Name: Gavin Jarvis

Age: 52

Located: Traralgon 

Cycling experience: I ride with the Valley cycling club and train with the Valley triathlon club 

What ride will you be entering in 2022 BCCC? As I ride a hand cycle, I always thought I would be to slow to enter, but I could do the 40km in approx 2.5 hours, so I could definitely do that … Just have to juggle work! 

What bike will you be riding? Hand cycle 

How often do you ride? Since COVID not that often as always doing overtime to help the people who needed it. 

What inspired you to ride initially? I had compartment syndrome which at first we thought was shin splints. So I took up bike riding. Once we worked out it was compartment syndrome I  had the surgery and took up triathlons. 

Why do you ride now? Relaxation. Out all the time on my own. Done a couple of 90 km rides. 

What does riding give you / how does it make you feel? Freedom. I am a high leg amputee and just enjoy being out on the roads. Hit 62 km a few weeks ago and can’t really describe how I felt. Scared but really on a high. Do not remember the next hill I climbed as still on a high from coming down chook hill in Morwell. 

What are some of your favourite riding routes in Victoria? I really like the 110 km route we took on a Saturday from Traralgon to Heyfield and back. A lot of back roads through Glengarry to Toongabbie. Past Lake Glenmaggie into Heyfield. 

Do you have a favourite riding memory / story? I am shocking in a head wind. Really struggle. Doing the Wattle Point triathlon as usual last out of the water. Normally make ground on bike (20 km) but was a head wind on way out. Turned into final km on way out and was 500 metres behind next person. However by time I turned, had past two-thirds of the field. They all pushed big gears and I was on easiest. Finally beat a mate that I was always close to catching after the swim but never could… until that day!  

What do you like about the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge? By far it is the atmosphere of the event. The town is buzzing.

What advice would you give to anyone teetering on whether to enter the ride or not? Just do it. There will be others with your ability. People will support or help you.