\Vision Australia’s ‘Tandem Tragics’ from left; Graeme Jones, Don Allen, Dave Byars, Carlton Toohey and team support Mustafa Kouklan
Excited anticipation enveloped participants at Telstra Dome on Friday 24th Nov. The morning was warm with more clear days forecast. Our Vision Australia Tandem Tragics team boarded a coach for the Wangaratta Showgrounds. Two vision impaired cyclists, Dave Byars and Graeme Jones were accompanied by their respective front riders, Carlton Toohey and Don Allan, with Mustafa Kouklan along as Vision Aust. team support.
Arriving at our starting point mid afternoon we were greeted by flies, heat and friendly volunteers. We collected our luggage, did an interview and photo shoot for the Wangaratta Chronicle before taking a taxi to our motel for our last night in a comfortable bed, Tomorrow our camping adventure begins.
Getting underway the following morning with just 40 kms to shake off the cobwebs, the day’s route unfolded into a rather demanding start to our pedalling challenge. In 35 degrees Celsius sunshine, we left Wangaratta behind us, to the encouragement of locals and bike riders of all ages and sizes. We started to pick up on the bike riding jargon and courtesies shown on the road.
“Passing right”, “Car back”, “Slowing”, “Hold your line”, “Stopping” were very audible calls heard repeatedly along the trip.
At most times, riders displayed a courteous and considerate attitude. After all, this was not a race, it was a desire to complete the course safely, with as much enjoyment as possible. We were there to support each other to this goal.
Victoria Police had a constant presence ensuring road safety and help in emergency. They patrolled the entire journey on motor cycles. Medical teams were in evidence cruising the day’s route to assist those in need. The team of WARBY, (We Are Right Behind You) volunteer cyclists offered roadside bike repairs and rider emergency help.
Refreshment and lunch stops were designated along each day’s route. This gave riders the chance to recharge spent energy, while easing the saddle soreness. Most riders were underway again within an hour, with replenished drink bottles and another application of sunscreen.
The magnitude of the Great Vic. Bike Ride wasn’t as evident on the road as it was when we reached our first campsite at Beechworth. 3700 cyclists and 400 volunteers set up for the night at the University Campus. It was a scene of colourful lycra, tents, trucks with toilets & showers, marquees for catering, merchandise, food & drink stalls and the popular Spokes Bar. The masseurs had a steady flow of muscle sore customers.
The enormity of the campsite to cater for a 4000 rolling population was a sight to behold. A sea of canvas, cycles and lycra; so professionally organised by Bicycle Victoria. No stone was left unturned. It was a mobile community, which set up home each afternoon. We found all amenities in place on arrival at each day’s destination. Volunteers were plentiful to assist with traffic control, catering and general information.
Each evening there was entertainment at the bar, outdoor movies, special events including talent quest, harmonica lessons and bicycle maintenance. New friendships were formed each day. Harmony was the key feeling in such an assorted age group; from toddlers to teenagers, to the eldest participant at 83 years. Both sexes were equally represented.
The GVBR took nine days, covering 530 kms of very attractive north-eastern Victoria. The timbered hills, popular vineyards and pastoral landscape offered wonderful scenery. Arduous climbs like Tawanga Gap were conquests with long downhill rewards. On our weighty tandem, we attained 80 kph on a safe straight descent as we flashed past the lighter road bikes. On the more serious climbs we were reduced to 10 kph as we grinded away for extended periods to reach the top.
Mastering Tawanga Gap was a celebration for all. Cyclists walked if they found the task of riding beyond them. They were encouraged and felt no shame. This was a cycling community, bonded by meeting a challenge. Participants always supportive; I never heard one raised voice of anger on the whole trip. The Ride encountered temperatures around 35 degrees celsius for the first six days and then, when the heat dissipated, we were confronted with strong headwinds over the final two days. Riders maintained their encouragement for each other for the entire odyssey.
We were most concerned when Graeme, a diabetic, succumbed to complications and dehydration. Graeme received fantastic medical care by the GVBR Medical Team, before being hospitalised at Myrtleford. He had inspired everyone with his determination. Although Graeme was forced to retire from the ride, the rest of the team rode on with an added impetus to ‘do it for Graeme’. We kept in contact and were pleased he made a full recovery over the following week.
Our hats are also raised to Don, (Graeme’s front rider), who pushed ahead on the tandem. To think he rode up and over the Tawanga Gap by himself on the tandem is an amazing feat of determination and dedication. We, the vision impaired cyclists would like to say a big THANK YOU to our volunteer front riders, the support of Vision Australia, Blind Sports Victoria, Caterpillar Aust. Pty Ltd, Peter from Pegasus Cycles, Beach Road Bike Shop and the girls from Diabetes Australia for their generous support in getting us to the start and allowing us to chase a dream.
I was rather emotional as I crossed the finish line at Whittlesea. I had met the challenge. With Carlton, I was allowed to lead a pelaton of friends who supported me for the entire ride and training program. Nick and Dennis also took a turn at front riding en route. It was a personal accomplishment on the eve of my 60th birthday. The best present I could receive to mark the milestone.
I encourage blind or vision impaired persons who seek adventure, to consider this challenge. Vision Australia and Blind Sports Victoria are keen to promote tandem cycling. It is a wonderful recreational activity with a growing band of fantastic volunteers who offer themselves as front riders. I am most grateful for their dedication in assisting VIPs to participate in sporting and recreational endeavours.