Mumswobblings

Rokeby to Neerim Rail Trail

2011-10-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

We started our ride at Rokeby (north of Warragul and well known as the first sprint of the Baw Baw Classic) The trail winds its way from Rokeby up to Neerim, following a cutting of a section of the old Warragul to Noojee rail line (1890-1958) The first 4km of trail passes through bushland of the Crossover Regional Park, and passes the original site of the Crossover station. The trail then deviates up and around the Crossover Trestle Bridge (restoration not complete) and, after receiving some much needed directions from local farmer, we continued up into Neerim (along the yet to be completed trail) The last section of trail follows the Main road and provides fantastic valley views of Mount Baw Baw and Bunyip State Forest.

It was my first ride for some time,
Ride details at Map my Ride

great to see locals so dedicated to helping visitors enjoy their trails especially the Friends of Crossover Trestle Bridge,

Discovery Trail East Gippsland

2011-06-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

picturesque ride that follows the route of the historic Mississippi Creek Tramway near Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia

George Bass Coastal Walk in Gippsland Victoria

2011-05-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

We accessed the 'George Bass Coastal Walk' from the railtrail opposite the Kilcunda pub on the Bass Highway, After 1hr 30mins along a slashed grass track for 9km on the cliff tops with spectacular panoramic views of Bass Strait, perpendicular bluffs, beautiful secluded beaches & wildlife, we arrived at the Punchbowl lookout platform, On the return to Kilcunda we stopped a while at the beach walk section. weather conditions were favourable for hiking but a little coolish to backpack beach towel and bathers (waters not recommended for swimming anyway)

(ps. George Bass was the first European explorer to sight the Victorian coastline in 1797)

section of Dandenong Creek Trail

2011-04-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Nothing more relaxing than cycling along beside water. As work took me to Melbourne on the weekend, I planned a bike ride along the Bay trail, but I must say if you're not riding solo, the fun of conversation is reduced by weekend crowds. Hence, I wasn't disappointed when we decided to investigate the Dandenong Creek Trail, with overcrowding not being an issue, it was a most enjoyable relaxing flat ride.

Distance- 27km Carrum to Dandenong (and return)
Surface- mostly smooth Gravel
song title on video- 'Here She Comes' by Skipping Girl Vinegar
(band named after my childhood love a Vinegar Sign with neon animated Skipping Girl)

MTB'ing around Foster in Victoria

2011-03-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

The township of Foster in South Gippsland has a great network of singletrack. Accessed just off the Great Southern Rail Trail is the 'Cement Hill Natural Features Reserve', with lots of up and down floaty single tracks and a fun trail seesaw. Exploring further into the bushland we found some technical sections with unavoidable tree root jumps, bridge crossings, energy zapping climbs & epic descents. There was also lots of my preferred gentle meandering around bush walking tracks & rail trails. Foster is well worth a visit.

ps ... town has two bakeries

Keep Climbing Those Hills

2011-03-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

We know the only way to a little fitness is to keep climbing hills, so we decided to spend a couple of hours around Erica mtb park, although not my favorite surface (and elevation LOL) the trails were fantastic. Even the trails the Gippsland MTB club held an event on (in wet conditions) last week were in good condition. We rode for 2.5 hours, including a lap of 'crazy snake' trail (video) and were both totally knackered, but will definitely be back,

Mansfield to Bonnie Doon rail trail

2011-02-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

After two days of solid rain and hectic winds, we deemed unsafe a planned ride along some MTB tracks at Mt Buller. (Even though the National Down Hillers were racing, we did hear snow was seen up the mountain during the day) So we opted for the nearby Mansfield rail trail. And after being confined to a motel room unable to do any activity, my legs took a while to warm up so most of the 40km ride was at an easy pace.
The 20km Mansfield to Bonnie Doon trail is part of the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail (still under construction on completion to Tallarook, it will be the longest (134km) rail trail in Victoria) It is a scenic trail through farmland, lots of sheep grazing with great views of surrounding ranges, it crosses lots of bridges including the States longest rail trail bridge over Lake Eildon at Bonnie Doon

