North Gardens turn into tent city for bike ride

LAKE Wendouree's North Gardens was transformed into a tent city yesterday.The gardens served as a temporary campsite for 850 cyclists warming up for the 2008 Great Victorian Bike Ride, which kicks off at the lake this morning.More than 4000 cyclists will take part in the 597km ride, which winds up in Ballarat next Sunday.Among those setting up camp at the site yesterday were first-time participants Merryl Hilton and Caitlin Browning.When asked what encouraged them to complete the nine-day trek, Ms Hilton joked, "a hint of insanity"."We just decided it would be a good idea and we've been training for it every weekend for the past six weeks," Ms Hilton said."We didn't quite know what to expect when we arrived here (at the camp site) but everything is so well organised."Meanwhile, Melbourne's Pete Baxter got into the spirit of the event by dyeing his hair bright green to match his bike."I did the ride a few years ago and thought it was about time I did it again," Mr Baxter said.* For more information, visit www.greatvic.com.au.