Mortlake students tackle 350km Great Vic Bike Ride, build lasting friendships
Mortlake College students are training for and participating in the 350-kilometre Great Victorian Bike Ride to build resilience and bonds.
Reported by The Standard, WarrnamboolClaims checked against the source, 13 h ago.
ShareWhy it matters
Long-distance challenges like this teach young people resilience and independence in ways daily school cannot. The friendships forged often outlast school itself.
In Australia. Victorian school students gain real fitness, independence and social skills through an iconic annual event. Community sponsorship makes these programs possible in a time of rising living costs.
Key facts
- 350 kilometres
- Total distance
- 82 kilometres
- Training ride distance
- 17 years old
- Spencer's age
- 5 days
- Days for full ride
- 17-year-old Spencer Sagnol and his classmates from Mortlake College are training for five days covering more than 350 kilometres from Bendigo to Creswick.
- On a practice ride to Port Fairy, students found themselves talking to classmates they had rarely spoken to before.
- Teacher Nathan Jones says the change in students by day five is striking and stays with them long after they leave school.
- Former riders tell him this experience is one they remember most.
- Beyond the physical achievement, the ride teaches road awareness and builds confidence.
- Spencer has ridden it twice before and says 100-kilometre days that seem daunting on paper feel like genuine accomplishment once done.
- Local businesses and sponsors help cover costs so the school can keep the program running.