Start- Mansfield Station (tourist information centre)
Distance - 20km (40km return)
Surface - mostly sealed bitumen

Bruthen to Nowa Nowa Rail trail

2011-01-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

Bruthen to Nowa Nowa trail is a 30km section of the East Gippsland Rail Trail (Bairnsdale and Orbost) not having sat on the bike for a couple of months, it may have been a little ambitious to attack a 4 hour ride,
but as the saying goes 'you'll never know if you don't try', but it wasn't long before I felt tingling in my arm and feeling nothing everywhere else. but the result of infrequent long rides didn't dampen my excitement on getting to see the 'Stoney Bridge' and Nowa Nowa, but the thunderstorm & rain on the return trip was very dampening. I'm sure the locals at Nowa Nowa thought it strange to see cyclists heading back to Bruthen at the start of a thunderstorm, but thankfully the lightning passed quickly. I drive Bruthen to Nowa Nowa on a regular basis, so I knew the trail would be a climb, but surprisinly, although constant at times, it wasn't too steep, and the eucalyptus 'gum trees' of the Colquhoun State Forest made for a pleasant ride.

Distance - 29km (58km return)
Surface - smooth gravel
Time - 3hrs 48mins

Everyone loves a wedding

2011-01-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

With some trepidations from family, My son and new daughter-in-law planned there own beach setting wedding. I had a few 'bite my tongue' moments in the preceding months, mainly due to several venue changes. But I must say, to all involved from the celebrant to the cheers & chocolate 'mudcake' wedding cake, the Wedding went off with many smiles, And I hope the all the joy of the day is the beginning of a lifetime of happiness, as they were truly a beautiful couple.

Meeniyan "trestle bridge"

2010-11-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

Got to love remnants of rail history along rail trails. none better then an historic rail bridge. Just west of Meeniyan towards Koonwarra, The Great Southern Rail Trail crosses the Tarwin River on a 240m long steel "trestle bridge" that runs beside the original 1892 trestle bridge. Cycling with views of old rail remnants, to me, is more exciting then cycling on top of them.
The smooth gravel surface ends about 6km out of Meeniyan. Work is still needed on the final 2km of trail through the narrow valley over 3 bridges (currently closed until after a planned highway realignment in the area) so to get to Koonwarra requires a ride along the busy highway for approx three kilometres.
From Koonwarra the trail heads to Leongatha (Approx 8km)

City of Sale River Heritage & Wetlands Trail

2010-11-15T22:52:00.000-08:00

a little rain the night before added to our enjoyment over Wetlands and freshwater marshes, to the historic Swing Bridge. A truly spectacular Trail.

Maffra to Heyfield (Wetlands) by bike

2010-11-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

Cycling/biking on a Rail trail is a safe healthy outdoor activity for the whole family, but much more enjoyable on a smooth surface. It is disappointing that my local section of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail is not up to the standard of the Maffra section of this Rail Trail near my parents place, in a neighbouring shire. Local MP recently pledged funding towards completion of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail if his party wins upcoming State election, but it is great to see the trail work being completed down mum's way, and I must commend the Trail Committee for continuing to fight for the completion of this Trail.

Maffra - Heyfield 17km
Surface - mostly smooth fine gravel
3G mobile coverage available

Stratford to Maffra Rail Trail link

2010-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

After recent trail work being completed out front of my parents place it was time to check out my hometown rail trail again. Stratford to Maffra Rail Trail link is part of The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. I love rail trails for their easy gradient and safety aspect away from road traffic. But It’s the bicycle friendly connecting paths, in and around towns, that I really enjoy taking time to explore. One such path is the Avon River Heritage trail at Apex Park picnic area in Stratford that takes you around to a viewing platform overlooking the Avon River. The Rail trail starts on the other side of Avon River Bridge in Stratford, it’s a flat ride on smooth gravel and continues to Maffra approx 10km away, through farmland. The Rail Trail ends at edge of Maffra township but you can take the road passed the Station building and at the end of Station St, another one of those very pleasant around town cycle paths takes you through Macalister Park and around the Port of Maffra, to the other side of town. You can follow the Macalister River further around to Macalister Wetlands boardwalks, then return to cross the Macalister River bridge and take a new section of path to rejoin The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail which continues to Tinamba (7km) and then on to Heyfield 20km away, on the now closed Traralgon-Stratford railway line.

