Bright holds several bike events each year for road cycling enthusiasts and mountain bikers. The town is a popular all-year-round destination for tourists with an extensive list of things to do in and around the area like fishing, horse riding, dirt-bike riding, four-wheel-driving, paragliding and importantly bike riding as well as much more. This afternoon Paul and I hired eBikes and took the 16 km Great Valley Trail that completes a 27 kilometre link between Harrietville and Bright, and extendin. The 4am ascent should be stunning and the sunrise descent a delight. 2. A guide to the best bikepacking and bicycle-touring routes in Victoria. Just looked at the Strava times and my 2 hours doesnt look too flash in comparison, though I passed a few people on the way and I was happy with it. As stated the 24km from Bright is an excellent warmup with an average +1% gradient before the real climbing starts in earnest from Harrietville. Hotham is among Victorias most iconic cycling climbs. A theme by CSSIgniter.com - Powered by WordPress, Large, clean rooms, a nice big radiator to dry your wet gear and a pub thats easy to get comfortable in. Fog was hanging in the valleys. What a jam packed Friday we have tonight. The retreat offers a range of rooms catering for twin shares or large groups. One last super fantastic burrito at the Rail Trail Cafe in porepunkah and onwards over the pass towards falls Creek I went. Door to door service for family groups staying on Mt Hotham or Dinner Plain. What:challenging climbs, fast descents, temperate rainforest, farmland, Yarra River, small towns, gourmet food & wine, Where:Ruffy Highlands, Strathbogie Tablelands, Euroacentral Victoria. In the same year Harrietville became a resting place for those heading for the Omeo, Dargo and Glen Wills goldfields. I really hope Im as fit as him when Im his age. The Strava segment for the Mt. Congrats Chelsea, awesome effort! The Great Valley Trail proposed alignment (Bright to Harrietville) is out for public comment. . Here's where to hike, eat, and stay in Victoria's Harrietville & Mt Beauty. The views are great and its an epic climb. As of 21/2/2018, almost the entire false flat section has been resurfaced with what I can only assume is the finished seal given the bright new alpine orange line markings. For those who like to relax, there is a good variety of touristy shops, cafes, restaurants, a local brewery and several wineries in the area. It has an average gradient of 4.2 percent but don't be deceived; there are several parts of the climb the pitch up to more than 10 percent. For those looking for a flatter scenic ride, the 48km-return ride to Bright from Harrietville along the Great Alpine Road is an enjoyable sprint. 320 km or 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne. This year 5 of the 7 peaks have been climbed riding the Peugeot. In one place about a third of the way up. Please check your email for further instructions. Your day - Your Way All our guests of the King Valley go away with memories and definitely want to return. Ventoux from Bedoin has a section of just under 10kms at an average of almost 10% with not a flat ramp to be seen, brutal! Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6edaf848e6a4f7b6fdbe7f5b63f6934" );document.getElementById("dbaaa3f9ae").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With stunning views of the valley below this is a great place for a brief rest should you feel the need. Having said that, Hotham is amazing and the true climbing highlight (along with the Mt Beauty side of falls) of Australian cycling, iconic, scenic and massive, a cycling must-do for anyone who loves riding their bike. The rolling ride along the Tambo is quite scenic, and there are a number of opportunities to bush camp or go for a swim along here. Melbourne to Dinner Plain (snow season only) Via Southern Cross station, Melbourne Airport, Wangaratta station, Myrtleford, Bright, Harrietville, Mount Hotham. At the 28.3km mark the going gets a little tougher as you come across another section that is steep enough to warrant its own name: the Diamantina. One such hairpin comes at the 4.5km mark as the road bends sharply, and at an increased gradient, around to the right. I rode down first 1hr, then up 2hr2 mins. Completed Hotham over Easter for the first time. Mt. October is definitely the biggest month in the official cycling calendar with events including the 7 Peaks Ride and the Ned Kelly Chase. Be aware that it can be cold, wet and windy at any time of year in the high mountains. I havent climbed it in winter but I imagine the traffic would be considerably heavier. These were the last two fine days before the weather changed to winter. This region is worth lingering in due to the number