2025 Great Victorian Bike Ride (GVBR) Triumph!

In 2025, the Sacred Heart College (SHC) Kyneton GVBR team successfully completed a challenging 372 km journey over five days, traversing the picturesque Western Districts of Victoria. The route spanned from Mortlake to Camperdown, with overnight stays in Mortlake, Koroit, Port Campbell, and the finish line in Camperdown.

The team was comprised of students Charleigh Ager, Michael Brown, Daniel Cichy, Archie Devey, Joshua Dick, Max Siragusano, and Harper Vance supported by Mr. Craig Darroch, Mr. Pawel Cichy, Mr. Jamie Walker, and Ms. Lauren White. Together the team achieved an impressive average of 74 km of cycling per day, including a demanding 100 km leg. This significant physical accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of every team member.

Preparation for the GVBR commenced in early Term Two with theoretical after-school sessions, progressing into practical training rides on local roads. Led by Mr. Darroch, the training rides gradually increased in length and difficulty throughout the year. The team worked diligently to enhance their cycling skills, knowledge, and physical fitness. Crucially, the process encouraged strong teamwork, mutual support, and a shared commitment to achieving our collective goals.

This year’s route offered a unique immersion into the region's prominent dairy country, often observing the dairy herds heading to their day paddocks early in the morning. Charleigh had an up close and personal encounter with one cow at a rest stop. Beyond the cycling, the students embraced the full Great Vic experience. Fishing enthusiasts Archie, Max, and Michael enjoyed success off the pier in Port Campbell. Harper and Josh sampled local fish and chips and frequented the local IGAs. Daniel enjoyed the opportunity to participate in spontaneous games after camp was set up. he team navigated a diverse range of conditions, including challenging winds (head, side, and tail) and fluctuating weather, experiencing rain, hail, and sunshine. The journey provided striking views of the iconic Victorian Apostles, passing wind turbines, open pastures and the ocean. Students also developed essential logistical skills, learning to manage the typical Great Vic requirements of queuing for meals, daily washing, and bathroom facilities.

The GVBR Achievement Award is presented annually to a student who best exemplifies the values of courage and service to others, as established by Di Taylor, who founded SHC Kyneton's participation in the GVBR in 1999. This year, the GVBR Achievement Award is presented to Charleigh Ager. Congratulations, Charleigh, on your demonstrated ability to empathise with and support your peers.

A special acknowledgment is extended to Mr. Craig Darroch. For the past 12 years, Mr Darroch has dedicated his time as a voluntary leader, advocating for, organising, and leading the team across all facets of the event. His unwavering belief in the incredible benefits this event offers to students has been the driving force behind his service for over a decade. We extend our deepest gratitude for his outstanding commitment. A special appreciation goes to our volunteer transport team, Mr Darren Paxton, for driving the bus, and his navigator, Mr Andrew Scarlett, for ensuring the team's seamless transportation. We also thank Mr Jamie Walker for his exemplary logistical packing skills.

We are already exciting about next year as the starting point is in our own backyard in Bendigo, heading to Castlemaine, Trentham and finishing in Creswick.

This annual endeavour would not be possible without the generous support of our community. We extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, parent helper, and the following generous sponsors.

• Steve Taylor
• Dave McMunn (Keeping our bikes on the road!)
• Dyson's Bus Service
• Splashaway Pty Ltd
• Cleanaway
• Douglass Excavation & Construction Pty Ltd
• Helen Aldridge
• Learning with Technologies
• Macedon Ranges Glass
• Wharparilla Estate
• MSP Photography
• Furbess Electrical
• Murphys Plumbing Vic Pty Ltd
• Hamilton Street Veterinary Clinic
• Malmsbury Pharmacy
• Soltan Pepper
• PAS Accounting
• Peita Glover
• Viatek
• Thomas Robert Group Pty Ltd
• Universal Height Safety
• School Furn
• Burns Service
• Macedon Ranges Plumbing
• On Point Solutions
• Grower Services
• North West Hose & Fittings Pty Ltd
• The 1860 Romsey
• Devlin Family Pest Solutions
• Travis Kelly
• Anthony Dick & Genevieve McCarthy
• RW & ML Dick
• Anne & John McCarthy
• Vivian McCarthy
• Ian Fletcher
• Lachlan Fletcher
• Marist Bros Old Boys Association
• Kyneton Lyons Club
• Office Barn Gisborne
• Juanitta Kelly
• Romsey Auto Care Pty
• Off Road & Outback Romsey