AFTER 10 meandering kilometres on the East Gippsland Rail Trail Ride we’ve barely raised a sweat, but a friendly volunteer informs us it’s time for lunch.
We divert onto a quiet, but significantly hillier, country road for two more kilometres. It’s our first mini-challenge, perhaps designed to ensure we have an extra-healthy appetite for the home-made fare that awaits us at Nicholson River Winery.
Once there, we sit back and enjoy sweeping views across the valley. Already I feel a sense of camaraderie with fellow riders, eagerly anticipating the long weekend.
The East Gippsland Rail Trail travels 100km from Bairnsdale to Orbost in Victoria, traversing farmlands, forests and rivers, and passing through the delightful towns of Nicholson, Bruthen and Nowa Nowa.
It’s possible to cycle the rail trail at any time of the year, with or without support.
The ride is the perfect introduction to cycle touring or for anyone wanting to spend a few leisurely days cycling and socialising.
The event is fully supported with bike mechanics on call, morning tea in idyllic locations and three hearty meals a day. Accommodation is in campgrounds, so you can bring your own tent or pay a bit extra for the “easy tent” option, where your tent is pitched and waiting for you on arrival. There’s also the option of booking accommodation, but this is snapped up very quickly.
Event organiser Liz Mitchell was once a local veterinarian but she gave up this career once she realised she was more passionate about cycling.
Snowy River Cycling was born, offering small group tours, bike hire, bike transfers and self-guided tours. Liz added the East Gippsland Rail Trail Ride three years ago and the event now accommodates up to 120 people.
Our group consists of 86 participants, ranging in age from two to 77.
“It’s definitely a ride that favours families and older riders,” Liz said. On this ride, nearly half the participants are aged 50 and over. The ride is not designed for super athletes but for those who are moderately fit, according to Liz.
“A sensible standard is to know that you can ride 30km, with a few small hills, as a morning or afternoon’s ride,” she said.
The ride definitely has a family vibe to it. I travel with my sister, Lynn, and her charge, Susi, a young exchange student fromItaly. Susi is fitter than us, so speeds ahead.
Luckily, she is “adopted” by a group of retirees fromKangarooValley in NSW, who keep a watchful eye on her. At the morning tea break, we find her conversing with other participants, practising her English skills.
During the ride we spot wildlife and check out some historic timber trestle bridges.
The first day we cycle across the fully-restored Nicholson Bridge that spans the sprawling Nicholson River. Next day, the trail bypasses the impressive Stony Creek Trestle Bridge. Built in 1916, it is 347 metres long and 20 metres high, and is the longest and highest remaining timber trestle bridge in Victoria.
In typical Victorian fashion, the weather is somewhat unpredictable. We have sunshine, wind and light rain on day one, while on day two the heavens open just after we arrive in Nowa Nowa.
Luckily Liz is fully prepared with optional indoor activities. There are bike maintenance classes, yoga sessions, and the publican re-opens the Nowa Nowa Tavern just for the day (as it had been temporarily closed) so AFL fans can watch the grand final.
It is wonderful to see how the people of these small communities gather round to support this event.
The final morning ride is beautiful and warming in bright sunshine.
“I really appreciated the fresh air and exercise, just as we come out of the winter months,” said Madeleine Jenkins from Melbourne.
“My favourite moment was gliding into Orbost. The light was filtering through the trees, dappling the trail ahead, and I had this great sense of achievement for having just completed 100 kilometres.”
- The Great East Rail Trail Ride will take place again in October – www.snowyrivercycling.com.au
* Karen Graham travelled courtesy of Snowy River Cycling.