Accompanied by four support staff, the group completed a 84km round trip, testing their endurance and building excitement for the major event ahead.
    
                  
                                                                
                  
                                            
                              
        The visit to Mayrung was more than just a training ride—it was a chance to connect with the local school community.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        The younger students at Mayrung were thrilled by the arrival of the high school cyclists, especially when they saw them dressed in colourful costumes, sparking curiosity and plenty of questions.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        “Our students loved the interaction with the older students, some they remembered from their visit last year,” said Mayrung teacher Sarah Young.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        “It’s a wonderful opportunity they give the kids.”
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        Upon arrival, the group was treated to a barbecue lunch, a well-earned reward after the long ride.
    
                  
                                                                
                  
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        Deni High’s Great Victorian Bike Ride co-ordinator Sue Laing said the team has been preparing since August.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        The ride will cover 364km over five days, taking students through Mortlake, Koroit, Port Campbell, and finishing in Camperdown.
    
                  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                              
        Students will also be sleeping in tents, and as Ms Laing put it “aren’t always promised a dry bed at the other end”.