Day 5 Yea to Tallarook

Slept so well last night. Decided to wait for the tent to dry as I am probably not going to use it again in Australia. While I waited I sorted everything else out, breakfast, panniers etc. By the time it was dry and packed away it was 10.30, which left me just under 3 hours to get to the station in Tallarook to catch the 1.20 train to Melbourne. Google maps said it would take 2 hours 20 minutes to get there. So I had to put my foot down. Another sunny day, apart from the overnight lows the weather has been really good. The trail was undulating so speedy on the downhill and working hard on the up. Got to Tallarook with 20 minutes to spare, what a relief as it would have been a 2 hour wait for the next train. Another cycle trip finished, I would definately recommend The Great Victorian Rail Trail. 

Day 4 Mansfield to Yea

Wow it was cold last night, yahoo weather said it felt like 4c, it was actually 11c I don't understand how that can be so different especially if there is no wind. Anyway it was cold! Had to pack the tent away wet but it will dry pretty quickly when I put it back up. Gained an hour today, on the track relatively early. Took a while for the day to heat up but the sun was out and it got up to 21c. I guess it's true we Brits are obsessed with the weather. From Mansfield to Merton was pretty much downhill, very nice. Then a 8km slow climb. Then another downhill section to a relatively flat bit. I was starting to get tired at around 65km when I saw a little animal on the rail trail. As I got closer I saw it was a koala! I have been looking up in trees since my trip along the great ocean road hoping to see one in the wild. So happy to see one walking on the ground, I was so happy it made my eyes water. Which in turn gave me more energy to get up the hill to cheviot tunnel. From there it was all down hill to Yea. 85km and just over 5.5 hours of cycling. I am going to sleep well tonight. 

Day 3 Alexandra to Mansfield

Up pretty early as wanted to get to Mansfield today. The rail trail was busy with riders doing an organised rotary club ride. Nice to see so many people cycling. Was back on the main trail within an hour, then began the slow climb for 15 km, it does tire you out a bit and I felt it in my legs! I decided to listen to some music on my iPod and my little speaker, always good to keep the tempo going. When I got to the highest point on the trail I stopped at a picnic bench for lunch. Nachos and Moroccan pumpkin dip, tasty. Another sunny warm day, did get a bit windy later in the day. Was excited to cross over Eildon Lake but unfortunately there was no water in it! They really do need some rain here. Was tired by the time I got into Mansfield, 77km and 5 hours of cycling. Was hungry too so got the tent up as quickly as possible. Showered and then a delicious tea of four beans, vegetables and cous cous. In bed by 9, the clocks go back overnight so will get an extra hour. Super duper.

Day 2 Yea to Alexandra

A slow start this morning, it was too cold to get out of my sleeping bag. Back on the trail by 10. Was a slow climb up to Chevoit Tunnel. I have included a picture of the information board as its rather interesting the history of how it was built. Pretty long at over 200 metres. Another nice day for cycling weather wise around 21c with the occasional cloud for a bit of shade. Decided to do the spur of the main rail trail that goes to Alexandra, some beautiful views over the valley before cycling down the hill. Today was a bit hilly well they we long slow hills. Tomorrow I will back track to the main rail trail and there will be a bit of a climb out of Alexandra. That will keep my legs toned! 

Day 1 The Great Victorian Rail Trail Tallarook to Yea

I thought I was finished with cycling in Australia but couldn't resist just one more trip before packing my bike away. Then I  am going to spend my last month in Australia doing a bit of rail travel. I decided to do the longest rail trail in Victoria, 134km and because it will be a return trip to get back to the train station it will be 268km. The good thing about rail trails is they are relatively easy to ride and have no motorised traffic. What a joy, no hi-vis jacket on this trip. I caught the train at southern cross station at 10.30 after another pleasant ride along the Yarra river. The fare a massive $9 something for a 70 minute ride, why can't train travel in the UK be this reasonable? On arrival at Tallarook had my sandwiches in the park and then set off for Yea. A beautiful sunny day with little wind and blue skies. The trail was well maintained and a joy to ride on. Took a couple of hours to get to Yea where I popped into the information centre to get some maps and leaflets about the trail. Then to the only caravan park in Yea to set up for the night. It seems to be a bit greener this side of Victoria, I am looking forward to seeing Lake Eildon and cycling threw one of the only tunnels on a rail trail. If you are interested in the rail trail go to YouTube and do a search for the great Victorian rail trail. Some interesting videos and one that does the whole trail in 17 minutes. Or the tourist boards video is also very good. 

Day 9 Great Western to Ararat. Train to Melbourne

On the road just before 9. Only a short ride to Ararat today to catch the train back to Melbourne. The main highway was a bit busy with trucks pulling trailers and caravans etc. Took the opportunity to ride the first 7km on a gravel road with no traffic. Then onto the busy road. Had a chance to look around town before catching the train for a 2 hour ride into town. On arrival a lovely 5km ride along the Yarra river back to South Yarra. 

Yesterday I began thinking about whether there was anywhere else I wanted to ride. After enjoying some of the rail trails in Gippsland Victoria I had a look on their website. I have decided that I want to do The Great Victorian Rail Trail in North Victoria. Which runs from Tallorook to Mansfield 134km and reachable via a short train ride. So will be doing that next week after the Easter break. A ride with no motor traffic. 

Day 8 Great Western

Woke early and said goodbye to the two couples I met yesterday. One couple heading home the other further north. Decided to stay here an extra day instead of heading to Ararat and spending the night there. Will head there tomorrow. I have never toured a winery so since it's right next to where i am camping thought  I would take up the opportunity. Jane was our guide, me and a couple from South Australia. Went down into the cellars which was fascinating. Unfortunately this winery has been bought by a conglomerate so is closing down in June. The vineyard will remain but not the processing side of things. That will all be moved to South Australia. Shame. Anyway after the tour, got to try some of the wines. Well most of them I think. I liked the Chardonnay and the Pinot Grigio also the younger sparkling white. Needless to say I was a bit jolly by the time I left!