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- The Boulders of Pyalong – 77km – ExperiencedWoodend , Melbourne
The Boulders of Pyalong – 77km – Experienced
Mounds of enormous granite boulders lay scattered though the hills between Lancefield and Pyalong. Saturday looks like a good day to get out and explore this wild empty landscape with a ride between Woodend and Tallarook.We’ll ride on sealed roads, sticking mostly to quiet country roads but there will be a couple of short sections with some unavoidable traffic. Lunch will be at Lancefield, (TBC, either the café or pub).
A nearly intact timber trestle bridge sits over the Mollison Creek at the small township of Pyalong so we’ll stop to check that out.
Be ready for a fairly hilly ride, but with great views. Route here
TRANSPORT
This will be a train-based ride, travelling out on the Bendigo line and coming back on the Seymour line. A Train leave Southern Cross at 9.05 arriving Woodend just after 10am.Trains from Tallarook station leave at 4pm, 5.20 or (last resort) 6.45. The Tallarook Hotel is a cozy place to wait for our train.
FOOD & WATER
Food and water will be available at Lancefield, but there’s not much else along the way, so please come prepared with water / snacks etc.ESSENTIALS
Please make sure you have lights in case of unforseen circumstances.
Spare tube and a puncture kit
MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, etcRIDE REGISTRATION FORM
This will be available within a day of the ride being announced. Preferably it is to be completed when you RSVP, but no later than the day before the ride. It can be found at
https://www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider.
WATER
It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough.
Check Meetup for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
If you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' at least one day before the ride day.
This ride is for MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done 3 days riding with us. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership
When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law.
I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.
- Weirs, Lakes and Rivers loop - 150km - IntermediateTraralgon Station, Traralgon
A three-day ride exploring scenic back roads and trails through Central Gippsland along with stops at some of the area’s magnificent waterways.
We’ll pass through some varied landcapes – bushland, lush green dairy country and wide open plains. After some more challenging gravel on day one we’ll ease off with sealed surfaces and fine-packed rail trail.
Start and finish point is Traralgon but those coming by car could also start at Glengarry.
This is a camping ride: we’ll be travelling fully loaded and setting up camp each night. Those who don’t want to camp could explore accommodation at Heyfield and Maffra (or Newry).
Riders should be confident in traffic, also with moderate hills and changeable gravel and in traffic. At least 32 inch tyres recommended.
DAY 1 - TRARALGON TO HEYFIELD (56km)
Start from Traralgon Station will be 10.15am. Trains run at 7.17am from Southern Cross or 7.39 from Flinders St - check timetable here.
First stop at the 10km mark will be Glengarry where we’ll grab coffee and cake at the charming historical Platform Cafe, and pick up picnic supplies from the IGA.From Glengarry we’ll take back roads to the stunning Cowwarr Weir grounds for picnic lunch and maybe even a swim. Gravel bush tracks all the way to Heyfield.
We'll camp at the Heyfield RV Park. You'll need $1 coins for a shower and there's also coin-operated charging for phones and eBikes. Recommend leaving a $5 donation to support the local volunteers. Dinner at the Railway Reserve Hotel.
View day 1 route hereDAY 2 - HEYFIELD TO MAFFRA (40km)
After a bakery brekkie at Heyfield, we’ll check out the sprawling Glenmaggie Lake Weir at the weir lookout and meander on through the pastoral Macalister River valley via lovely Newry and the Farmers Arms hotel.Camping will be informal riverside camping spot near Maffra. You will need to be self-sufficient and carry in water as there are no facilities. Dinner/water pick up at Maffra or stay at camp.
Optional diversions include a track through the Blores Hill MTB park, a lakeside beach at Coongulla and the Port of Maffra area.
View day 2 route hereDAY 3 - GIPPSLAND PLAINS RAIL TRAIL TO TRARALGON (53km)
Cycle back to Traralgon on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.
We’ll stop for coffee/snacks at Maffra and/or Tinambra, and aim for lunch at Heyfield. Keeping with the waterways theme we'll also stop and wander along the Thompsons River.
View day 3 Route here.RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
This is to be completed by the day before the ride and can be found at:
www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider, preferably when you RSVP.ESSENTIALS
- Gear should be carried in panniers or bikepacking bags on your bike, not in a backpack.
- For camping you will need a tent, mat and sleeping bag, torch, power bank and extra bottles or a bladder for water. Cooking gear is optional but not essential.
- Please bring pump, tools, spare tube, money, MYKI, and a bike lock. Lights are essential as we may return to camp in the dark.
- Check Meetup messages on the day and days prior for important info and any changes.ETIQUETTE
- We will travel at touring-style speeds of average 16-20 kph, regrouping at key points.
- Highly recommended to download the routes so you have navigation to hand.
- No one is left behind with a puncture.
- If you cannot make the ride please change your RSVP.NEWCOMERS
You may do three riding days with the Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club before joining for $25 per year. Visit the club website to join or find out more.PHOTGRAPHY
Please let the ride leader know if your photo can't be taken, however MBTC cannot guarantee this as it is club practice for ride participants to take photos and upload them to Meetup or club social media sites. We will endeavour to remove photos from MBTC-run sites if possible on request.LIABILITY
When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law.