More than 3500 riders, with a support crew of about 500 people, finished their “week in another world” with a 53-kilometre ride from Maryborough to Castlemaine.

Cyclists pedalled for nine days and 585 kilometres, starting in Swan Hill before stops in Kerang, Barham, Echuca, Boort, Wedderburn and Maryborough.

Gallery: Great Victorian Bike Ride finishes in Castlemaine

The youngest participants included a seven-month-old and three-year-old twins, and the oldest rider turned 82 during the event.

Golden Square cyclist Kylie Sbrugnera described her first Great Victorian Bike Ride as a fantastic experience.

“From the catering to the volunteers to the friends you make along the way, it’s been good,” she said.

Ms Sbrugnera, who celebrated her 39th birthday yesterday, joined her friend, who had taken part in the previous two bike rides, for this year’s ride.

“I’m now hooked, I’ve already booked in to do it next year,’’ she said.

“It really is a week in another world – no newspaper, no television – you just have your mobile phone to contact family and friends. There is entertainment every night, it’s just an amazing experience.”

Bicycle Network Victoria’s event manager Darren Allen said riding through the Goldfields region was a great way to end an awesome week.

“We say a massive thank you to the towns along the route who have been fantastic, as the volunteers and support staff,” he said.

‘‘Memories of wonderful scenery and a community spirit that needs to be experienced to be believed will stay with us forever.’’