How the Region’s premier cycling event came to be

By Gav Slavin, founder of the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge

by Doug Pell Photography

All this could have been avoided if her and the driver made the right choices.

Today my daughter still suffers with headaches and concentration problems, she is managing with work; we hope that one day her accident memories will leave her behind.

The inspiration to do better

It’s stories like these – which unfortunately touch too many people’s lives – that inspired the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge, particularly the idea to raise funding to support the education of young drivers and cyclists in schools across Victoria. Education is the key to doing better. And we hope to continue to involve high school students in these highly engaging and interactive workshops, to arm young people with the skills and strategies they need to stay safe on the roads.

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is an annual cycling event, which has been running for well over a decade.

In 2024 it will be held on Saturday 9 November. There are five ride choices, over distances which suit all levels of rider. 40km, 53km, 85km, 121km and a ~100km gravel ride.

To get behind this incredibly high-impact cause, secure your entry via www.basscoastcyclechallenge.com

Kevin Bennett's life took a drastic turn on one fateful August day in 1982. Little did he know that a leisurely ride through the picturesque hills near Lake Glenmaggie would alter the course of his life forever. The crash that ensued left Kevin with profound injuries, reshaping his existence in ways he could never have imagined.

In his youth, Kevin was always seeking adventure. He enjoys telling tales of hijinks around Maffra involving local events and the odd missing tractor. It comes as no surprise then, that this youthful spirit couldn’t wait to get his motorcycle licence just three days after turning 18. With the newfound independence of two wheels, Kevin and a friend headed into the winding landscape near Lake Glenmaggie just six days after he got his licence.

The result of the fateful ride that followed only three days later is something that Kevin’s mother, Bev, shudders to think about to this day. The National Safety Council, now Helimed, flew a rescue helicopter to airlift Kevin from the hillside before he was taken by road ambulance to Melbourne. Kevin doesn’t recall the flight and says what he can remember of the day he would much prefer to forget.

Kevin spent four months in a coma in Melbourne, being cared for by a dedicated team of medical professionals who worked on his head and brain injuries to save his life. After that, a gruelling recovery restored some of Kevin's independence, but over the years further health challenges have meant he requires daily support to continue living independently.

At the age of 59, Kevin navigates his days with the unwavering support of his devoted caregiver, Rory Taylor, from Nurse Next Door Gippsland. Their partnership is not just about providing care; it's about fostering a sense of purpose and joy in Kevin's life.

Together, Rory and Kevin embark on daily adventures, whether it's a game of pool at a local establishment, a visit to the pokies, or a leisurely stroll along Seaspray beach. Rory's presence is more than just practical assistance; it's a lifeline, allowing Kevin to reclaim a sense of independence and freedom.

Rory's support also extends to Kevin’s mother, Beverley. As Kevin's primary carer, Beverley shoulders the weight of responsibility with grace and resilience. Yet, she too needs support, both emotionally and practically. Rory steps in, offering a helping hand and a listening ear, easing the burden and ensuring that Beverley feels seen and valued. Beverley is a regular volunteer at Op Shops in her hometown of Maffra, and knowing Kevin is independent means she can continue to give her time generously to her community.

Rory's approach to caregiving is rooted in compassion and empathy. He understands that beyond the physical challenges Kevin faces, there is a longing for connection and fulfilment. By asking Kevin the simple question, "What is something you used to love doing that you wish you could do again?" Rory opened the door to possibility, igniting a spark of hope in Kevin's heart.

Kevin’s reply to the question of what he would love to do is evidence of his adept sense of humour. While he had been in a helicopter before, he longed to replace that experience with a more positive one, and one he could remember. With a philosophy of making bold dreams come true, Zoe Pendrick of Nurse Next Door Gippsland, and her team, set about finding a way to take Kevin on his dream flight.

On the 4th of May, Kevin's dream became a reality thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Nurse Next Door Gippsland team and Lakes Entrance Helicopters. Andrea and David brought their helicopter out of its seasonal rest to Bairnsdale Airport to take on the special flight experience. From providing steps for easy access to the helicopter to ensuring Kevin had a new hat to shield him from the sun, every detail was meticulously attended to, creating an experience tailor-made for him.

As Kevin climbed aboard the R44 helicopter on that perfect May morning, he couldn't hold back a beaming grin. As the rotor blades whirred to life and the aircraft skimmed across the farmlands south of Bairnsdale, Kevin and Bev fell quiet, clearly overcome by a sense of wonder and awe at the scenery unfolding before them.

Guided by pilot David, the helicopter traced a path along the 90 Mile Beach, offering Kevin a bird's-eye view of the pristine coastline stretching towards Lakes Entrance. Below, the Gippsland Lakes glistened in the sunlight, while the World Heritage-listed Gippsland Wetlands sprawled out as far as the eye could see.

A local kayaking event offered strings of coloured beads tracing their way through the waters. Kevin, usually quick-witted and jovial, remained surprisingly quiet throughout the flight, his attention captivated by David's expert narration and the breathtaking scenery.

What made this experience truly remarkable was the opportunity to explore parts of the lakes that are rarely, if ever, seen by the human eye. It was a glimpse into a world rarely appreciated in its fullness from the ground. The silt jetties were one such feature, surely only fully appreciated with an aerial view. The Mitchell River Silt Jetties are naturally formed silt banks that run for over eight kilometres, making them the second largest silt jetties in the entire world, and the longest in the southern hemisphere. It was a rare treat to fly them from end to end and see the patterns in the lake where the silt moves out of the river.

Throughout the journey, Lakes Entrance Helicopters' professionalism and dedication shone through, making Kevin feel like his once-in-a-lifetime flight was just as special to them as it was to him. Pilot David highlighted the many features including Paynesville and Raymond Island, the Lakes Entrance opening and township, and the expanses of National Park.

As the helicopter touched down once more, Kevin stepped out and shook his head at what had just happened. His opinion was resolute: “That was fantastic, I would recommend that to anybody!” In the tapestry of Kevin's journey, this moment stands out as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the unwavering belief that no dream is too big to achieve.

When asked how he feels about his illness and the rest of his life’s journey, a resolutely humorous Kevin declares, “Well, I’m living each day.” Resolutely, Kevin focuses on making the most of each day with the support of his mother Beverley and his amazing Nurse Next Door caregiver, Rory.

Nurse Next Door Gippsland provides over 10,000 hours of care each month across the region, touching the lives of countless individuals and families. Their commitment to making lives better also provides employment for over 200 Gippsland locals.