Glutton for Punishment

2010-10-16T01:46:00.000-07:00

So when Peta asked me to feed her and Jarrod for the Melbourne to Warrnambool, I readily accepted. That was 2 days before the 24 hr mtb race, AND before our long trip home from Canberra AND before cramming a week's work into 3 days for the second week in a row. I had also not bothered to check the weather forecast for that weekend....BIG mistake. Call me a glutton for punishment!!!

Set the alarm for 2.30am and hit the pillow at 9.00pm on Friday night. Woke at 11.00pm to a phone call from Peta checking to see if we were still coming. Maybe she was secretly hoping that we'd changed our minds and she could have a sleep in. Up and on the road before 4.00am, arrived at the Werribee Racecourse just after 6.00am. It was absolutely freezing and I couldn't believe that all these lycra clad idiots were going to jump on their bikes for 260km in the cold howling wind. The race started on time and we made our way to the first feed station at the 82k mark at Inverleigh. Peta was well positioned in the main peloton and happily chatting to anyone that would listen to her.

Getting to the second feed station was an absolute nightmare. I wanted to turn right just out of Inverleigh but missed the turn as a heap of motorbike scouts came past at the same time and I didn't see the sign. Sat on 20k/hr for a few k before I was able to take the next right turn. I seemed to travel forever down a dirt road before hitting bitumen again and headed towards Cressy. Came up to the Hamilton Hwy and was stopped by the police and a scout. They weren't letting anyone through as the head police vehicle had gone through which meant the riders were coming. Funny thing though, we could see a couple of k down the road and there was no signs of bikes. After pulling the crocodile tear act they decided to let me through but refused to let the dozen or so cars behind me through. Needless to say, there were some very irate people sitting there with feed bags that they couldn't get to their riders. I got to Lismore and had to wait almost an hour before the first cyclists came through so I thought that maybe the road closures were based on the estimated time of arrivals from the original mocka....but this was not your average day as the cyclists were battling strong head and crosswinds.

Peta rolled in a bit behind the peloton and called it a day. It was always going to be a tough call to back up after the 24hr the week before and the grueling conditions didn't help. Her knee was playing up and 150k in those conditions was good enough in my books. I was more than happy not to have to drive on down to Warrnambool and was looking forward to a good steak sanga and a chocolate milkshake anyway. The race was described by many as the toughest conditions ever....not too sure about that but it was definitely tough out there!!!

Will we go back??? It's a damn long way and I hate point to point races with a vengeance. There is so much organising involved in getting transport for the cyclists to the end point. I prefer the Bay Crit Series and races like the Scotty's Race. But at the top of my list at the moment is definitely the mountain bike racing. The people are friendly, the venues are great and overall it is just a lot more relaxing than sitting in a car all day following the car in front and stressing because you can't get to the feed station just to watch them whiz past.

Mission Accomplished!

2010-10-12T02:58:00.000-07:00

What a weekend!!! I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed an event as much as that one. For the last 10 years I have carted Peta all across the country to club races, state titles and national and international events and nothing compares to this. It's Tuesday now and I'm still on a high.

Now I have to be honest and say that I really don't know much about bikes mechanically. On Friday, Peta told me that there had been a few comments about her doing the race on a hard-tail and not a dually. I had to have the difference explained to me...that was when I started having some concerns about her getting around for 24 hours. Not to worry, Peta told me that if Jason English could do his first 2 24 hrs on a hard-tail....she could too.

We set up the pit on Saturday morning before the race and all I kept wondering was if I had everything that I would need. I kept sneaking a look into everyone else's tents to see if they looked similar to mine and started to feel a bit better about it all. The start was madness, I had no idea what I was doing and one of the guys next to me explained that she would just run and grab the bike and take off. It was scary watching them come at us....there were a few that took tumbles but I don't think that anyone was seriously hurt.

