Thanks to Geoff for this report of an adventure cycling along the Great Eastern Rail Trail
Stephanie and I rode the Rail Trail organized by Liz Mitchell from Snowy River Cycling from 6th -8th October.( Around The Bay Week End ) We rode from Bairnsdale to Orbost along with 80 other cyclists over 3 days, staying in older but very comfortable hotels Bruthern, Nowa Nowa and finishing in Orbost. The cycling was fabulous not hot, delicious fresh food and wonderful social company.
The Rail Trail was in excellent condition, mainly compacted gravel with some tarred parts,the leaf matter and sticks were encountered with some very pebbly stages.The sandy parts were relatively easy to negotiate on our Giant and Mongoose having full suspension mountain bikes. The pace was easy and comfortable and Lycra was optional among many riders. Many cyclists rode older style 27inch road bikes and rode the trail with confidence The distances were perfect just over 100 kms in 3 days with only a few smaller steady climbs.
Whilst in Gippsland we also rode The Grand Ridge from Boolaroo to Mirboo Nth and back a couple of times 14 kms each way through the beautiful pine forest in perfect weather. We also rode the Moe to Yallourn power station rail trail and back 16 kms
Cheers
Stephanie and Geoff
