Mansfield to Bonnie Doon rail trail

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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.