The day promised to be a beautiful one, the weather forecast for max. 24 deg. no wind, perfect for riding.
We all assembled for the obligatory photo at the start of the trail at Heyfield and set off in high spirits. The trail at first through the town was firm gravel with a few loose spots, however it deteriorated the further we rode. The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail is "managed" by volunteers, but it is way too much to expect them to maintain a trail such as this indefinitely and it shows. The trail is overgrown with grass and in some places only a narrow strip of gravel remains. However it is a very pleasant location and the scenery is pleasing with herds of dairy cows, crops and huge pivot irrigators operating.
We made our way to Maffra by 11.00 am and found the bakery for a well earned drink and sustenance.
The trail from Maffra to Stratford was in a lot better shape and we cruised the 10 ks arriving for lunch by 12.30. After a very pleasant break we rode back to Maffra, from here 5 of us rode on the road back to Tinamba. on arriving back at Tinamba, George wasn't feeling too great so we arranged for a ride back to Heyfield for him, after an ice-cream he was feeling not too bad and was able to drive himself home.
Thanks to Kerry for organizing the trip and looking after us so well as she always does and gets the weather right!!!
Particpants: Kerry (leader), Michele, Zoe, Richard, Graeme, Shane, Joe, George.
