By Laura Michell
Anthony Quinn hopes it will be a case of second time lucky as he attempts to complete the Great Vic Bike Ride later this year.
The Point Cook resident signed up for last year’s ride but tore the tendon in his thumb and had to pull out.
He plan to join the 40th anniversary ride from Murray to Healesville in November on board his trike.
“I hope my bad luck has ended,” he said.
The 68-year-old had a stoke five years ago and took up riding as part of his recovery.
“I wanted to exercise,” he said. “I got the trike and it was a challenge.”
Mr Quinn rides two trikes – an manual one and an electric system.
He said he is working on building up his strength to complete the 72 kilometres per day needed to complete the ride.
“I have been riding about 20 kilometres a day in training for the Great Vic Bike Ride.
“I have not yet decided if I will bring my motorised GreenSpeed recumbent trike or my non-motorised trike.”
Mr Quinn said he was looking forward to riding through the state’s north-east during the nine-day ride, describing it as a “nice part of Victoria”.
Bicycle Network chief executive Alison McCormack said this year’s ride takes the event back to where it began in 1984.
“This year’s Great Vic Bike Ride is a nod to the ride’s extraordinary history which has introduced tens of thousands of cyclists to Victoria’s varied and beautiful countryside, local sights and culinary delights,” she said.
“With a mixture of rolling hills and valleys it’s no surprise that Victoria’s North-East has become Australia’s most popular biking destination in recent years.
“The Great Vic Bike Ride has been exploring regional Victoria for 40 years. It’s an amazing event, ask someone who has taken part. It’s an unforgettable holiday, suitable for all ages. It’s social, inspiring and a challenge.”
There are nine, five and three day ride options giving riders the choice to cycle the whole route or sections.
After starting in Wodonga on November 23, overnight stops are in Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Mansfield, Alexandra and Marysville, finishing in Healesville on December 1.
Details: greatvic.com.au