All went well for the first few times through pit lane, we changed bikes over at the end of lap 6 and she was set up with enough lighting to see her through till about 3am. I saw Jarrod come charging into the pit area at the end of lap 7 and couldn't believe that she had punctured a tubeless. She had rimmed it for the last 5k into the pits and sat and had a feed while Jarrod repaired it because we hadn't set up the other bike with lights. All ran smoothly until lap 11 when she took a big stack. Peta came in quite emotional having descended with no lights after they had been damaged in the crash. Jarrod was out on the bike in the team event and the lovely pit crew of Linden Bleijie came to the rescue and taped her light back onto the bike while I repaired a snapped seat. Everyone kept telling me that she would feel better once the sun rose. She was out on a lap with the sun rising when a lone piper began playing just as she neared him. Peta told me that it was a beautiful moment and you really had to be there to experience it. Daylight came and with it a new lease on life. Peta managed to pump out the 1st and 4th fastest laps in the women's for Sunday morning.

At the end of the day I looked at my pit and realised that I must have taken a truck load of stuff with me. I have enough jelly snakes to keep me going for a while, the grandkids will love them! I will now go away and make some notes of what worked and what didn't. Who knows....maybe she may do another one day.

I experienced most range of emotions throughout not only the 24 hours of racing but also the 6 hrs leading up to it and those following. It's been many years since I pulled an all nighter and I really thought that I would struggle through it. It's pretty hard to fall asleep though when there is so much going on, the no-doze helped as well.

Who said I only had to stay awake for 24 hrs??? More like 40 hrs!!!

I am so proud of Peta and what she achieved. If she asked me to pit crew for her again I would do it in a heartbeat. I feel very lucky to have been able to share in the experience with not just her, but also the other 400+ riders and their pit crews. I met some wonderful people over the last few days and it heartens me to see the encouragement and support between the athletes themselves. It was a weekend that I won't forget for a long time and I will treasure the memories forever.

ps....she did finish with a smile on her face.....mission accomplished :)

Preparing for our first 24 hr race.......

2010-09-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I thought that at this time I'd be preparing to head off to Geelong to watch Peta race at World road champs or be worrying about her going to India for the Commonwealth Games. Instead, here I am getting ready to head to Canberra to be her pit crew manager for the 24 hr World Mtb Champs. So how did we get here???? Good question....one I have asked myself many times over the last couple of months.

Peta and I have embarked on many adventures over the years.....athletics, cross-country running, mountain running, triathlon, track cycling, road cycling and now it is the mountain bike. As a mother to active children, I was always in the car racking up the k's going from one event to another. There was always the baking spree in the days leading up to trip away. Pack the car, make sure they had all their gear and off we would go. It was as easy as that....lol. Peta progressed and made her way into the VIS and the AIS and I no longer had to worry about feeding her and making sure she had everything, that was the job of the coaches and the staff. I rather enjoyed just turning up to watch her race, it was relaxing.

Peta did a couple of stints in Europe with the AIS women's road squad before deciding that she really wasn't keen to be based overseas for a majority of the year. She got herself a job in retail and has worked hard to move up into management. Now pulling a 50-60 hr work week on average, she has found it difficult to put in long hours on the bike. That hasn't dampened her enthusiasm though. When she was offered the chance to compete at this event, she jumped at it...she loves a challenge!

So why then would I offer to be her pit crew manager???? Probably because she is my daughter and I love embarking on new journeys with her. Here I am though, less than 2 weeks from the event and I still have no idea of what I'm doing. I've made out several lists of what I think I'll need, and those lists just keep on growing. I'm excited, but stressed at the same time! I'm dreading it, but wishing it was time to start already!

This will be a whole new adventure for both of us, one that I hope we can both learn from. As it is Peta's first 24 hr there is no expectations on her. We hope that she can ride for most of the 24 hrs and finish with her trademark smile on her face :-)

So if any of you have any last minute tips for us....we'd sure appreciate them!!!

