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rainforest

Cycling Events in Snowy River Country

changing tyres on support vehicle

Why Volunteer?

Our volunteer crew is the vibrant, good humoured, kind spirited, hard working, beating heart of our events. Without our volunteers our events could not happen. Being part of the crew is a hugely rewarding experience that will bring you great job satisfaction, the joy of being part of a great team of people and a generally fun time in some of Victorias most beautiful remote country.

 

What do Volunteers do?

Volunteers are assigned a specific job in one (or sometimes 2) of our crews,listed below with some typical jobs.

  • Route: Route team leader, Route bus driver and co-driver, marshalls, signs team, paramedics, patrol vehicle.
  • Campsite (four day rides only): Campsite team leader, Set up and pull down, layout, water services, rubbish control
  • HQ/ Information: HQ co-ordinator, HQ assistant, Entertainment and catering co-ordinators.
  • Day 1 Check in: Check in assistant, Bike loading, luggage loading, parking marshall.

We do our best to suit place people in the job best suited to them, but we can't guarantee that your first preference for a job will be available.

What skills are needed?

The most important skill is to be able to laugh and work as part of a team! We have roles that just about anyone can fill, regardless of their background or experience. The following skills are particularly useful to us, but not having them should definitely not put you off volunteering.

  • Medical or paramedical qualifications
  • Camp ground set up
  • General handyman/woman
  • Four wheel driving
  • Local knowledge of tracks in Far East Gippsland
  • Team management skills

Riding Volunteers

Riding volunteer participate in the ride for a discount of approximately 25%, in return for up to 4 hours of work each day. Riding volunteer's tasks may include catering assistants, bar hands, rubbish, and assisting at Day 1 check in. Riding volunteers need to be fit enough to both complete the days ride AND have the energy left to perform their allotted tasks. You need to take account not only of your speed and fitness but that of any companions you may be riding with to ensure you reach camp in plenty of time to carry out your allotted tasks. There are usually around 10 positions available for Riding Volunteers.

What do Volunteers get?

Volunteers pay nothing to be a part of our event. We supply you with:

  • All meals and snack food, tea and coffee.
  • Transport to and between campsites for yourself and your luggage.
  • A Wilderness Bike Ride Volunteer Shirt
  • Suitable protective clothing: high visibility vests and water proofs
  • for all Route crew.
  • All campsite and entertainment facilities
  • A Ride Information Booklet with route and site maps, and information about the route.
  • Training and orientation appropriate for your role.
  • Clear instructions and leadership

What do I need to do?

Volunteers need to:

  • Register as volunteers by filling out and returning the Volunteer Registration Form
  • Bring the same things with them as riders, i.e. tent, sleeping bag and mat, eating utensils, suitable clothing (we will advise you on this) and personal belongings.
  • Attend meetings and training as required
  • We expect that our volunteers will:

  • Be realistic about their ability to perform a task and inform their team leader if unable to complete any tasks
  • Carry out their assigned tasks in a responsible and co-operative manner to the best of their ability
  • Be fully accountable to their team leader
  • Wear your volunteer tag at all times during the event
  • Behave in an acceptable and responsible manner and follow all event rules and directions of their team leader and Event Manager

If you would like to register as a volunteer for 1 or more of our events, fill in the Volunteer Registration Form and send it back to our office at the address on the main page. We will then contact with you to discuss what role will suit you on our event, and to give you the times and dates of meetings and / or training sessions. If you would like further information, please contact us by phone at the bike office to talk to the Event manager.

Who Can Volunteer?

Volunteering is open to anyone over the age of 16 (or over 14 if accompanied by a volunteering adult) that is physically able to look after themselves. The most important characteristic of a volunteer is a cheerful friendly attitude, and willingness to help.

Some points to be aware of. Only official vehicles are allowed on the event. Transport is provided for all volunteers during the event. If you have particular transport requirements you must discuss them with the Event manager. Do you have a passenger 4WD vehicle? Our event uses a number of four wheel drive vehicles to provide support along the route. If you have a four wheel drive vehicle suitable for carrying passengers that you are willing to have used on the event, we'd love to hear from you. Owners of official vehicles are reimbursed on a per kilometre basis. We strongly recommend that you have Ambulance Cover for our events. If you are injured in a remote location during the event, ambulance evacuation will be very expensive.