Hundreds turn out for the 2024 Bass Coast Cycle Challenge

10 Nov

Event Director’s report

That’s a wrap on the 2024 Bass Coast Cycle Challenge and what a day it was. The sun was shining, the smiles were beaming, and music filled the air as around 400 cyclists turned out on Saturday 9 November, for the 13th edition of this annual event.

Starting and finishing in Inverloch, cyclists from 13 years old to over 80, on all bike types including e-bikes, took to the start line, and challenged themselves over one of five incredible routes: 121km, 85km, 53km, 40km and the inaugural 100km gravel ride.

“Wow what a day. Today was one of the best!” Said event director Gavin Slavin.

“Thank you to everyone who took part and helped on the day and in the lead up. It was a terrific day and we are thrilled to support more local students to take part in RYDA road safety education workshops.”

These sentiments were echoed by many riders as they crossed the finish line and enjoyed the village market in Rainbow Park, organised by the incredible volunteers at Rotary, Inverloch.

Here’s what riders had to say:

“Completed my second BCCC today. I just want to say thanks to you and ALL the support crew, particularly the volunteers who really make it all happen. It’s a credit to you all, such a nice community based event to ride and be part of. It’s a joy to ride amongst those hills…..best kept secret! Enjoyed the Goat track too! Again, thanks!” (Kim)

“It was my first time doing this ride. So well organised and beautiful country. Thanks to everyone who put this together .” (Judy)

“Great event well organised and a big shout out to all the volunteers today. See you next year.” (Craig)

“I agree - A mate and I are first timers, and we had a ball. The weather was perfect, great volunteers and those little muffins at Kernot were awesome! We'll be back with friends in 2025.” (Raymond)

“A sensational day out, well organised, clear signage and great support. I'll be back next year. ” (Tim)

“Thanks to everyone who helped make yesterday such a great day. Especially those that organised the weather!” (Roger)

Uniting for a great cause

We are thrilled riders had a fantastic experience, and we are equally as thrilled that because of our riders, we are able to support in-school courses teaching life-saving road and driver knowledge. Over the past 10+ years, the BCCC has enabled over 3500 secondary school students, from the South Gippsland and Bass Coast areas, to take part in the RYDA Road Safety Education Program, and L2P programs, where they learn strategies and skills which they will retain for life. This could not happen without our riders. Thank you!

Community at our heart

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is a true community event, and would not be possible without the support of many key people and groups, incredible volunteers, sponsors, local businesses.

Our volunteers are the star of the show out on course (aside from the riders!), smiling, waving and encouraging the riders as they make their way through the beautiful Bass Coast! We are so grateful for the support of the following groups and their volunteers: Rotary Club of Inverloch, Rotary Club of Phillip Island & San Remo, Phillip Island Bicycle User Group, Wonthaggi Surf Life Saving Club, Connections Church Inverloch, Rotary Club of Wonthaggi. Inverloch Men’s Shed, Bass Coast L2P.

A huge shout out to Patrick Barry and the amazing crew from the Rotary Club of Inverloch, who organised the market village and giveaways throughout the afternoon. Thank you to the following local businesses who donated prizes: Wheel Heat, Gippsland Life, Voyage Wonthaggi, Paul the Pieman, The Esplanade Hotel, Inverloch Fishing and Outdoors, Heart2Organic, Silky Café.

And our sponsors, this event just couldn’t happen without your support to help cover event operating costs, insurances and so on, so we can ensure riders funds go towards RYDA programs. Thank you to this year’s sponsors and supporters: Bass Coast Shire Council, Bendigo Bank Inverloch, Wheel Heat, Gippsland Life, Winners nutrition, Visit Inverloch, Offshore Surf School.

We hope you enjoyed the day and we hope to see you again next year on Saturday 8 November 2025.

Gavin Slavin

Event Director

Free event photos

Gippsland Lifestyle’s Doug Pell has been busy processing and uploading his photos from event day. Alll images can be found on Facebook, on Bass Coast Cycle Challenge or Gippsland Life pages. We thank Doug very much. We also wish Lynton Clay, who has supported the BCCC for many years with photography, who is unwell and was unable to take pics this year. Thank you to Lynton for all the many years of support he has provided and we hope he has good health in 2025 and beyond!

Event fun facts

600 bananas

500 home made fruit muffins

1000 snake lollies

800 litres of water

100 litres of electrolyte drink

100 volunteers

700+ Gels and bars

83 Oldest rider

13 Youngest rider

52 Average ride age (2023: 54)

77% male riders

23% female riders

60+ Gippsland Life winners

Congratulations to the following riders, in the 60+ age category, who won the fantastic $250 cash prize donated by Doug Pell and Gippsland Life Magazine.

· Susan Wright who took part in the 85km ride

· Peter Sugden who took part in the 53km ride