Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club

Gippsland Relaxation & Reinvigoration Tour - 420-495km. Grade - Beg/Inter

Fri, Jan 30 · 07:00 AEDT

Southern Cross Railway Station, Southern Cross Station, Docklands, AU

Gippsland Relaxation & Reinvigoration Tour
## Meetup will not let me set the correct end date; this ride will conclude on Sat. Feb 14th

The ride route map is HERE..

A proposed itinerary (incl. dates) for this tour is HERE.

# Itinerary in Detail – Shorter Days’ Rides and Time to Chill. Revised for bushfire closures.

## Bairnsdale to Nowa Nowa

The journey begins in Bairnsdale, travelling through picturesque countryside on the East Gippsland Rail Trail to reach Bruthen for a first night’s camp. Then we ride on to the quaint village of Nowa Nowa. This leg offers a gentle introduction to the scenic forests of the Gippsland region.
Staying at Mingling Waters, we can take in its creative spirit and natural beauty. This stop allows for further relaxation and discovery. After a day to enjoy Nowa Nowa's Lake Tyers, or to ride out to Bruthen we depart for a short gravel road to Pettmans Beach, on the Ninety Mile Beach.

## Pettmans Beach

A visit to Pettmans Beach offers a chance to enjoy the coastal scenery, walk along the sand, and listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean. We shall stay here two nights.
The tour continues along the rail-trail to the tranquil Snowy River at Marlo, a renowned natural swimming spot and fishing destination. This segment offers the chance to immerse in nature and unwind by the water.

## Snowy River Experience

Spend time at Marlo, and further along the coast at Cape Conran, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the opportunity for relaxation and reinvigoration. The area is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and soaking up the peaceful surroundings. We shall visit the Cabbage-tree Palms Reserve, do a couple of day rides in the forest and may enjoy a dinner on the deck at the Marlo Hotel.

## Returning via Nowa Nowa to Eagle Point

This stretch highlights the diverse landscapes, forests and natural features that make Gippsland unique. Revisiting these delightful towns briefly we camp at Eagle Point.

## Eagle Point

At Eagle Point, participants can enjoy the tranquil lakeside environment, perfect for birdwatching and leisurely walks along the water’s edge, especially traversing the natural silt-jetties of the Mitchell River mouth. We will spend a whole day here, enabling a visit to Paynesville and a trip on the car-ferry to Raymond Island.

## Eagle Point to Echo Bend

This stretch highlights the diverse landscapes, forests and natural features that make Gippsland unique. We pass through Bairnsdale again then tiny Lindenow before climbing into the hills and bushland to Echo Bend.

## Echo Bend Experience

The surrounding National Park and riverside makes for a relaxing and peaceful time. Walk to the Den of Nargun, take in the views from Bluff Lookout, cool off in the Mitchell River or walk to the Old Weir historic site. The goannas and koalas will look out for your campsite.

## Echo Bend to Traralgon

After relaxing at Echo Bend, the journey resumes. We return down the Glenaladale valley and ride through some hilly forest lands, into Stratford for a night camping. The next day we ride along the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail through pastured river flatlands. We first pass through Maffra, then ride in to the delightful village of Tinamba with its charming hotel. From here we ride on to Glengarry and Traralgon.
Here, the tour concludes and we will catch the train home, having provided a rejuvenating journey through some of the region’s most peaceful and beautiful destinations.

Etiquette: Social pace. We wait for each other to regroup at key navigational points. No one is left behind with a puncture.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Functioning headlight & tail light
Spare tube and a puncture kit, basic tools
MYKI card, ATM card/cash,
rain gear, food/snacks, etc.
Insect repellant
WATER
Camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, stove, food for two lunches, dinners and breakfasts for the nights camping.

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 as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances.
Check your app for any changes the day before a 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 only. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership

• Important to know
Loose road surfaces may demand wider tyres; the camping is at a basic site. Lighting for tents and all other camping gear is required.

Our club policy is that visitors may participate on three rides before making the decision to join our club for an annual fee of $25.
You can join Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club Inc. at http://www.mbtc.org.au/membership/
Benefits include other rides not listed on Meetup, special event meetings, social events, RWGPS club subscription, etc.
The MBTC Refund & Cancellation Policy can be found here.

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 Trade Practices Act 1977 (Commonwealth) as amended. I agree that photos taken of me during MBTC rides or social events may be used for publicity purposes.

