THE road to enlightenment is not for the faint-hearted.

I wanted to test a theory. Countless GVBR participants had talked of the spirit of the event.

“Get a puncture and you’ll have a dozen people stopping to help,” a rider told me on day one.

So I had set-off without any physical preparation (foolish) and without any bike tools at all, not even a pump (even more foolish).

And so it happened. On day seven I got a puncture. I pulled over, upended my bike to rest on the handlebars and seat, removed the back wheel and waited.

And I waited. And I waited.

Hundreds of cyclists went past, possibly more than a thousand.

“Got a problem?” one asked without stopping.

“Puncture,” I called back, but he was already gone.

“Your hat’s blown off,” three riders called out.

(My cap had been chucked by the wind into the paddock behind.)

But not one person stopped to help.

I managed to borrow some tyre irons off a woman who had stopped 20m away. In the bottom of my pack I found an ancient glue-and-patch kit.

And finally one of event’s mobile mechanics known as WARBYs (We Are Right Behind You) deftly helped me finish the job.

So in bike riding as in life, I have learnt, it’s best to carry your own tools.

Meanwhile, I tip my helmet to the dozens of small groups who cheerfully sold us food and drinks along the way. Kindergarten groups, schoolteachers, service clubs, hall maintenance committees and others used the event to raise funds

In some cases, beautifully prepared food was sold to us at ridiculously cheap prices. Good luck to you all. I hope you made a packet.

And to all who finished, congratulations. It was tough and fun. And for someone who turns 50 next birthday, I found much of it a challenge. Possibly, I may see some of you again next year.

Brendan Gullifer had to return home on Saturday. He set out alone from Lake Bolac (100km) at 7am before getting another puncture 25km from Ballarat. He hitched the rest of the way. Yesterday morning he cycled 24km towards Beaufort then returned to officially finish the event at (almost) the prescribed distance. Nine kilometres from Ballarat he got his third puncture, which he fixed himself. Brendan was a guest of Bicycle Victoria.