Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club

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

Fri, Jan 30 · 7:00 AM 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.

North Melbourne - Sunshine 54km (Social to Intermediate)

Sun, Feb 8 · 9:40 AM AEDT

North Melbourne Train Station, 1 Anderson Street, West Melbourne, AU

This ride showcases some of the new cycling infra-structure in West Melbourne before heading to Williamstown for coffee. We then follow the coastal trail stopping at Altona to buy lunch (if needed) and Skeleton Creek to Williams Landing and the Federation trail. We will stop and eat lunch on-route. The Federation trail takes us to Kororoit creek which we follow to Sunshine railway station. Sunshine has a new connection with the Metro Tunnel and SE suburbs.

New cycling infra-structure includes Dynon road (rainbow) bridge, the Dixon Veloway, a path along the West Gate tunnel on-ramp and bridge over Whitehall Street into Yarraville gardens.

The route is nearly all on sealed bicycle - pedestrian shared paths with on-road connections that carry traffic. You can exit the ride at Williamstown, Altona or Williams Landing railway stations. Remember to tell your ride leader if you leave the ride early.

We will meet as a group outside North Melbourne railway station at 9:40 am.

This link takes you to the route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53889245

The finish time of 4:00 pm is an estimate, please add extra time to accommodate delays or plan to leave the ride earlier.

This ride is for financial MBTC members, or those who have not yet done three single day rides with us. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership

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

• A fully maintained roadworthy bicycle / ebike
• Spare tube and a puncture repair kit
• Functioning headlight & tail light
• MYKI, money, sunglasses, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks.
• Mobile phone
• Water

It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water.

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.

The 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 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.

Lara - Portarlington - 50 km (social, intermediate, trail and road)

Sat, Feb 14 · 9:30 AM AEDT

Federation Square/Swanston St, Melbourne, VI, AU

RSVP opens Sunday 8th Feb to check on weather for Sat 14th first. Ride will be cancelled if weather is not suitable.
Please note that this ride involves a ferry trip.
-----------------------------------
Meet at Lara Station by 9.30 am - take the 8.30 am Waurn Ponds Train to Lara Station (arriving 9.18 am) where I will meet you.
We follow the Hovell Creek towards Geelong then travel via the industrial heartland to Paddock Bakery at Federal Mills for coffee (14 km mark). This is also a convenient stop if you wish to BYO lunch.
After coffee, we pedal along the scenic Geelong beach front to the city, veer off up Yarra Street to South Geelong station where we pick up the Bellarine Rail Trail.
Lunch will be in Drysdale (Cafe Zoo is an option) at the 40 km mark. BYO lunch is an option.
After lunch, we ride about 15 km along the Portarlington Road (80 km/h road with verge) to Point Richards and then back along the beach to Portarlington for late coffee and ice cream.
Return to Docklands is via Port Philip Ferry from Portarlington Pier (5pm departure, 6.10pm arrival Docklands).

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53889780

Important Note: please purchase a ferry ticket for YOU AND YOUR BIKE PRIOR to registering for this ride. The ferry has a limit of 20 bikes and we will be travelling back with other weekenders. Link is here: Port Philip Ferries tickets

RIDE 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

ESSENTIAL ITEMS

• Cheerful disposition
• Bicycle or V/Line compliant E-bike
• Functioning headlight & tail light
• Spare tube and a puncture kit
• MYKI card
• CONFIRMED PORT PHILIP FERRIES BOOKING
• basic tools
• rain gear
• medication
• 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 financial MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done three single day rides with us. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership

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 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.

Saturday Arvo Brighton Fish and Chips with Elwood swim. Easy Social.

Sat, Feb 14 · 4:00 PM AEDT

Time Out Fed Square, 2 Swanston St, Melbourne, VI, AU

Saturday Arvo Brighton Fish and Chips. 13 km. Easy Social.
It’s Valentine’s Day so bring your beau along for a surprise.
We’ll meet at ‘Time Out’, Fed Square, for a chilled Mocktail at 4pm, then departing along the new segregated bike lane along leafy well shaded St Kilda Road.

We’ll get on to the Fitzroy Street St Kilda segregated trail via the pedestrian underpass, then the Bayside trail.
Remember to bring your bathers if the weather is hot and we’ll stop at Elwood Beach for a quick refreshing dip.
Some streets through to St. Andrews Church where there is a public eating area.

The Tank, Fish and Chips is nearby.

After dinner, the ride tends to fragment with many riders choosing to return via the train from Middle Brighton Station.
However, if the day has been hot then returning via the Bayside trail to Port Melbourne Trail then Jeffs Shed is very pleasant.

What to bring:
If the weather is hot then bring plenty of water, electrolytes and bathers.
Also bike lights because it may be getting dark as you head home, however, this is a social ride so that’s probably about it.
The route can be viewed on ride with GPS and it’s always handy to download the route before the ride:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45382674

RIDE 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.

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.