BICYCLE Network is coming to Wangaratta next week to meet with locals and discuss how community groups, businesses and tourism operators can get involved and benefit from the upcoming Great Vic Bike Ride. The floor will be open at the meetings for locals to discuss the ride and see how they can be a part of the festivities. A meeting is planned at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Wednesday, July 31, between 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Three thousand bike riders, volunteers and support staff will participate in the biggest multi-day bike ride in the Southern Hemisphere starting in Wodonga on November 23 and ending 501ms later in Healesville on December 1. Wangaratta will play host to the massive event with overnight stops on November 25 and 26, with riders travelling to Mansfield on November 27. Bicycle Network CEO, Alison McCormack, said next week's meeting in Wangaratta will give locals the chance to learn how they can make the most out of the event and get information about how it will operate. “This year’s 40th anniversary Great Vic is set to feature the North East," Ms McCormack said. "We’re excited to work with the local communities to help share their community with riders and showcase the very best of each town. “Whether you’re part of the golf club or football club, run a cafe, or have some local produce to showcase to riders, we would love you to come along to the community meetings to learn more about the Great Vic. “The event presents great opportunities for community groups like schools, sporting clubs and businesses. "Each rider spends an average of $35 a day on the Great Vic, injecting more than $100,000 each day into the region. "Three out of four riders also tell us that they are likely to come back to towns again within 12 months after first visiting on the ride.” Planning information including details of campsite locations and changes to traffic conditions will also be discussed at the meetings. “We want to make sure our visit to each town is as smooth as possible and that local communities understand how the event will run and the opportunities for them,” Ms McCormack said. For more information on the event, and details for those who can’t make it on the night, visit greatvic.com.au.
