FAQs for Full-time Volunteers
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Answers to Full-time Volunteers' Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As a Volunteer what am I covered for?
Please read the Great Rides Insurance Document (download from the panel on the right) to make yourself familiar with our volunteer insurance coverage and limits.
Volunteers are covered for personal injury and liability anytime they are acting in a voluntary capacity on behalf of Bicycle
Volunteers do not have to pay for travel insurance. It is included in their personal injury cover. Anytime the Registered Volunteer is volunteering in an official capacity on behalf of Bicycle
Riding Volunteers will have to purchase a full Membership to be covered for Travel Insurance on the ride
Will it cost me anything to be a Volunteer?
It will not cost you anything to be a Full-time Volunteer.
Starting with Lunch on Day 1 and finishing with Breakfast on Day 9, each day, Bicycle Victoria provides 3 meals to Volunteers, with the exception of lunch on Rider Rest Days.
Transport is provided free of charge for Volunteers between each Campsite during the Ride.
Generally, on the Great Victorian Bike Ride, Volunteers can travel on the Bicycle Victoria Transport to the start, free of charge.
On the Great Escapades Bike Ride, Volunteers must get themselves to the start of the Ride and home again, when the Ride is finished.
You may want to bring money to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs and tours.
Can I bring my car?
Bicycle Victoria doesn't allow private support vehicles on the Ride.
However, if your vehicle is suitable for official duties and you want to donate the use of it, you can download the Private Vehicles Application Form (available closer to the Rides) and send it to Bicycle Victoria.
Depending on the type of vehicle and requirements of the Ride, Bicycle Victoria may be able to borrow your vehicle for the Ride. This means that you can drive your car to the start and home from the finish. The vehicle must be fully comprehensively insured and will be managed by Bicycle Victoria for the nine days of the Ride. You will not have access to your car during the Ride.
Can I bring my bike?
Riding Volunteers can bring thier bikes. For more information see FAQ's for Riding Volunteers.
Full Time Volunteers are not allowed to bring a bike. Experience has shown that Full Time Volunteers riding bikes rarely works. The Volunteer Support tent has bikes available for loan to Volunteers. These can be ridden around the town for a couple of hours in between duties (but not on the Rider route) and are available at the campsite from 1.00pm.
If you really want to ride, register as a Rider or a Riding Volunteer.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, please encourage your friends to join the Ride as Riders or as Volunteers. A Rider who recruits a Volunteer can share the Volunteer Live Easy Tent, as can a Volunteer who recruits a Rider.
When will I get my uniform? When will I get my Ride Passport?
All the Volunteer supplies and equipment needed on the Ride will be provided when you arrive at the first Campsite. Head to the Volunteers' Support Tent to collect your goodies.
Do I have to pay for transport?
Transport is provided free of charge for Volunteers between each Campsite during the Ride.
On the Great Victorian Bike Ride, Volunteers can travel on the Bicycle Victoria Transport to the start, free of charge, as long as you are able to travel on one of the Bicycle Victoria offered transport options. However, a Volunteers Transport Booking Form must be completed and submitted by the due date. These forms will be available later in the year.
On the Great Escapades Bike Ride, Volunteers must get themselves to the start of the Ride and home again, when the Ride is finished.
Riding Volunteers pay for Transport as a Rider.
For how many hours per day will I be required?
Bicycle Victoria tries to minimise hours for all Volunteers where possible. It is unlikely that a Full Time Volunteer would be required for any more than 8 hours per day. Breaks will be provided and the aim is for you to have fun while performing your duties. In some circumstances, rain, heat etc, extra effort is needed by all so there may be longer hours.
Riding Volunteers are not likely to be required for more than 4 hours per day.
Can I leave the Campsite when I am off duty?
Certainly, enjoy your experience on the Ride by exploring the towns and areas the Ride passes through. Remember to check your roster with your Team Leader first.
Does a Volunteer get to rest on Rest Day?
Generally Rest Day is so named as it is a day that the Riders don't ride, but Bicycle Victoria strives to provide some rest for all the Volunteers during the Ride.
Bicycle Victoria aims to recruit enough Volunteers to have a ratio of 1 Volunteer to every 10 Riders, which should make it possible for Team Leaders to allocate some free time to their team members on a rotation basis on Rider Rest Day.
It is best to assume you will have duties until you are allocated to a team and rosters are drawn up.
Where can I go to relax during a break?
The Volunteers' Support Tent is a place that you can go for a break or a rest during the day. You'll find Volunteer Support there to answer any questions or help with any problems you might have. The tent will be a comfy quiet place to relax from the hustle and bustle of camp life and to share a "cuppa" maybe read a mag or chat to other volunteers. Of course there are all the other places in town to visit if you need a change of scene.
What happens if I pull out of Full Time Volunteering during the Ride?
If you decide that volunteering is really not for you and/or you need to leave the Ride for personal reasons, Bicycle Victoria can assist you to arrange transport. However, the cost of your return home will be your responsibility.
What is the minimum age for a Volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age on the first day of Volunteering. Those under 18 require parent or guardian consent to apply.
Will I be trained?
In some cases, Volunteers need training, for example Responsible Serving of Alcohol if you are to work in the Cafe Team. If this is the case, Bicycle Victoria may reimburse part or all of the fees (conditions apply). Please email us to discuss training options.