Wandong - Blairs Hut- Merdna, 52 kms, Intermediate/Hard

MBTC financial members welcome!
Why would you like to come on this ride in the middle of winter?
Well, it's to gain a small insight of what the Hume & Howell expedition achieved, some 200 years ago, with rudimentary equipment and no roads, to summit Mount Disappointment.
At the top of Mt. Disappointment we'll rest for a while at Blairs Hut ( a basic camping area) the prepare for a quick descent to Whittlesea (40 k mark) where we'll have lunch at the bakery.
After lunch we ride along quiet roads skirting Yan Yean Reservoir, where we can have great vistas across the valley, continuing on we arrive at Merdna train station, for the train home
We recommend that you bring your own food, drinks and plenty of water for the day.
Ride end time is a guesstimate only, so plan your day activities accordingly.
Check route here (give or take a couple of wrong turns): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51368116
The route is 37 % paved, so there is plenty of gravel to contend with.
So bring your in good condition bike, we suggest 32+ mm tires, also bring warm clothing as temperatures could be low.
We'll keep a steady pace, stopping often to regroup.
No one left behind policy applies, but you need to keep yourself properly fueled and hydrated through the ride. A healthy breakfast will also help you to keep up with the riding group.
Vline train from Southern Cross departs at 9.16 am, trains from Merdna every 20 minutes or so.

RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
This is to be completed when you RSVP and can be found at:
www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Functioning front & tail light, spare tube and a puncture kit
MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, etc.
Suncream; sunglasses; lip balm; hat brim; etc.

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 can not make it to the ride, please change your RSVP to 'NO' at your earliest opportunity.

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.