Feb 10, 2013

Travelling (via Morwell, Moe, Trafalgar, Yarragon, Nilma, Crossover, Neerim South, Neerim, Neerim Junction, Powelltown, Three Bridges, Gladysdale, Yarra Junction, Launching Place, Badger Creek Healesville, Buxton, Taggerty, Acheron, Alexandra, Yarck, Kanumbra, Merton, Bonnie Doon, Maindample, Mansfield, Whitfield, Tolmie, Moyhu, Docker, Oxley, Milawa, Markwood, Myrtleford, Porepunkah, Bright, Germantown, Tawonga South) & return (via Bogong, Falls Creek, Anglers Rest, Omeo, Swifts Creek, Ensay, Tambo Crossing, Bruthen, Sarsfield, Bairnsdale, Bengworden, Perry Bridge, Clydebank, Wurruk, Rosedale



Meeting in Maca’s car park before we headed off on our trip



The Powelly Pub at Powelltown of course for coffee which they do well, also meals though we didn’t have one today

Well we had a great ride this weekend with the Traralgon Easyriders. To a large degree we retraced the trip we had done into the high country after Christmas but it was still great. Initially we were to return home from Mount Beauty via Mount Hotham but with fires in the Harrietville and Hotham Heights area we stayed well away. On our way from Falls Creek to Omeo this morning we encountered some rain so I hope they got that on the fires. We had a great time and travelled on some road from Bairnsdale towards Sale I hadn’t travelled on before so enjoyed that and I loved the long stretches when all the bikes could travel together in formation it looked awesome! I also realised that I am a lot more comfortable riding in a group than I was on our first ride…it’s a lot different riding in a group than just the two of us, soooo many more factors to slot into the awareness level. There were 12 bikes with 5 carrying pillion passengers as well and we had a lovely relaxed night at Mount Beauty.



The lovely leafy main street of Mansfield which was our lunch stop



The bikes were a magnet for the locals in front of the pub at lunchtime

The group worked well together with ride leaders, Ken to Mount Beauty and Graham home and tail end Charlie being Tombo with a number of corner markers it ran like a well-oiled machine and it is good to report that the emergency back up in the ute plus bike trailer with Polly and Karen was not needed (must have been a long drive for them both) so well done to the whole crew for safeguarding their own safety. Thanks also to the Bruthen Pub who kept the cook back to cook our late lunch and I enjoyed the best steak sandwich I’ve ever had which was great following on from a delicious egg and bacon roll in Mount Beauty for breakfast.







A welcome break on the top of the Tawonga Gap

Tips to remember for the roads we covered:

The roads we travelled on were cambered well and good surface overall and well signed with targeted advisory speed signs. The exception with the advisory signs is from Falls Creek to the Omeo Highway being a reasonably minor road so ride accordingly but overall it was a good road and surface, just had to watch for a bit of gravel washed onto the road at some corners…as you do.



A glorious fresh morning at the Motel in Mount Beauty as we got ourselves together to head off for breakfast.



A break for a stretch in Falls Creek and to compare notes about a lovely ride through some truly spectacular country!

Services available:
Large towns:

Fuel: Multiple choices including Premium Unleaded, most BH but also some 24hr
Accommodation: Hotel, Motel, B&B and Caravan Park and Camping options and maybe some Serviced Apartments
Food: Multiple choices from small cafes to bistro’s bars and fine restaurants
General Store / Supermarket: Multiple choices, small to large

Small towns:

Fuel: Limited and often BH only if any at all
Accommodation: Limited Hotel, B&B and Caravan Park and Camping options
Food and General Store / Supermarket: Limited and not necessarily open on weekends

Small isolated Localities:

Fuel: Not likely
Accommodation: If you’re lucky and have done your research
Food and General Store / Supermarket: Unlikely so bring your own