Ruffy King's Birthday long weekend - Intermediate

A scenic ride through a quiet river valleys and lovely green rolling hills – an MBTC favourite!

We’ll camp for two nights at a community based location in Ruffy, heading out for a scenic loop ride on the Sunday.

Day one: Seymour to Ruffy, 43km, elevation gain 670m. Half sealed road and half gravel. Picnic lunch on Hughes Creek. Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46442829
Day two: Loop ride Ruffy to Yarck, el. 710m, half sealed, half gravel.
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42143792
For a more relaxed and intriguing option, Edmund will run a ‘Ruffy Rambler route' with cycling/walking through overgrown lanes.
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46467354
Day three: Return from Ruffy to Seymour (day one route in reverse), el. 323m.

MEETING & LOGISTICS
We’ll meet at Baracca Lane Café (opposite Seymour station) around 8.45 and head off at 9.30-ish.

The return route will come back the same way mid-afternoon Monday meaning drivers can leave their car at Seymour, e.g. at the train station car park.

It’s recommended to download the Ride with GPS route so you can ride ahead or at your own pace. We’ll regroup regularly so no-one gets left behind.

The Saturday route will involve quite a bit of climbing and some challenging gravel surfaces so keep that in mind when planning your gear and load.

TRANSPORT
There are two options for taking the train: the 7.07am Albury service and 7.16 Seymour service starting at Southern Cross.

CAMPING AND FACILITES
We’ll be camping at a community location in Ruffy. This offers plenty of flat grassy space for tents along with an indoor space with a wood stove. There are toilets and a shower and also a spacious kitchen.

Ruffy is at high elevation so prepare for it to be COLD. Along with a tent, you will need your warmest sleeping bag, appropriate sleeping mat (ideally insulated) thermal or merino layers, warm jacket and not forgetting your beanie and favourite woolly socks.

Cost is $20 per night in cash ($40 total).

FOOD
There are no shops between Seymour and Ruffy - take along at least enough food and snacks for lunch and dinner (day 1) and brekkie (day 2)
Some food can be purchased at Yarck for those on the Yarck loop.
Riders taking the 'Ruffy Rambler' route on day two will need to be self-sufficient for the trip.

We'll have access to a stove, sinks, microwave, kettle, crockery and utensils, so no need to bring your own.

CLOTHING & WEATHER
Weather can be very unpredictable up in the hills around Ruffy. Be prepared and bring a raincoat even if rain isn't forecast.

IT'S ESSENTIAL to bring plenty of snacks and clothing layers to stay warm.

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
Suitable tyres for gravel riding, at least 32"
Functioning headlight & tail light
Spare tube and a puncture kit
MYKI card, $40 cash, basic tools

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.

CHANGES
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.