Pat Ruys is already set for next year’s Great Victorian Bike Ride, which will be his 20th time in the event. Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Glen Atwell
WITH 19 Great Victorian Bike Rides under his helmet, Pat Ruys has been in the saddle for more than 10,000 kilometres around Victoria, and is already looking forward to celebrating his 20th trip next year.
Having recently returned from this year’s ride, Ruys said the nine-day ride was terrific and up there as one of the best he had ridden.
“I needed a couple of recovery days when I got back, but after riding 570 kilometres over eight days, I expected that,” he said.
This year’s ride took cyclists from Swan Hill to Heidelberg, with campsites located at Murrabi, Echuca, Heathcote, Newstead, Woodend and Whittlesea. As a competitive rider, Ruys and his team were en route early every morning and consistently placed within the top 50 cyclists at the new campsite.
“It was part social and part competitive training,” he said. “It is a good way to get some serious kilometres in your legs as well as have a great time.”
Ruys said the tragic death of Deborah Gray, killed when her bike collided head-on with a vehicle early in the trip, did have an impact on several cyclists.
“There were a few people that actually pulled out of the ride – those that witnessed the accident,” he said. “The strong headwinds were blowing when the accident happened, but our group was lucky enough to already be at the campsite.”
Ruys said riding in the elements every day did take its toll, but said the daily wear and tear was always cured by a trip to the local pub every afternoon.
“We finished riding early and had a few hours in the pub – it was great,” he said.
Ruys is also the club captain of the Southern Veterans Cycling Club, a road and criterium racing club based in south east Melbourne.
The popular cycling group is open to male cyclists over 35 years of age and female riders over 30.
The group races on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings, with twilight racing held at Sandown Racecourse.
There is a broad range of abilities within the club, with grading from A to G accommodating all types of riders.
Membership is available by phoning 9548 0280.
