East Gippy Kings Birthday ride - Intermediate - 50+50+54

A long weekend base camp ride exploring rail trails and surrounds.

In early June the forests and rolling hills of will be lush and green. Much of the ride will be on the East Gippsland rail trail which passes some epic rivers and bridges. We'll start and finish in Bairnsdale and stay two nights in picturesque Nowa Nowa.

For this winter time ride, we'll use indoor accomodation at the Mingling Waters Caravan Park where there is an excellent pub/restaurant and camp kitchen. A general store is across the road for basic supplies.

IF there's enough interest we will book one of their awesome rustic bunkhouses (sleeps 10-12), which will be around $35 per person per night ($70 total). Linen and towels are provided.

**To help with logistics please message me or hold off signing up for now if you intend to book other accomodation in the area**

DAY ONE - Bairnsdale to Nowa Nowa - 50km - 430vm
We'll ride along the rail trail stopping at the delightful village of Bruthen. We'll visit the tearooms for afternoonn tea and/or Tambo Honey for honey tasting.
Day 1 route map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50152503

DAY TWO - Loop ride - 50km - 510vm
A loop ride through the Colquoun forest, taking in gravel forest roads and part of the Discovery Trail. Depending on weather and appetite for gravel, we may opt for an out-and-back ride to Orbost continuing along the rail trail.
Picnic lunch
Day 2 route map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50152488

DAY THREE - Nowa Nowa to Bairnsdale - 54km - 390vm
Back along the rail trail with some variations along back roads to keep things interesting.
Day 3 route map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50152494

Further details to follow, and we'll reach out to participants ahead of time to make payment and (as the cabin is non-refundable) commit to the booking.

TRAVEL
VLine trains travel from Southern Cross on this line so we'll start from Bairnsdale Station. Alternatively you can drive and park at Bairnsdale. In the event of a rail disruption we'll do what we can to support non-drivers (including me).

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, 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' well before the ride day.

This ride is for MBTC club members. 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.