Extraordinary RACV Great Vic done and dusted

More than 4,200 men, women and children triumphantly finished the 33rd RACV Great Victorian __bike Ride on Sunday.

After more than a week’s riding and celebrating from Halls Gap in the Grampians, through the Otway Ranges and along the Great Ocean Road, riders met family and friends at the finish line at the Geelong Showgrounds.

Bicycle Network General Manager of Events Rebecca Lane said the 33rd RACV Great Vic was a bucket list achievement. 

“Everyone is on a high after such an extraordinary week on two wheels,” said Ms Lane.

See photos from the RACV Great Vic here.

This year's RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride was a 527km cycling extravaganza that began in Halls Gap and took in overnight stops in Dunkeld, Mortlake, the 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay (2 nights), Bellbrae and Queenscliff.

“We owe a big thanks to all the locals and councils along the route who have been fantastic to us as well as the 350 volunteers who’ve supported riders across the week,” Ms Lane added.

“There were many highlights this year including camping for the first time at the 12 Apostles and riding through the Grampians and along the Great Ocean Road, arguably the most spectacular place to ride a __bike ride in the world.”

Ms Lane also acknowledged the event's Principal Sponsor, the RACV, who helped create such a brilliant week for riders.

Next year's RACV Great Vic is going to Wilsons Prom – click here for info.

As well as thousands of rider making the journey from the Grampians to the Great Ocean Road there were a few extra special moments on the event, including the extraordinary rescue of a koala and a visit from professional cyclist Simon Clarke.

Mr Clarke was discovered on the RACV Great Vic and has gone on to ride the Tour de France and competed in the Rio Olympics.

Each year he joins the RACV Great Vic for a day and rides with lucky school groups who are rewarded for best displaying the spirit of the event, including teamwork and community spirit.

Mr Clarke spoke fondly of his times riding the full event as a junior, saying that "the RACV Great Vic will never get old."

Find more photos from riders on social media using #GreatVic on Instagram and Twitter.