Grand Ridge Rail Trail (Mirboo North - Boolarra)

2010-09-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Stopped at Mirboo North to check out the 'Grand Ridge' rail trail in the Strezlecki Ranges in Gippsland. And couldn't resist several single tracks beside the Rail Trail. The entire length of Rail Trail travelled through a post-fire landscape of black & green, with the rainforest regenerating from January 2009 Delburn Complex bushfires. Two bridges along the trail were completely destroyed, so had to carry bikes to cross creeks, but construction of two steel arch span bridges will begin soon.

Length: 13km each way
Surface : smooth gravel
Grade: Moderate climb up to Mirboo North
PS. my spring time lily white legs don't look to good on 'Humpty Dumpty' vision.

Nowa Nowa MTB park

2010-09-21T00:07:00.000-07:00

Spent the day in the bush, around Nowa Nowa Mountain Bike park, in East Gippsland.
Was fun ...

Tarra Rail Trail - Yarram to Port Albert

2010-09-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

The former railway line from Yarram station to Alberton, is a flat ride on smooth gravel through cattle grazing area. At present the Rail Trail ends at Alberton (Future plans include the trail to continue to Port Albert). We then rode along the main road for 6km to Port Albert, Gippsland's oldest Port established in 1841. We returned via The Nooramunga Marine Park and The Old Port Walking Trail, 6km through beautiful coastal vegetation to the site of the region’s first settlement
- warmed up on the BMX track adjacent to the Yarram Station
- Ventured past magpie protected territory, much to hubbies amusement
Port Albert is renowned for its award-winning Wharf Fish & Chip Shop

Tyers Junction Rail Trail (Tyers Valley tramway)

2010-08-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

We travelled towards Erica from Moe, and parked the car on the right (on the main Rd) adjacent to the Telbit Rd/Caringal Scout Camp sign. Access to the trail is on the left just after the houses. Trail was a little wet in patches due to recent rain but it was a beautiful ride through bush & rainforest with some spectacular fern gullies. Few fallen trees across the trail were easily negotiated, and trail is a little overgrown in places (but still rideable)
Tyers Valley Tramway was a logging line (line closed 1950)

Distance- 10 km
Surface- Dirt

Sunday Tip Run

2010-08-23T03:46:00.000-07:00

I was given directions to a few trails by a friend, it was a little unusual for me to not plan the ride and scrutinise maps in finest detail but she did say it was impossible to get lost. We rode out to check out a closed bridge, and on our return it did take us a little time to find the singletrack (found out later we had parked directly adjacent) but searching for a trail is the other half of MTB fun (after the half for getting lost). Tracks are co-used by motorbikes, so next time I'll ride these trails midweek.

Learning from experience

2010-08-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

All I ever wanted to do was ride around the local rolling hill trails without stopping. Thanks to a little fitness and some friendly guidance from my ridding buddy, I now manage to spin up most of the climbs (lot of granny gear) and even happy standing on the pedals to keep momentum. I may not know all about bikes (haven’t even fixed a flat) or boast that I mountain bike properly, but I have come to the thinking, it might be best to let the learning happen naturally. Rather than trying to process to much information. So I have decided from now on I'm just going to enjoy the bike & the buddy I ride with and value learning from experience.

Holey Hill Fire Lookout loop

2010-08-08T01:54:00.000-07:00

a fire lookout tower implies one thing ..... uphell.
We took the MTB out to Holey Plains State Park (near Rosedale,Victoria) & rode from Harrier Swamp camp grounds to Holey Hill (the highest point in the park at 218m). We chucked in a lap of a pine plantation on the way for good measure. The 17km (10.5mi) ride to the lookout was over mostly smooth sandy gravel tracks & included 356m (1170 ft) of climbing over undulating terrain. We did manage to access a view from the lower rungs of the tower.

