Yea GVRT to Alexandra weekend cycling trip

Multi ride option! Join us for both rides, or pick Saturday or Sunday!

🚴‍♀ Great Victorian Rail Trail Weekend Ride: 6 + 7 December
Yea → Alexandra → Yea (Sat 6 Dec) 74km 680m ele
Yea → Kerrisdale → Yea (Sun 7 Dec) 38km 342m ele
Meeting Point:
Yea Railway Station
Meeting Time: 9:00 AM (roll out 9:15 AM)
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Ride Overview
Day 1 — Saturday (6 Dec)
Route: Yea → Alexandra → Yea
Distance: ~74 km return (approx. 37 km each way)
Terrain: Great Victorian Rail Trail – gravel/compacted trail, scenic, with a few solid hills (~10 km out of Yea and ~5 km into Alexandra).
Highlights:
• Cheviot Tunnel (historic 201-m rail tunnel)
• Cathedral Ranges views from Eglinton Cutting near Koriella
Plan:
Ride to Alexandra and have a hearty brunch/lunch to refuel for the ride back! Be good to carry several snacks for mid ride refuelling as I'm not sure there are many places to buy anything trailside.
Return to Yea late afternoon/early evening.
Please book your own accommodation in Yea.
We’ll have group dinner at the hotel (booking once numbers confirmed).
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Day 2 — Sunday (7 Dec)
Route: Yea → Kerrisdale → Yea
Distance: ~37.7 km return
Terrain: GVRT, rolling hills, beautiful Goulburn River

Plan:
Depart Yea in the morning (Around 9:00 AM).
Ride to Kerrisdale with hopefully a stop at Kerrisdale Mountain Railway & Museum. There we can have a ride on the miniature railway (may have to book early as sells out and they only accept cash). They open at 11am. Bring your own lunch/snacks as I'm not sure if there is much in the way of places to stop on this route. There may be refreshments available at Mountain Railway but I am not sure.
Return to Yea and finish by early-mid afternoon.

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g2697146-d2693710-Reviews-Kerrisdale_Mountain_Railway-Kerrisdale_Victoria.html

https://www.facebook.com/kerrisdalemountainrailwayandmuseum2015/

An option is, people are of course welcome to do one day if they are happy to drive up and back the same day instead of all weekend. If so make sure you leave a comment stating so, and which day you are joining! Our legs will probably be a little tired Sunday after the ride before so it will be a steady Sunday!

We have booked our accommodation in Yea (myself, Liz and Dave) but it does look to be getting pretty full in most places so you would want to jump onto booking somewhere pretty quick, or check alternatives nearby.

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Skill Level
Intermediate riders recommended due to distance, hills, and gravel sections.
Hybrid, gravel, or touring bike is ideal.
Average pace around 15 km/hr.
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What to Bring
• At least 2 L of water
• Snacks / lunch (especially for Sunday)
• Spare tubes & basic repair kit
• Helmet, lights, tools
• Clothing suitable for changing weather
• Sunscreen, gloves, and layers
Hope to see you there.

See RWGP route as per link:

Saturday Yea - Alex return
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53304444

Sunday Yea - Kerrisdale return
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53311677

We will meet at Yea Railway Station. Liz will be on a green Liv. Dave will be on a black/grey Merida hybrid with rear pannier, Harvey will be on a black Giant gravel bike. See pin here:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZgjeDV3VaBzH8wXz8

YOUR BIKE
Mostly unpaved graded gravel surface so suitable for most well maintained bike but not full slick road bikes
Note: End time is a guesstimate only

ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Spare tube, puncture kit, pump, basic tools - good to have with you.
Rain & warm gear (according to conditions)
Plenty of water for the distance especially if it's going to be hot! Always better to have too much than not enough!
Check your app for any changes the night before, and on the day of the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
If you realise you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' immediately even if you are still on the Waitlist.

"Liability Waiver:
The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to this liability waiver."

Please just ride with some courtesy, use your bell/call out when required passing people, single file on narrow sections, blind corners etc just common sense.