Kelvin Tennant was riding along the Myrtleford-Everton rail trail when he was shot multiple times in the chest and head on February 18, 2017.
The 72-year-old was left for dead and received critical injuries as a result.
Warning: This story contains graphic content.
Tennant was found lying unconscious on the bike trail with gunshot wounds by two passing cyclists who called for help.
He was rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition and took months to recover from his injuries.
“I remember asking him ‘why are you doing this to me’,” he said.
“I thought if I played dead, (the shooter) wouldn’t finish me off”.
Seven years on, he is still experiencing issues with his eyesight and hearing due to the shooting.
Detectives have been unable to answer why Tennant was targeted.
Detective Sergeant Brad Potts said police believed the shooter left the area in a dark-coloured sedan.
“Seven years ago, Kelvin was simply out enjoying riding his motorised bike along a beautiful rail trail when someone tried to kill him,” Potts said.
“Someone out there knows who is responsible for trying to kill an innocent man, and it is time to do the right thing and come forward with that information.”
The rail trail is popular for visitors to the Great Alpine Road area, including the townships of Myrtleford and Bright.
Detectives have returned to the area this week in a fresh search for information.
Police remain keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity or passed through the Everton area on the weekend of 18 February in 2017.
Investigators still believe it is possible that an interstate visitor on holidays in north-eastern Victoria that weekend might have seen something, but doesn’t realise that what they know could be important.
”This took place in a small, fairly close-knit area and we’re hopeful that over the years someone may have found out something about this incident and be ready to share it with police,” Potts said.
“It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant you might think this information is, it could be just the missing piece investigators need.
“Kelvin loved the area and loved to ride his bike, and I know every investigator who has worked on this matter over the years would love to be able to provide justice to Kelvin and his family.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
