We did it!

2024 Bike Tour has been a success despite having to literally ‘change directions’ within a month of the Tour. Tour de Bellarine gave the 22 students, 6 staff and our super-volunteer Ralph a terrific tour of the very best the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula has to offer. These student numbers included 12 first time students!

As a group we cycled and toured through every significant town on the coast from Anglesea to Clifton Springs. We stopped along the way, taking in the sounds and magnificent views of Bells Beach, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff as well as ‘dipping our toes’ at Anglesea, Barwon Heads and St Leonards where we camped.

We were blessed with great weather, beautiful camp sites, a trip to the Great Ocean Rd Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, and great Bike Tour sandwiches and dinners along the way.

Cycling does have its risks, but we can proudly report a really safe trip on some of the busiest roads on the peninsula amongst the pre-christmas traffic. Students rode safely in our pre-practiced formations, made the calls and worked well with each of the staff who rode with them. Unfortunately, one of our year 7 students (Drew) ‘found’ a pothole as we rolled into Portarlington and had tumble. Thankfully she avoided stitches, but she will be a bit sore for a while!

It was a highlight to have staff and other family members drop in for visits at our different campsites. On our final night in St Leonards, The Bengalat reserve bore witness to the best game of cricket it would have ever seen. The game was guided by Hayden and Yasir and saw some standout individual performances; none better than Mr Monohan's slow motion, complete commitment dives to take a few catches!! We also had a visit from 2 ex-students; Nathan Evans who graduated last year, and then Ryan Judd – a 2014 graduate who rode 6 bike Tours.

Thank you to this year's staff – Ms Hill, Mr Amer, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Monohan, Mr Abu-Elias, and ‘Rocket’ Ralph Wright. The tour continues to run with a relaxed positive energy! Thank you to our school for continuing to support this great event. Thank you to our families for encouraging or agreeing to your child signing up and well done to this year's students for a really good Tour. Bike Tour 2024 – Tour de Bellarine – “That’s a wrap!!” 

Mr Unmack