Australias most spectacular cycling event is launched, the Rainforest Ride

Rapid Ascent - Naantali Marshall / 07.07.2009

Participants will 'Cycle for a Cure' and support the Burnet Institute's fight against The 'Big Three': HIV, TB and malaria, the world's worst infectious diseases. The Rainforest Ride will take cyclists beyond the traditional Great Ocean Road and along the beautiful winding roads that snake through the magnificent ancient rainforest in the Otway Ranges. Participants will not only enjoy spectacular scenery but will also take in a number of popular tourist attractions including the famed Otway Fly Treetop Walk and the Cape Otway Lighthouse to give them a full appreciation of all the area has to offer. The ride starts and finishes at Apollo Bay and will provide a major boost to the local economy with more than 3000 riders expected to participate. The event includes four different ride options, providing an appropriate challenge for anyone ranging from elite-level riders who ride every day, through to recreational riders and even kids who want to give it a go. These rides include the premier 140km Rainforest Circuit, the 70km Lighthouse Discovery Ride, 23km Waterfall Explorer and a unique 23km Glow Worm Twilight Ride that features chocolate and coffee amidst the magical glow worms by a waterfall at twilight.