Nat Bromhead
Any keen cyclist who has driven between Richmond and Lithgow will no doubt have conjured up the same thoughts … ‘how good would it be to ride this!’.
It’s Bells Line of Road, the historic second route across the Blue Mountains, the quieter of the options. That said, ‘Bells’ is relatively narrow, doesn’t have a shoulder, and as dreamy as it might be, it’s sadly not the most cycling-friendly road to ride. Unless it’s closed.
On Sunday, November 24 Bells Line of Road will indeed be closed to traffic for several hours as riders of the very first VIC100 make their way from Penrith to Mt Victoria, one of the highest Blue Mountains towns at 1052m.
With four groups starting in Penrith, (at 5.30, 6.15, 7am and 7.30, the slowest first and fastest last), the 100km route takes in 2200 vertical meters and riders can return to the start via special train services from Mt Victoria.
The ride is being organised by the good people behind the popular ‘Go for Broke’, the annual Berowra to Hunter Valley ride that over the years has raised more than $450,000 for Lifeline.
Ed Kirk, the President of the Go for Broke organisation, has ridden the VIC100 route numerous times and says it’s one of the best rides he’s ever done.
“It’s an incredible road, but it’s not so conducive to cycling when it’s open,” he said. “Many sections are dark with no shoulder, and there are communication blackspots. But there are two to three kilometre 10 and 12 percent climbs, the scenery is spectacular and the road is absolutely stunning.”
Stressing that “it’s a ride and not a race”, Ed and the organisation team have secured closed road conditions for the event and are expecting to attract 800 riders.
Ed Kirk started Go for Broke in 2016 after his own battle with mental health.
“Before Covid, mental health and anxiety was a taboo subject,” he says. “Now in 2024, although the community is much more open with this terrible disease, nine Australians still lose their battle with mental health each day. For every suicide, 20 people try.”
“The whole reason for both our events is we raise money for one charity, Lifeline. We raise money for critical frontline services. Over the past 8 years, approximately 700 riders have raised $450,000 for the Gordon office of Lifeline.”
“Rotary Clubs along the route will be supporting the ride with volunteers, and there has been more than two years of planning with Police and other stakeholders. Transport for NSW have also been incredibly supportive with planning and project coordination – particularly with closing Bells Line of Road.”
Ed tells us Mike Tomalaris and Paul Craft will be MC’s at both the start and finish line, and riders will be supported by three roving mechanics on course.
Keen to read more or ride the VIC100? Visit www.goforbroke.org.au/vic100/
