Pheels Phantastic Great Victorian Bike Ride

Nov 29th - Dec 7th 2008

Why not spoil yourself as you cycle the Great Victorian Bike Ride?

Pheels Phantastic transfer your luggage separately to a pre-booked motel or similar accommodation, for the whole week, or for 2 nights. Relax upon arrival, enjoy afternoon tea and we offer the services of our masseurs or bike mechanic, all part of this pampering package.

A Pheels Phantastic bus will take you to and from dinner at the BV campsite, or if you wish lash out in style and shout yourself to a meal at the motel or local restaurant. Oh and don't forget the motel breakfast before you push on the next day.

This is an optional extra package. You must also book into BV's GVBR Ballarat to Ballarat Sat Nov 29th - Sun 7th Dec 2008

Ride Report

Whether you were young or old, whether you were a novice or very advanced, whether you were one or many and weather permitting, you were part of the sensational annual 2008 Great Victorian Bike Ride. I, however, was not a rider but a mere freshy on the Pheels Phantastic crew, assisting Phil and Susan as they managed the troops with a laugh and a smile.

If anything could be said for training, I’m sure those who trained before the ride found each day easier than those who had dusted off their bikes the week before, still hearing their joints crack on day 3 as the wheels turned. If training is the key, then the right pre-ride training was certainly done back at AllTrails head quarters for months leading up to this cycle adventure. From Susan’s detailed lists and luggage ribbon system, to Phil’s transport itinerary, to JB’s steady hand fixing the bikes, to the massage therapists firm hands fixing you, the whole crew worked like well oiled chain.

I must admit, the days were non-stop from dawn to dusk, changing hats from room mate, to taxi driver, concierge, compound builder, massage therapist, information guide to dinner buddy to very tired girl! But no, I daren’t complain, as I was not faced with the strong head winds or the dust storms or the hours in the rain. The riders are the energy that give the week an ongoing buzz and keep the support crew wanting to give more.

It is funny how, on reflection, the difficult or uncomfortable moments melt away and the happy moments shine through. Just like eating dinner at the BV campsite in Cobden in the wind and rain is overshadowed by sipping on a hot chocolate enjoying the sun and scenery at BV camp in Mortlake. The memory of my arms fatiguing from 3 hours of massage is nothing compared to the joy of seeing all the riders front up the next morning ready to take to the road again with a cheer and a high five. And the long hours driving the troopy alone were long forgotten after approaching the stunning hills of the Grampians and showing Phil and Susan my heritage while taking in the spectacular views.

I know what keeps you coming back each year to the Pheels Phantastic… It is not the cycling it is the scenery, it is not the crowds it is the true friends you make, it is not the campsite it is the wonderful accommodation each night and it is not the early starts in the morning it is starting early with a delicious breakfast sharing the day that was and encouraging each other for the day ahead, knowing that you are supported and an integral part of the AllTrails team. Well done to all and thanks for making it such a memorable experience!

Kirsten

Photo Gallery from the Ride!

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