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Plans for the 2008 Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride are currently being finalised. SuperSprint have taken on board all feedback from competitors in the 2007 event and we are confident of staging one of Australia's most spectacular rides. This year the course will start and finish in Torquay so riders will not have to negotiate traffic lights in Geelong. Some important dates have been posted below.

The event will be launched on the SuperSprint website on Monday September 10 unveiling the new event logo and coinciding with the first electronic newsletter and the opening of entries. To keep up to date with everything related to the 2008 Great Ocean & Otway Classic Ride sign up to our newsletter to receive emailed updates with important event information, training tips and competitions and promotions run by the event sponsors. Click here to subscribe to our newletter.

All the best with your training and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Event Details


EVENT DATE    Saturday March 15, 2008
DISTANCES    145km & 60km recreational cycle
VENUE    Start & Finish at Elephant Walk Park, Torquay
MELWAY REF     506 B6
ENTRIES OPEN    Monday September 17, 2007
FIELD LIMIT    3,500
ENTRIES CLOSE    Friday March 7, 2008 or when field limit reached

Course Description

This magnificent ride begins in the heart of Geelong, at Steampacket Gardens on the Geelong Foreshore. Starting on the flat cyclists will have a very gentle climb as they make their way from the water’s edge through town and onto the back roads that lead out of Geelong. Within 5km cyclists will be pedalling along quiet roads winding their way between the fields and flat open lands the sit behind Geelong. After a few rolling hills, cyclists will roll into the first refreshment stop located at Moriac, approx 30km from the start. This quiet little town and it's general store will provide a chance for riders to stop for a drink and toilet facilities for those requiring a break.

From here cyclists will travel along an open stretch of the ride, taking in Lake Modewarre and Wurdiboluc Reservoir. Heading towards the
town of Bambra, the rolling fields start to retreat as the hills approach and the cyclists find themselves beneath a canopy of native gum trees as the road twists and turns as it gently climbs towards Deans Marsh (65km). Just prior to Deans Marsh there is a wonderful descent that arrives just in time to give those legs a well earned rest. On entering Deans Marsh there will be another refreshment stop and toilet break. The town has a well stocked general store – perfect for that mid morning snack.

After Deans Marsh the ride takes cyclists on a climb to the top of the Otway Ranges. Along the way there are quaint farm cottages, plenty of dairy cattle and a fantastic vista of the rolling hills as you climb your way to the top of the mountain! Once you have ridden through this section of Victoria you will realise why the Otways are considered one of the State’s best kept secrets.

 

On reaching the top of the range, the course flattens out for a couple of kilometers, prior to the descent into Lorne. As you reach the peak of the range you should feel a great sense of achievement – you have just climbed to 440m above seas level.

The decent to Lorne is a fantastic experience. The smooth road corkscrews down towards the sea, with the flora changing from native eucalypts and pines to ferns in a rainforest setting. For those wanting a rest once you start the decent there is no need to pedal until you arrive in Lorne – just sit back and enjoy the view. For those after a bit of excitement, this down hill part of the course provides a beautiful section of road to increase the pace and roll through the corners.

At the bottom of the hill, cyclists have the option of turning right and pedalling about 500m to arrive in the heart of Lorne. At just over half way, Lorne is the ideal spot for an extended rest and some food and refreshments. If you are still full of energy then turn left at the bottom of the hill and continue onto the next magnificent stretch of road.

Heading out of Lorne, cyclists will ride along one of the most scenic parts of coast in the world – The Great Ocean Road. Taking in breath taking views of the ocean as it crashes against the coast, cyclists will make their way along this rugged stretch of land through Fairhaven, Airey’s Inlet and on to Anglesea, where another refreshment stop will be provided.

 From Anglesea to Torquay the road goes slightly inland with some terrific rolling hills – nice and gentle on the legs after 120km on the bike. At Torquay the course turns north and heads straight back to Geelong along the Surf Coast Highway. On the outskirts of Geelong, the course will once again take the back roads to return cyclists to the Geelong Foreshore. On arriving at Steampacket Gardens, cyclists will cross the finish line  to the cheer of the crowd that will be watching the UCI Women’s World Cup Cycling.

Once you have crossed the finish line, we invite you to enjoy the surroundings and soak in the atmosphere of the World Cup Cycling. There will be a secure bike compound where you can leave your bike, while you position yourself in one of the grandstands to watch the race on the big screen television.

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