of things you can do there. Scenery was great, but a cafe at the top would have been a real bonus. The stunning ascent of Mt. Very cyclist friendly with bike racks and plenty of room to relax in comfort with a great coffee and some reasonably priced food. Relax with a full flavoured craft beer, either outside on the Hop Terrace looking over the riverside parkland or, Alpine Classic Bright (Victoria, Australia). The ascent of Mt. Operated by Public Transport Victoria, the Bright to Harrietville bus service departs from Alpine Hotel/Anderson St and arrives in Pioneer Park/Great Alpine Rd. Thanks for your site, I am reading this looking forward to returning to Hotham soon, thanks for the inspiration. All my life I have been a cycle tourer (with panniers), usually in France, but after moving to NE Victoria I have been cycling up some of the local climbs, Buffalo being my favourite. For those who want to hit the incredible cross-country and downhill mountain bike trails in Bright, the offer high-performance dual suspension MTBs for those who want to ride like a pro. I rode Buffalo on Wednesday after riding Dinner Plain on Tuesday, and the views on both rides were amazing. I mean, the roads are not really cyclist AND car friendly Thanks much, After descending onto the Mt. about 75% is on a bike path. Thank you we will be sending an email with more info very soon! The worst part of the Mount Hotham climb I have found when there is little or no wind is the flies which can be a real nuisance especially if one happens swallow them. The Mt. Bright Electric Bikes are located on the main road in Bright and offer a range of electric bikes. Hothams final 11km come as a rather rude shock. Your email address will not be published. After 400m of steeper climbing the road flattens out again and a more pedestrian grade is maintained for the next 700m. Super glad Ive done it, though. Sights to visit along the way include: Gunadoo Berries If you have any questions, please call Dysons Bairnsdale during business hours (9am-5pm) on 03 5152 1711 From the end of the false-flat at the Buckland Gate the road kicks to around 7-8% as it passes a rather accurate sign: Steep Climb Engage Low Gear. A guide to some of the best bicycle touring in Victoria, Australia, featuring a wide variety of multi-day bike rides. The Meg, CRB Hill and Diamantina Hill were nasty, but the rest of the climb was quite manageable. The challenge of Audax is all about personal achievement in non-competitive long distance rides with fellow cyclists. In Victoria's high country, more than 225,000 people visit the Great Valley Trail every year, a 27-kilometre path linking Bright to Harrietville that is popular with cyclists. The trip was organised by one of the guys who I've met through Croydon Cycleworks and they have been going for a few years now. If on reading this post cyclists feel that by reaching the Chalet theyre done for the day and have seen it all then really theyre missing out. Rode up Hotham for the first time in over a year doing the 3 Peaks event and I have to agree with ANTO the new road surface is rough, lumpy, bumpy and dead. Both these ascents of Mount Hotham were from Harrietville without a warm up. You can take a long-weekend or more to, Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park is located at Falls Creek ski resort in the Victorian Alps approx. This steeper grade is maintaned for ar0und 400m before things flatten out to a comparatively pleasant 6%. Last year I climbed all 7 peaks and so far this year I have climbed the 7 peaks twice with the exception of Dinner Plain and Mount Baw Baw. I set off from Bright at 4AM with a couple of hundred other riders. Not content to Finnish at the chalet, onwards I went towards my pre determined goal of the saddle.Up past Dingos I rode, this was where it realy started to get cold and it was where I began to feel the effects of limited oxygen from the altitude (somthing not so noticeable on Buller). Go Bill. Walk, cycle, ski or snowboard on a holiday in and around Harrietville, the gateway village to the stunning Alpine National Park. Your email address will not be published. After another steep left-hand hairpin and around 7.6km of climbing the road flattens out considerably into a false flat. Cazz Redding, a town . Disclaimer:should you choose to cycle this route, you do so at your own risk. Buffalo plateau. Climbed many passes in Europe and every one of them offers refreshments. PURCHASE A GIFT VOUCHER TODAY JUST SEND AN EMAIL TO ORGANISE Buffalo National Park tollbooth, located around 6km from the intersection of the Mt. The top section is very exposed and would be extremely unpleasant/dangerous in bad weather. Kerri has also recently completed