Great Ocean Rides

Traffic on the western part of the Great Ocean Road is generally lower in the mornings offering cyclists the opportunity for amazing coastal rides and linked surf and turf loops on rolling rural roads.

The roadside verge between Port Campbell and Princetown is narrow so riders are advised to avoid this section between 11am and sunset particularly during peak season when it will be at its busiest. Although traffic volume is generally low riders will often encounter drivers distracted by the scenery.

Stop for coffee in towns like Port Campbell, Timboon and Peterborough or treat yourself to a gourmet treat or two along the 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail.

Contact the Visitor Information Centre and speak to Mark if you want some specifics and get a taste for elevations, distances and scenery with Relive videos of our favourite rides.

Cyclists holidaying in the area should be aware of slow moving riders wearing sunburst jerseys. These creatures are likely to members of the Princetown Institute of Sport or Lower Brucknell Off Road society (on road auxillary.) Friendly, puffed and generally harmless these riders will welcome you into their bunch rides. If you ride with them it is likely that by the end of the ride:

1: You will have a nickname you may or may not like. Be warned if you object to your nickname it is more likely to stick – just ask “the idiot”

2: Will be signed up or volunteering for a local adventure race the Kangaroobie Klassic in March or Timboon’s Black Stump Mountain Bike Race in November.

3: Will have observed curious solo accelerations in pursuit of Strava segments kept secret from the rest of the bunch.

and

4: Listened to whispers of a local Friday night cult ride “The Hill.” which involves a 72km return ride up a rather large hill in the dark to purchase a pot of beer from the Lavers Hill Tavern.

Riders beware if you don’t bring your bike you may regret it. The region west of Lavers Hill around the Great Ocean Road had some fantastic terrain for climbers, cruisers and racers on the tarmac along with some classic gravel grinds for those that like it rough.

Those out for a longer roll will appreciate spectacular scenery through rainforest, on coastal cliffs through fairytale farmland en route to not too distant volcanic lakes and plains

Click here for Relive videos of our favourite rides and if you are on Strava come claim our KOM’s!

Didn’t bring your bike and want to ride?

Ride with us can hook you up with a steed (mountain bike or hybrid) and point you in the direction of the Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail or you may want to try out some of our favourite cyclocross routes along the Gellibrand River Ride.