Footscray High School will again be getting into the saddle for the Great Victorian Bike Ride.
Having been involved for the majority of the past 20 years, teachers, students and parents are again taking part in the massive event.
This year will be teacher Ryan McGhie’s fourth ride.
He said the benefits are priceless.
“Not only is the ride hugely physical, the muscles adapt, strengthen and all becomes muscle memory,’ he said.
“It’s the mental battle, the resilience, the grit and determination that we see from students who could never have fathomed riding 600 kilometres in a week and doing 5000 vertical metres”.
More than 80 people from the Footscray High community will be taking part in the ride, beginning on Saturday, November 25 until December 3.
Roughly 65 students, 10 parents and seven staff will choose from the three ride options either nine days, five days or three days.
The school will be one of the largest of all the school groups taking part in this year’s ride.
“All year levels from 7-12 will take part, we have a great mix of girls and boys,” Mr McGhie said.
“There’s no getting around it, the bond, the riding community, the town on wheels that moves through the best scenery in Victoria year in and year out is an experience like no other.
“Once you get off the bike, the socialisation, eating, playing, touring the towns, games around the campsites, learning the life skills of camping, being independent and living off the grid for a week, resets the perspective and boosts all dimensions of health.“
Jennifer Pittorino
