2005 Event Overview

The Wilderness Bike Ride: Errinundra – Snowy 2005 ran from Wednesday 13 to Saturday April 16, 2005. One hundred and eighty-seven riders, 36 volunteers and eight contractors participated in the event. The ride started at Wulgulmerang, in the Victorian high country of East Gippsland, traversing the Snowy River Valley and Errinundra Plateau before finishing in Orbost, a total cycling distance of 230 km. Riders and crew were accommodated in tent cities constructed each night on private land at Deddick, Bendoc and Goongerah. Catering was provided by six different community groups, with toilets, showers, water ,electrical services and communications provided by professional contractors.

Most of the route was on unsealed roads varying from well-formed good quality roads to 4wd only forest tracks. The weather throughout the ride was mostly excellent, the exception being rain overnight on Day 2 with fine rain and low cloud on Day 3. Consequently the tracks, riders and bikes became extremely muddy. Rather than diminishing the enjoyment, riders found the challenge and unbridled filthiness exhilarating!

Several new elements were added to this year's event

Coffee stall selling “real”coffee was operated on each site by the Orbost Exhibition Centre as a fundraiser

Massage service, provided by a rider who is a qualified masseur, who has opened the possibility of returning with students next year

Sponsorship of a group of localyouth to ride with an adult leader. This saw three Orbost teenagers participate in the event, who would otherwise not have done so. With several local youth also on the volunteer team, this brought a considerable youth involvement to the event.

Here are some of the comments from the Rider Evaluation Sheets

“Thank you and your colleagues so much for an absolutely fantastic experience. The Wilderness Ride well and truly exceeded my expectations. I will most definitely be back next year – can't wait!”

“This was an excellent example of true community spirit and involvement. I felt really proud to be a part of the East Gippsland community..”

“....a good mix of mountain trails and good roads. Pretty Gully Track was great!”

“Sore, wet, cold – loved every minute of it!”

“reasons for coming back?...social and physical interactions, scenery FUN AND ADRENALIN.”

“Toilets, showers were fantastic,great mechanic, great tent sites”

“Vegetarians well catered for..”

“Great entertainment at night, love to see local talent performing! See you next year..”

“The ride was challenging and gave a sense of achievement, the scenery and people were fantastic...”

“...wet, rugged, spectacular...”

“Great community event, enviro friendly, great landscapes. Loved the muddy downhills on Day 3.”

So....if you didn't do the ride this year, will you do it next year?

“It was sensational. I loved it.”