North East towns are anticipating a cash boost with the RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride’s return to the region in 2018.
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The Mountains to Murray route will begin in Bright on November 24 and end in Benalla on December 2.
More than 3000 cyclists are expected to converge on Beechworth, Tallangatta, Rutherglen, Yarrawonga and Glenrowan as part of the 524-kilometre ride.
The event was last in the region in 2014, but has not been in Benalla for almost 20 years, and not through the Towong Shire since 2006.
Mayor Aaron Scales said the confirmation of Tallangatta as an overnight destination was a major win for his shire.
“I thought it was a great opportunity for the town – it’s the number of bikes but also the promotion that goes with it – they’ll visit once, see what’s on offer and hopefully come back,” he said.
“I think it will be a boost further into the region as well.
“When I run into people who have ridden in from Wodonga, they are really happy with the trail that we’ve got; everyone loves the rail bridge and they’re really happy with the infrastructure.”
Mr Scales, now two months into his mayoral role, hopes to expand offerings for cycling and tourism overall.
“We’re going to have bike lanes put in through the main street as part of the Destination Tallangatta project, as well as strategic links down to the foreshore and tying back into the rail trail,” he said.
“I don’t think people are aware of how far they go – it’s not completely linked yet and getting the link across from Yackandandah would be fantastic.
“It comes down to how you become bike-friendly – cyclists want to take these bikes into the room because they are worth a lot of money, and to be able to see them from where they sit at the pub.
“The country and scenery you go through here is comparable to what you see in Mount Beauty and Bright – though I am biased.”
Bicycle Network events general manager Rebecca Lane said the Alpine tourist towns were always a drawcard for cyclists from across Australia.
“Bright is famous for being one of Victoria’s most scenic and bike friendly destinations, nestled in the foothills of the Alpine region,” she said.
“It’s not just mountains that we will get to see however, with the mighty Murray River also a key part of the route.
“RACV Great Vic riders love becoming a local for a night, sampling produce and dropping into the restaurants, pubs and cafes.”
There will also be nine, five and three-day ride options for participants interested in the event.
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