Grand Prix Spectacular Social 35km

Sun, Mar 8 · 11:00 AEDT

Caulfield Station, Station Street, Caulfield, AU

Your off to the Grand Prix this year. This huge event is big, loud and free.
What do you mean free? I'd discover a spectacle just next to the event , it was impressive and free. So join me, you don't need to be a car fan .

We will meet at Caulfield Railway Station outside Platform 1.
Lunch at the latest and greatest toasties in the world Toasted.
Then off to Albert Park and the Grand Prix , if the weather is above 29 degrees we can then go to a local beach for a bit of a dip.
Then on return to the City via Port Melbourne.

Any type of bicycle will do as it is on roads and cycle paths. Bring water .
Your bike needs to be in good order.
Bring togs & towel if the day is hot.
Ride route Grand Prix

RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
The form should be available within a day or two of the ride announcement. The link to the form will be seen in the event messages when you RSVP. Please complete it when available.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS

Functioning headlight & tail light

Spare tube and a puncture kit

MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, etc

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 as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances.

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.

Australia Felix - Grade Experienced (1,917 km)

Sun, Mar 22 · 07:00 AEDT

Southern Cross Railway Station, Southern Cross Station, Docklands, AU

A grand exploration, to commemorate another great explorer.

Meetup will not allow me to post anything longer than 2 weeks. This will be a full month-long event.

Riders may be able to join/depart for shorter segments. We will be camping mostly. Very self-sufficient travelling.

The planned route is HERE.

It will be possible for people to join the ride for sections, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks using V/Line rail services. The following would be the sectors:
1. Swan Hill to Pyramid Hill
2. Pyramid Hill to Horsham (using the Overland train service)
3. Horsham to Ararat (about 14 days)
4. Ararat to Maryborough
5. Maryborough to Castlemaine and/or Nagambie, and
6. Nagambie to Violet Town and/or stations along the line to Albury.

The ride will commence in Swan Hill on Sun 22nd March, having taken the Swan Hill train. It is retracing Major Thomas Mitchell's route through Victoria, 190 years later (by the 200th anniversary in 2036, I may be riding an e-bike then and who knows whether I will still be happy to go camping).
The plan is to travel along the Major's route (roughly) taking in a whole host of Victorian country towns, scenic and historic sites, and a few of the 'Major Mitchell passed this way' monuments. We hope to finish in Albury on about ANZAC Day, 25th April.

RSVPs will open on Dec 14.

RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
The form should be available within a day or two of the ride announcement. The link will be seen in the messages when you RSVP. Please complete it when available.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Camping gear for self-contained travel (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping matt, stove, mess-kit, etc)
Functioning headlight & tail light
Spare tube and a puncture kit
MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks,
Power bank for electronic devices.
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 as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances.
Check your app for any changes the day before a 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 only. 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 organizer 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.

Cresfest base camp

Fri, Apr 10 · 10:00 AEST

ballarat station, ballarat, Melbourne, AU

This ride is open to financial MBTC members.

•What we'll do:
Explore the Creswick region over 3 days and enjoy the Cresfest atmosphere. There are various acts available over the weekend both free and some that will need to be prebooked depending on your choice. Two nights camping at venue to be confirmed. Cresfest tickets are currently on sale, so if you are interested in booking a paid event it would be a good idea to start thinking about that now.

The intinery for the trip is yet to be finalised as I am currently trying to source a camp location for us. The idea is to catch the train to Ballarat and on day 1 we will enjoy a scenic ride from Ballarat through to the camp in Creswick. Day two we will head off for a ride to the north of Creswick. Day three we will make our way back to the Ballarat Station through the Creswick forest.

Etiquette: Social pace. We wait for each other to regroup at key navigational points. No one is left behind with a puncture.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Functioning headlight & tail light
Spare tube and a puncture kit, basic tools
MYKI card, ATM card/cash,
rain gear, food/snacks, etc.
WATER
Camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, stove, food for two lunches, dinners and breakfasts for the nights camping. (These requirements may change depending on the camp facilities)

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 as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances.
Check your app for any changes the day before a 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. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership

• Important to know
Touring or mountain bikes only as we will be riding some gravel roads. Not suitable for road bikes

This ride is only for MBTC club members. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership

Benefits include other rides not listed on Meetup, special event meetings, social events, RWGPS club subscription, etc.

The MBTC Refund & Cancellation Policy can be found here.

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 Trade Practices Act 1977 (Commonwealth) as amended. I agree that photos taken of me during MBTC rides or social events may be used for publicity purposes.