note- Named Holey Plain because of the numerous yabby holes in the lower land

‘Blores Hill MTB park’ & the Dippers

2010-08-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

after reading local MTB clubs 4 Hour Enduro Race Report (& claiming Blores Hill as one of the districts favourite riding spots) We decided to head to Lake Glenmaggie in eastern Victoria (a place where I spent a lot of my childhood ) and check out ‘Blores Hill MTB park‘.
It Truly was an amazing experience. Endless flowing single trails thru undulating natural Aussie bush land. Among the eucalypts we also passed some unusual fauna, like an old bike stuck in a stump, pile of bones, shoes, and troll doll. The 17km of trail that I travelled was easy apart from the following moderate obstacles...
1- I mustered up the courage (like throwing oneself off a cliff courage) and negotiated a dipper
2- Also managed the plank over the tree trunk,
3- rode thru the V tree on the 2nd pass,
4- and got air on a few log jumps.
Thankfully the weather was fine (So wasn’t any mud to wash off the bikes). The trails are shared use with walkers but we only saw one other cyclist during the couple of hours ride.

Little River

2010-07-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

Cold water was not enough to deter a planned ride along some creek crossing trails. Middle creek is a small stream that runs beside Upper Middle Creek Road (Yinnar South Vic) & we peacefully meandered through the bush & open countryside. Several trails enter from the road & we found six creek crossings. I found it difficult to ride the crossings due to slippery rocky/gravel river bed, so I mostly walked through & got wet, although I did almost make it across on one attempt, just wetting my big toe. (I also ended up sitting in the creek on another, and yes it was cold). Creek apparently contains eels and spiny freshwater crayfish, so I wasn’t to keen to spend too much time in the water. Also headed up to a forest Plantation & logging coupes with great views of Strezlecki ranges, couldn’t enjoy the damp, slippery & steep single trail back down but really enjoyed the Creek Crossings.

Walhalla Goldfields Rail Trail (Thomson to Erica 9km)

2010-07-21T00:58:00.000-07:00

Erica was once the highest stop on the Moe to Walhalla narrow gauge railway (given a choice I like to start with an uphill battle and enjoy downhill return) so we started from Thomson Station near Thomson River Bridge, 4km before the historic Walhalla Township.

Thomson to Erica Rail Trail (line opened in 1910)
    Distance : 9km
    Surface: gravel, earth,
    Gradient: Moderate uphill and downhill riding

Access to Rail Trail at Thomson is via a narrow side track at the end of the Station yard.300m along trail there is a goat track around half dismantled old trestle bridge frame (this track can be very slippery after rain). The rail trail follows Thomson River on a continuous climb through heavily mountainous terrain. At Cooper’s Creek bridge we headed down a Steep decent to the river to see the Horseshoe Tunnel outlet (man made diversion blasted through sheer rock face used for gold extraction) Then rode along some single trail and dry riverbed around to see the tunnel inlet. Back on the rail trail we travelled under Coopers Creek bridge, passed a local walking group at Platina platform site, and continued to climb around and up to main road crossing, then downhill through deep cuttings to Jacobs Creek and up to finish at Erica station site (next to caravan park)
NOTES
mobile phones are unreliable

Bass Coast Rail Trail (the only coastal rail trail in Victoria)

2010-07-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

former Wonthaggi rail line opened in 1910 to service the Coal fields. Now preserved as Bass Coast Rail Trail 16km from Wonthaggi to Anderson. Much of the history of Bass Coast region of Victoria has its roots in the coal industry, Locals suggested to start along East Area path at State Coal Mine Historic Reserve (down Cape Paterson Rd turn right into Garden St) East cycling path joins Rail Trail at Old Wonthaggi Rail Station (in Murray Street) and headed of north west against a strong wind (can see why the area is also popular with hang-gliders) And meanders through farmland and along coastal bushland crossing the famous Bourne Creek Trestle Bridge with wonderful coastline scenery.

Surface- Fine packed gravel
Terrain - undulating w/ moderate climb when travelling west to Anderson car park.
Trail ends at old Anderson railway site on Bass Highway (roundabout to Phillip Is)
(named after the Anderson brothers one of the first Europeans to settle in the area)
Notes
- dogs on leads are only permitted from Wonthaggi Railway Station to Lower Powlett Road Wonthaggi.
- State Coal Mine, Garden Street, Wonthaggi offers above ground tours

The inherent dangers of MTB

2010-07-15T04:47:00.000-07:00

Still recovering with wrist strain from last fall. Sad part is that this most recent fall occurred on a rail trail. I acknowledge the inherent risks, but that risk is not so great that the MTB should be hung up. Hope the Cycling gods smile this coming weekend in the direction of the Bass Coast Rail Trail.

