Heathcote - The Oppy Ride
The Oppy Ride is a challenging long-distance road cycling route from Heathcote to Rochester and return, celebrating one of Australia's greatest cyclists, Sir Hubert "Oppy" Opperman.
Distance: Approximately 125 km return
Elevation: Approximately 261 m
Surface: Sealed roads
Difficulty: Challenging
Start/Finish: Heathcote
The Oppy Ride Map
The ride travels through the picturesque countryside between Heathcote and Rochester, passing vineyards, farmland and open rural landscapes. The destination is Rochester, the birthplace of legendary Australian cyclist Sir Hubert Opperman.
Starting in Heathcote, ride north along High Street. As you leave the township, turn onto the Northern Highway towards Elmore and Echuca.
Ride north over the Mt Ida rise for approximately 10 km and then turn right onto Heathcote-Rochester Road (C347). Continue towards Rochester. Where the route crosses the Midland Highway, follow the dog-leg before continuing towards Rochester.
In Rochester, visit the Oppy Statue in Moore Street. There are cafes and other places for refreshments in the town before starting the return ride to Heathcote.
Return to Heathcote along the same route. The climb over the Mt Ida rise provides one of the more challenging sections of the return journey.
Sir Hubert Opperman:
Sir Hubert Ferdinand "Oppy" Opperman was born in Rochester in 1904 and became one of Australia's most celebrated cyclists.
He competed in the Tour de France in 1928 and 1931 and achieved international fame for his extraordinary endurance riding. In 1931 he won the gruelling non-stop Paris-Brest-Paris race, covering 1,162 km in 49 hours and 23 minutes and breaking the previous record.
The Oppy Statue in Rochester commemorates his remarkable cycling career.
Safety:
This is a road cycling route on public roads shared with motor vehicles and is best suited to experienced road cyclists.
Sections of the route carry high-speed traffic. Riders should wear an approved bicycle helmet, use highly visible clothing and lights, carry adequate drinking water and food, and take equipment to deal with punctures and basic mechanical problems.
Check weather and road conditions before setting out and allow plenty of daylight to complete the ride.
Location:
Suggested start and finish: Heathcote Visitor Centre, Cnr High Street and Barrack Street, Heathcote
Location
Cnr High Street and Barrack Street, Heathcote 3523 View Map
Web Links
→ www.heathcote.org.au/things-to-do/outdoors-nature/walking-and-cycling
