Seven-year-old embarks on epic journey

LUCAS Gotschi, a seven-year-old boy rode 115 kilometres over two days, all the way from Korumburra to Port Albert, on the rail trail. 

Lucas’ Mum, Elisabeth Gotschi opted to hire an e-bike to keep up with her son, however Lucas’ little legs rode the entire way on his own push bike.

“He’s a natural. It comes really easy (to him),” said Elisabeth, about Lucas ability to ride long distances. 

The family often go riding together when they are on holidays and discovered the rail trail existed following a weekend visit to Phillip Island.

Having never been to Gippsland before, the Melbourne based family, were delighted with the trail and the surrounds. 

“The trail itself was beautiful. It was amazing. I think all the trails in Australia are so well done. It’s amazing that there’s no cars and you can just go. It’s super well maintained, with super good conditions,” Elisabeth said.

“The absence of elevation also just makes it super easy to cruise along.”

The family were also pleasantly surprised that the trail runs through small towns they could stop off at and have a meal rather than just their packed snacks. 

“You go through little towns, and you can get coffee and proper food along the way, so that is also really nice.” 

Elisabeth also found the e-bike to be a game changer, having been unwell the past couple of years and previously struggling to keep up on rides, causing her much frustration. 

“It just allows me to keep up and actually ride for a bit longer.”

Elisabeth was grateful that Inverloch Bike Hire also has the drop off/pick up service to Korumburra. 

“It is just amazing because with an e-bike you can’t just put it on the bike trailer, at least not on our ones. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

The family’s next holiday is planned for Austria, and though winter when they get there, going for a cycle together is not completely ruled out. 

“If its super cold and raining, it’s not pleasant. We will have to look at the weather forecast and at the last minute decide on it,” said Elisabeth.