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Beechworth to Bright by bike
Sat 24 – Mon 26 April 2010
Fri 15 – Sun 17 Oct 2010
Overview
The Beechworth to bright by bike tour is a three day/two night all expenses covered escape to the gorgeous Ovens Valley region of north east Victoria. You’ll cover around 90 kms of rail trail over the three days, exploring the historical towns of Beechworth and Bright, and indulging in all the delights in between. Highlights of this trip include fine food, spectacular scenery, wineries, rivers, mazes, goldfields, and local hospitality. The route is along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which is continuous and well maintained throughout the journey – a pleasure to ride on. Transportation is provided to and from Melbourne as well as full support along the way for those who wish to break from riding.
Cost
$790 per person (early bird rate $750)
The cost covers…
- Accommodation at two lovely venues in Beechworth and Bright
- All meals and snacks throughout the three days
- Transportation to and from Melbourne
- Daily wellness workshops over the three days – massage, stretching and mindfulness meditation
- Entrance to all venues visited
- Wine and local produce tasting
- Guided historical walk in Beechworth
- Minibus support along the trail for luggage and weary riders
- Bicycle mechanical support as required
- Guidance and anecdotes along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail
To make a booking enquiry for this trip visit here
Accommodation and group details
In Beechworth we’ll stay at the hauntingly beautiful and historic Old Priory. See www.oldpriory.com.au for details.
In Bright we will have the best possible sunrise view directly over the Ovens River at the Riverbank Park Motel. See www.riverbankparkmotel.com.au for details.
Accommodation is in a double or twin room share. Shared bathroom on the first night in Beechworth and own bathroom in Bright. Single rooms for both nights are available at an additional cost of $120.
Numbers are strictly limited to 10 people. Participants must be over 18 years of age.
Meeting up
Pick ups are available on the Saturday at the following places and times…
1. 9:15 am Parliament Station: Lonsdale St main entrance (Melways 1B V3)
2. 9:30 am Edinburgh Gdns, Nth Fitz: cnr Bruns/Freeman St (Melways 2C B2)
Option 1 is the easiest for those coming by train and option 2 is suitable for those coming by car where free parking is available in Freeman St.
If you live in the northern suburbs a home pick up may be possible. Email us to find out.
Itinerary and details
Note that there is no obligation to attend all the classes, walks and meals on offer. You are welcome to join in only as you wish. The itinerary below may be subject to minor changes due to weather, special requests or changing group preferences.
Saturday
9:15 – 9:45 am Meeting up in Melbourne
9:45 am – 12:45 pm Driving to the north east region
12:45 – 1:45 pm Lunch at Brown Brothers winery
1:45 – 2:30 pm Cycle from Everton towards Beechworth
2:30 – 3:00 pm Wine and local produce tasting at Pennyweight winery
3:00 – 3:30 pm Cycle to the Old Priory in Beechworth
4:00 – 5:00 pm Walk to Gorge (swim if warm enough)
5:30 – 6:30 pm Historical walking tour of Beechworth
7:00 pm onwards Dinner and drinks at the Commercial Hotel Beechworth
Total cycling for the day is 8 – 10 km, mostly uphill
Sunday
8:00 – 8:45 am Wake up class – stretching and mindfulness
8:30 – 9:30 am Continental breakfast available
10:00am – 12:30pm Ride along rail trail via Everton
Morning tea treats from the famous Beechworth bakery
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch at Victorian Alps winery
1:30 – 5:00 pm Slow ride along the rail trail via Myrtleford and Porepunkah
Highlights of this section include the Boyntons Winery, the “big tree”, the Ovens River, afternoon tea from the Rail trail cafe and gorgeous mountain views.
5:00 pm Arrive at Riverbank Park Motel in Bright
5:00 – 7:00 pm Free time to explore Bright (Festival on during April trip)
6:00 – 6:45 pm Massage workshop with Dave (optional)
7:00 pm onwards Dinner and drinks at Sole e Luna (note: Photo above by Jamie Durant)
Total cycling for the day is 62 km, downhill, then mostly flat
Monday
8:00 – 8:45 am Wake up class on river bank – stretching and mindfulness
8:30 – 10:00 am Fully cooked breakfast by river available
10:00 am Check out of rooms
10:00 – 11:30 am Bus/cycle trip to Wandiligong Maze and Cafe
12:00 – 1:00 pm Ride along rail trail via Porepunkah to Eurobin
12:30 pm Ringer reef winery visit (optional)
1:00 – 2:00 pm Lunch at Scenic restaurant
2:00 – 6:30 pm Drive back to Melbourne via stops at Milawa gourmet region
Total cycling for the day is 12 – 20 km depending on options taken
What to bring (all optional)
Wet weather gear
Water bottle
Bike helmet
Money for extra drinks, local produce and snacks
Spare tube incase of puncture
A small back pack or pannier for the above and other things you may need on the ride (sunscreen, hats, etc).
NB: All your meals are covered and your luggage will be carried for you. Once you are on the bike you won’t always have access to your luggage. Water and cordial is available regularly but you may wish to supplement this with other drinks along the way.
What if I don’t want to keep riding?
If your dickey knee plays up, or you just get over it, there is always the option to bail and get a lift in the support bus.
Pace of the ride
Slow to moderate - with plenty of quick breaks. This trip is all about enjoying the journey and taking in the increasingly spectacular scenery along the Ovens valley.
The ride is of low to moderate difficulty with a total of 90 kms over the three days. The middle day is a long 62 km ride, but we have all day to cover this distance, and a bus ready to pick you up anytime you want a break.
The rail trail is most suitable for some form of hybrid bike. The surface is well maintained and there are very few rough spots. A mountain bike is also possible but you’ll have to be work a bit harder.
Bike hire
This can be arranged by us on request for an extra fee of $150 per person including helmet.
To make a booking enquiry for this trip visit here.
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