(Falls Compilation video clip)

Wirilda/Tyers Park loop (Hills Ride)

2010-07-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Push bike ride out at Wirilda Environment Park, where 'push' became the prominent word with mix between walking the bike and cycling up some hills. Started at picnic area on the banks of the Tyers River near the water pumping station. From there accessed surrounding gravel roads only used by local farmers, so great for quiet hassle free pedal. This loop ventured onto some of the gravel roads (no cars) in Tyers State Park (access via bike lift over gate) making for some interesting roller-coaster cycling, holding onto both breaks and dear life on the descents. Stopped at the top of the steeper slopes to let the heart rate drop & enjoy the view. The scenery was a good distraction from the pain, but it was the Toughest hour I've spent with the bike .....

Notes
Distance - 10.2km
Highest point- 230m
Maximum incline- 18%
Elevation- 341m

May just stick to 11km Wirilda Park loop & not venture into Tyers Park

Moe-Yallourn Rail trail

2010-07-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

former rail line (opened 1953) serviced Victoria’s first power station established in 1924. We started the 8km (5miles) trail from the Yallourn Power Station BBQ area in the shadow of the large cooling towers and meandered along the trail to Moe, enjoying farm land & mountain views. Finished shortly after crossing the old rail bridge at Moe Botanical Gardens

Notes
picnic tables and BBQ area at both ends
No gates to open
detour via side tracks for views of man-made Lake Narracan
Dogs are allowed but best kept on a leash

Visit www.railtrails.com.au for more info on this trail

Forward speed + front wheel stop = over the bars (Boob plant)

2010-07-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

   First spin out in the bush on the new beast ...yep... over the handlebars. I didn't seem to be going fast enough but apparently I hadn't exerted enough arms and legs force to stop the forward momentum that carried me over the handlebars ending in what I call a Boob plant.
   Practiced moving back my weight (of which there is a lot, let's just say a wee bit heavier than the bike) and learnt to clip and unclip the pedals and mastered the art of jumping the kerb.
   All this should assist me in avoiding any more nasty accidents ...lol .... I did manage to stay upright on my first night ride (need better lights before I go out on the trails in the dark though)

Been picking up a lot of pointers from Jess & Norm Douglas at MTB skills.Com

We're back

2010-07-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

Sunday Mountain Bike time,

2010-07-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

....for that I need a MTB (I won't dispose of the hybrid but it will stay in the shed for a while). Daughter Peta had suggested I check out moronis bikes. So with the chance to catch up with her, we headed off to Bendigo. Looked at a few bikes, but couldn't pass up a merida Matts xc (son's name is Matt so that had to be a good omen) for a great deal. Bike came with clip-in pedals & hubby convinced me to get MTB cleat shoes. I wasn't comfortable with dual sided clip-in pedals, but moronis bikes staff recommended I try a safer pedal with clip in on one side and flat on the other, they felt great & much easier to get in & out of. If you watch the new bike video, yes I did say I would do a 6 hour (husband wife catagory) but I will have to do a little more MTB'ing before that challenge.

Thanks to the staff at Moronis Bikes for great service.

Learned
- a six hour round trip to moronis bikes is worth it
- turn suspension off for uphill & on for downhill terrain.

New Bike

2010-07-05T14:59:00.001-07:00

Dodging puddles

2010-06-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

Ruts are just evil things. If my tire or pedal hits the side wall.... I tend to crash. But although challenging, rutted trails are a lot of fun..... when wet

Headed to a gnarly rutted motorcycle trail, with plenty of ruts & potholes. And following heavy rain all had turned to large mud puddles.

Riding around the ruts is probably the safest option. On the other hand, Straight down the middle with conviction and bit of speed is much more fun.

Ride highlights

Post ride notes
- involuntarily dismounted a couple of times
- little tender on left ankle
- no bike damage