the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail. As tough as any of the mythical Tour climbs such as Ventoux . The Climbing Cyclist website has a detailed breakdown of the climb. The diversion to Bright was not without its benefits - there are a lot of choices of places . At one point 348 reefs were officially registered. After some time I found a rhythm, the false flat was a welcome change hitting speeds in excess of 30km h. Length: 30.8kmAverage gradient: 4.2%Elevation gain:1,279m. Cyclists coming from Melbourne are best advised to take the Hume Freeway (M31) to Wangaratta before turning east onto the Great Alpine Road (B500). After 800m and a sharp right-hand bend, the road starts to flatten out as lush alpine forest surrounds the road. The 200 km route takes the rider to Falls Creek and back and then a return trip to Mount Buffalo . Still struggling to warm up, on I climbed and before I new it I found my self topping out, decending onto the plateu landing me pretty quickly at the turn to the chalet, the first mile stone was met. The ride can be divided roughly into three sections: Wangaratta to Harrietville (102km)-this mainly flat ride takes you through the Ovens Valley, past the towns of Myrtleford, Bright and Harrietville. Road riding around Bright is just a matter of picking a road and heading off, but some of the recognised ride loops include: - Wandiligong (14 km return) - Harrietville (48 km return) - Buckland Valley (38 km return) - Mount Buffalo (84 km return) Road Riding Events Travelling Australia in my converted Sprinter van.Watch the latest video from Vanlife Shots (@vanlife.shots). Expansive views of the Australian Alps burst forth as you rise above the alpine ash and snow gum forests to the high peaks of the Alpine National Park, passing the iconic landscapes of The Razorback and Mount Feathertop. Great views and the ride down is all part of the reward for your efforts. Ive climbed Hotham in summer, spring and autumn and theyve all been fine. The most famous is the Alpine Classic road bike race which is held on the Australia Day long weekend. After 6.2km youll face another steep and very tight left-hand hairpin after which the road continues to follow the ridge line with breathtaking views possible to the right of the road. Cycling: The Audax Alpine Classic cycle event is run every Australia Day weekend by Audax Australia with over 2000 cyclists descending on Bright. Free private parking is available. The Mt. The first 10 kms are quite challenging at 6% for the first 5 kms and 7% for the second; The Meg is particularly steep and challenging and will surely get you out of the saddle. The long steep climbs of the Victorian High Country have become synonymous with Australian road cycling, playing host to annual events like the Alpine Classic and the Peaks Challenge and, each summer, attracting pedaling pilgrims to complete the 7 Peaks Challenge a self-paced program of seven rides that take cyclists on some of the most challenging but rewarding road rides in the country. The next 1.4 kms had me reaching to the deepest point of mental strength to continue without stopping for a break. Im thinking of doing this climb in July in the middle of the snow season. The gently undulating trail follows the Ovens River and explores the beautiful valley between Bright and Harrietville. I climbed Mt Hotham for the first time on Sunday. Give it a shot! Hoys Harrietville Ski Centre Wind your way through eucalypts, along the river and through the spectacular valley to arrive in Harrietville where you can find refreshments. I hear you Mike! The good news is that you'll be treated to some amazing views, and once you reach Hotham Village there is a fair bit of downhill to the town of Omeo. It is popular with families with kids of all ages, people looking for a romantic escape, sporting enthusiasts and pretty much anyone really. The gently undulating trail follows the Ovens River and explores the beautiful valley between Bright and Harrietville. It is one of the most affordable ways to get to the Mount Hotham Mountain Resort. Hoys only book clean, well maintained, professional coaches & taxis with expert, friendly, hazardous endorsed licenced drivers that know the Mt Hotham road. With its formidable length and unforgettable moon-like summit, the ascent of Mt. Also, I could not find a sandwich on the mountain! After a year or so, it was those brakes on descending that sent me off to buy a new road bike. Surface:95% sealed (though a bit choppy). CRB Hill ends at Renes Lookout as the road flattens off quite noticeably. Buffalo can be attempted from Bright for a 70km return trip or, for a more serious days climbing, nearby climbs like the Tawonga Gap can be added. PS. This may seem like stating the very obvious but if