A fabulous few days exploring the Murray to Mountains rail trail and the Great Valley Trail from Bright to Harrietville.
Day 1 Tuesday 7th November 2023.
The day was warm with bright sunny skies and no wind. The ride this afternoon was a short one meandering through natural bush, pine forest and farm land, then a short stretch on the road through Wandiligong finishing up at the apple orchard of the Nightingale Bros. There is a lovely picnic area here and we enjoyed ice-cream or coffee or other refreshments. Some took the opportunity to purchase apples.
About 14 kilometres.
Day 2 Wednesday 8th November 2023.
The weather was calm, and warm without a cloud in the sky when left Bright at 9.00 a.m.
There were 15 in the group enjoying the sealed path which winds its way through natural bush, with views of the Ovens river and the mountains. There was lots of shade, birds singing and we also saw many sites where trees have been planted. The Ovens river had recently flooded and washed out a small section of the new trail but was easy to get around.
On arriving at Harrietville Kerry took us to the site of the Tronah Lake Dredge Hole. This is a beautiful lake and picnic spot. The water is very deep, there were people swimming and canoes nearby.
It was time for lunch, the famous bakery was closed but we were well fed by the local HV Kitchen café staff. We were joined here by Meg, Ian, David and Lindsay.
The ride back was very fast, we really hadn’t noticed it was uphill on the outward journey but we sure could notice it was downhill on the way back, so a great run back to camp.
About 54 kilometres.
That night we all enjoyed a meal at the Star Hotel in Bright.
Day 3 Thursday 9th November 2023.
An 8.30 start this morning, the weather looked very threatening, there had been thunderstorms during the night and a bit of rain, but by the time we left all was fine and the conditions were great for riding. This morning was a short run turning south from Porepunkah towards the Buckland Valley. There was one moderate hill to negotiate, then an easy ride through vineyards, and apple orchards, with views of Mount Buffalo. Some members needed to return to their homes so morning tea was enjoyed back at the Punkah Pantry café in Porepunkah, all but 6 left to ride back to Bright.
Six hardy souls set off towards Myrtleford to see how far we could go. One turned around after Eurobin to return back to camp, that left 5, we ended up at Myrtleford, so it was a long day for those five, about 80 kilometres.
All week classic cars (hot rods) had been arriving at Bright, by Thursday afternoon the town was heaving, cars were doing laps around the street, all the round-a-bouts had been blocked off, and the crowds were gathering. The atmosphere was festive but very busy. It was going to be a very busy weekend in Bright so time for all of us to leave.
Thanks to Kerry for organising the trip, the weather was perfect, no punctures or mechanical bike problems or dramatic events to report.
Particpants: Kerry (leader), Julie & Alan, Julia & Ian, Ros, Chris & Kee, Jay Jay, Sue, Val, Ian, George, Michele, Richard & Zoe
