Students at Copperfield College have embarked on the ride of a lifetime.
Eleven students will take part in this year’s Great Victorian Bike Ride which began at the weekend.
Copperfield College teacher Jason Hekkema led the program and said the group trained regularly for the ride.
“The whole event is a massive challenge,” Mr Hekkema said.
“All up we ride over 500 kilometres over a week, which is challenging in itself, but then you have to have the communication and organisation in place to set up tents and everything each day.
“Given the commitment, we’ve been doing at least one training session a week, which is usually an hour ride after school or an extended ride on the weekends.”
The ride began at Wilsons Promontory on Saturday and will conclude at Trafalgar this Sunday. The students will ride through some of Gippsland’s famous sites, including 90 Mile Beach, Lake Glenmaggie and the foothills of the Great Dividing Range.
Mr Hekkema said the fitness training has had some side benefits.
“Given the high number of kilometres we’re covering each day, we really have to work as a team to get each stage done,” he said.
“I’ve noticed the calls have got louder and clearer, which is what we’re after when it comes to identifying hazards on the roads.”
This is the fifth year the school has taken part in the ride and Mr Hekkema says the benefits for the students involved are noticeable.
“It doesn’t just help with fitness, the students learn to work as a team and you can see them grow in confidence with each session. It’s a great experience.”
