A PUBLIC meeting in Wangaratta this week will discuss how community groups, businesses and tourism operators can get involved and benefit from the upcoming Great Vic Bike Ride.

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 501kms later in Healesville on December 1.

Wangaratta will play host to the massive event with overnight stops on November 25 and 26.

Bicycle Network CEO, Alison McCormack, said this Wednesday’s meeting at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, between 5.30pm to 6.30pm, 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.

She said the floor will be open at the meeting for locals to discuss the ride and see how they can be a part of the festivities.

“The event presents great opportunities for community groups like schools, sporting clubs and businesses,” Ms McCormack said.

“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.

For more information on the event, and details for those who can’t make it on the night, visit greatvic.com.au