you plan to ride back to Harrietville after the climb; the roll downs to the Hull Skier Bridge, the Diamantina and the CRB Hill turn into short but sharp climbs. WebAbout Key Breakout Edu Zombie Answer. CYCLING IN HARRIETVILLE Whether you're after a relaxing ride on the bike path or a challenging mountain road climb, Harrietville has the best of both. This is a great site. And the road crews have done a great job IMHO fixing it up. Ive done Arthurs Seat, all major climbs around Canberra and Mt Buffalo, and this climb far exceeded all of these climbs. Just completed this ride and can confirm it is by far the most difficult ride I have ever done. Your descriptions are fantastic and help gauge whether Im up to it. Harrietville Cycling (Victorian Alps) . Matt, superb site. . For all bus and taxi bookings or information on chains, resort entry, and security car parking off mountain -. V-lineruns three train services a day between Melbourne and Albury (which stops at Wangaratta) and three services a day between Bairnsdale and Melbourne. Immerse yourself in the history and vibrant hues of Walhalla. Remaining almost flat for the best part of 2km the road snakes its way through lush eucalyptus forest and a thick covering of native ferns.
Buffalo Chalet. Buffalo climb can be found here. I am a cyclist that does ride around hilly terrains, having ridden lake mountain, buffalo, tawonga etc. Note to anyone taking it on for the first time use a compact a 53/39 like Im running is just brutal.
Taking the rail trail cuts out a couple of climbs and avoids traffic-this last section to Bairnsdale is the busiest of the whole ride. It seemed to stretch slightly different calf muscles on me. Rough, lumpy, gravelly, sharp (I puncturedtwice) not at all bike friendly, particularly the descent. Onwards I continued taking it fairly easy, spinning my way through the lower sections, slowly gaining elevation as I went. Please check your email for further instructions. The range includes electric bikes ideal for rail trail riding with ranges of 90 120 kms on a single battery. Arrived in Harrietville hands aching from modulating the brakes all of the way down and shaking from the wind chill but warmed up again returning back to Bright. Buffalo plateau take a left-hand turn and climb the last couple kilometres to the Mt. Another 2.8km further up the road 11km from the start of the climb the road flattens out dramatically, signalling the start of the climbs second section a 9km false-flat. On Buffalo that is the Horn not the Chalet. We recognise the ancient and continuing presence of the First Peoples on these lands and their important role as caretakers of these Countries. I stopped a few time to take photos but rode continuously from the 11k mark (Mackey Lockout) to the Chalet. Any tips regarding it? Lake Mountain is next but not until my muscles recover from walking up Mt Bogong yesterday now that makes cycling feel easy. With the road now clinging to the ridge line, terrific views are possible on both sides of the road for most of the remaining climb. If you are looking forward to fantastic scenery and amazing views, you neednt wait long: the fun begins as early as the 1.5km mark with The Gorge on the right-hand side of the road. The Great Valley Trail is a new family friendly shared cycle trail between Bright and Harrietville. While in Harrietville, riders can also complete the Omeo to Dinner Plain leg of 7 Peaks, which crosses to the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Please check your entries and try again. But your website encouraged me at 63 at long last to get a road bike this spring. I climbed Mt Hotham in the dark on Australia Day as part of the ACE250. , then also just before Hotham legs were SPENT, nothing left. I did this ride on 27 December 2013. Proudly powered by WordPress. Generous covered luggage storage perfect for large groups with all provisions and ski gear. Due to good ride length some challenging sections and awesome views. It is one of the best mountain bike parks in Australia with over 50 kms of trails for all levels (beginner to double-black diamond) with a massive vertical drop of 800 m. The trails comprise of hand-built, The Murray to Mountains rail trails are located in North Eastern Victoria (250 km from Melbourne) and consist of 3 sections with a total distance of 116 km. I reached Harrietville at about 5AM and started climbing. The trail is flat and fully sealed, suitable for both road bikes and mountain bikes. Mystic Bike Park is becoming recognised as one of the best mountain bike parks in Victoria. Thanks for subscribing! I am a little frightened of heights. The trail follows the Ovens River and explores the beautiful valley between Bright and Harrietville. Can recommend it.