continuing to support us as a destination, which is great,” he said.
“The hope is that Bicycle Network will return with the fully fledged Vic Bike Ride in the future. The regional rotation across the state for the event is usually about seven or eight years, but local tourism advocates will be pushing for a return here sooner rather than later.”
The Little Vic Bike Ride is from tomorrow to Sunday. Cyclists will ride 72 kilometres from Halls Gap to Dunkeld on Friday, 110 kilometres from Dunkeld to Halls Gap via Pomonal on Saturday and 53 kilometres from Halls Gap to Great Western on Sunday.