Phoebe Newman, Sue Pitts, Sue Laing, Amelie Bulmer and Ruby Pisasale.
Unfavourable and unsafe weather conditions forced the Deniliquin High School team to cut their Great Victorian Bike Ride journey short last week.
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The students and their adult companions - a mix of teachers and community members - left the ride on Friday - two days before it ended.
Despite a great start, with the first three days of challenging hill climbs completed successfully, the continuous rain since made it impossible to continue the ride.
Teacher Sue Laing said there was just “no reprieve”.
“We managed to complete about 300km of the ride, but we just could not continue,” she said.
“It rained solidly from Tuesday to Friday and our sleeping stuff was wet the entire time too.
“I am very proud of the team who got through as much as they could.
“We had some really good comments form the rest of the riders and organisers.
“The students should be very proud of their efforts.”
While the team was disappointed to end the journey early, their safety and wellbeing were the top priority.
Cycling on slippery wet roads added to the difficulty of the ride, making it a hazardous undertaking.
Taking part this year were 10 Deni High students, with five adult rider companions.
Student participants are return riders Matt Pitt and Rory Smith, and new riders Elka Connolly, Lucas Thompson, Nathan Coleman, Harry Nolan, Phoebe Newman, Ruby Pisasale, Amelie Bulmer and Catie Michael.
Joining them were Laing and fellow Deni High teacher Alex Glowrey, along with Michael Pisasale, Nat Connolly and Sue Pitts.
Deni High riders (from left) Amelie Bulmer, Ruby Pisasale, Catie Michael, Phoebe Newman, Elka Connolly, Lucas Thompson, Harry Nolan and Matthew Pitt.
Catie Michael with two of the WARBY (we are right behind you) crew.
15°C