Community
21 November, 2024
Students prepare for Great Vic
STUDENTS from Mortlake College are honing their skills ahead of the 2024 Great Vic Bike Ride thanks to generous donations made to the Great Vic Schools Support Fund.
Bicycle Network launched the inclusive fund earlier this year, to bring along more students on the ride who might not otherwise be able to participate.
Bicycle Network chief executive officer Alison McCormack said the Great Vic offers students the chance to learn important life skills, and develop resilience, co-operation and independence.
“Teachers tell us that participation also increases student engagement when they return to school,” she said.
Mortlake College outdoor education teacher Lachie Reichman said some of the students, who are in Years 9 and 10, are still developing their bike-handling skills in close proximity to the school, while others trained further afield.
The school participates in the Great Vic every second year.
“The group this year comprises two girls and seven boys who are healthy, sporty, active and from different friendship groups,” Mr Reichman said.
“They’re all set to take part in the full nine-day, covering over 500 kilometres.
“Some are nervous, but they’re all pretty excited.
“A lot of them have had siblings or relatives take part in the ride in previous years, and they’ve always come back having a great time, so I think a lot of them know what’s ahead of them and are excited to give it a try.
“The great thing is that they all see it as a team-building exercise and know that they will be supporting one another on the road and in the camps, and they are committed to starting and finishing the event together.”
Mr Reichman, who describes himself as the school's “jack of all trades” and also teaches woodwork and vocational skills, said the students will also learn bike maintenance, problem solving and healthy eating habits.
They will be supported on the ride by Mr Reichman and an older sibling of one of the young women students.
The Great Vic is celebrating its 40th year.
The ride will start on Saturday, November 23 in Wodonga as it did in 1984 and finish in Healesville on Sunday, December 1.
Anyone wanting to donate to the Great Vic Schools Support Fund can do so online at https://asf.org.au/projects/bicycle-network/great-vic-schools-support-fund.
Read More: Mortlake