GVRT: Mansfield to Yea
Day 1: Mansfield to Yea 85 kms
Ray keeps saying "it's a rail trail, how hard can it be?" Ok, there are no steep gradients, but there are some very long ones. We went up about 700 metres today (I'm sure Ray will give you the exact figure).
Just over the highest point of the trail, about 40 kms along, I just had to stop for some sustenance. So we stood in the shade (nowhere to sit) and had the usual biscuits and cheese. About 50m further was a covered picnic table. If only they could put up a sign.
We came across a horse rider, who thought it was too hot for cycling (27 max) but I replied, "it's ok, we're from QLD". We then came across an echidna who didn't say anything. It did get pretty warm riding up them thar hills, so I was looking forward to a swim in the motel pool. Unfortunately it hasn't opened for the season yet.
Luckily we stopped for an ice-cream on the way to the motel. We had been fantasising about ice-cream for the last 20 kms, as we thought we could buy some in the last village before Yea. Turns out the village consisted of an old railway siding.
After a hot shower I feel almost human again. Ready to do the same tomorrow, although it might be raining. How hard can it be? It's only a rail trail.
Pics
An artwork which is actual working mobile phone tower. What was not captured was the bit which was sticking our of the ground nearby, which looked more like a mobile phone transponder.
Dimply hills
Gnarly trees
Bald Hill or One Tree Hill?
How now Black Cow.
Lake Eildon. Hopefully we'll be able to show you a shot of the 300 metre bridge later.
They've arrived! Thousands of alien space pods about to break open and invade us. You were warned.
Remnants of hope
A common sight on the trail. Like the Egyptians when they built the pyramids, they left behind food and equipment for their pharohs for the afterlife. I can imagine old cyclists coming back and jumping on one of these things, pedalling into the ether. You're spoil for choice as they are distributed all along the trial.
The sight of a cutting is often a beautiful sight. If you see one coming up a hill chances are that this the top of the hill. Otherwise it is a gateway to a long downhill.
Work 1. Frog
Work 2. Some bullshit lucky charm or something. Not sure how they were connected.
A.L.F. s up close. Spooky
More art, this time scarring in recognition of the creation of indigenous canoes.
There are quite a few of these.
A Train
The Goulburn River
A Small Echidna was having a feast on some of the ants on the path. So cute! Mind you, we have been playing our part in getting rid of ants on the trail. We must have ridden over thousands of them. It does not appear to be affecting the number of ants though - they are everywhere.
Cheviot Tunnel one of the highlights of the day's ride. It over 200 mts long.
Built more than 150 years ago not a crack in this brickwork. Best of luck building something that long lasting today.
Yea Wetland and Mozzie Centre
Dodging the mozzies, Brenda was able to stay still long enough to get this
Ride Notes
- It's a rail trail
- Pretty good gravel surface pretty much the whole way
- A bit of art along the way helps to keep it interesting