Cyclists converge on Healesville

ABOUT 4000 riders will descend on Healesville when the Great Victorian Bike Ride comes to town this year.
The bike ride is travelling from Albury to Lilydale from 29 November to 7 December.
The tour will stop overnight in Healesville on Saturday 6 December before continuing to the finish line through Yarra Glen to Lilydale on Sunday.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Fiona McAllister said with all the riders coming through Healesville it was a chance for local businesses to capitalise on the influx of visitors.
She said after a big week of cycling, riders will be keen to relax and explore Healesville with the visitors also eating out at local restaurants and cafes, exploring the shops, pampering themselves and taking in the scenery.
“Council is proudly sponsoring this event as it presents great opportunities for Healesville and the wider community to show off our renowned Yarra Valley, high quality produce and growing local tourism industry,” she said.
Ride organisers, Bicycle Network Victoria, is liaising with communities involved, encouraging participation and optimising benefits for townships and will be holding a public information session in September.
Yarra Ranges Council is holding a community meeting from 6pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday 30 July at the Healesville Community Link Building for local businesses and community groups to find out how they can become involved.
Those who are interested in attending can register online at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/gvbr.