DAY 1 - BENDIGO to CASTLEMAINE

And we're underway. The ride started in typical fashion, with a ceremonial selfie.

Ceremonial selfie to commemorate the start of the trip. 

We left Bendigo under cloudy skies with annoying drizzle that stayed with us for most of the day's ride. We were joined by our friend Simon. We were glad to have his local knowledge to navigate through Bendigo's outer suburbs. 

Kath and Simon climbing the fearsome Diamond Hill in Bendigo

Once out of Bendigo, it was an up and down ride through the rain to Maldon, with few highlights on the way. 

These two probably have a logical explanation for why they are walking up the hill

On the way into Maldon we stopped to look at the Porcupine Flat gold dredge and dragline - relics of the area's gold-digging past. 

Cyclists posing in front of the Gold dredge at Porcupine Flat

Then it was in to Maldon to visit the sites of the town, and treat ourselves to lunch at the Maldon Hotel. 

Maldon, 38 km from Bendigo

Beehive Mine chimney, a highlight in Maldon

Bill Woodfull plaque, another highlight of Maldon

Pub lunch, another highlight of Maldon (joined by Judy)
After lunch, we rode the 17 kilometre Maldon to Castlemaine trail trail. The rain held off for the last 10 kilometres or so, and there was a lot of downhill.
Simon and Kath on the rail trail

Gee, this is fun!

Muckleford station, on the Castlemaine to Maldon rail trail

Cyclists enjoying the rail trail

Cyclists enjoying the rail trail (another angle)

After arriving in Castlemaine we bade farewell to Simon (and Judy), and settled in to our bed and breakfast. We still had time to see a few of the highlights of Castlemaine. 
Mango lassi at the Royal Sultan restaurant -a highlight of Castlemaine

Little Digger statue -a highlight of Castlemaine

Decorative pole art - a highlight of Castlemaine

Day:  1
Distance:  60.58km
Cycling time:  3 hrs 22 mins
Elevation gain:  1099 metres
Cumulative Distance:  60.58km

Day 1 Elevation Profile

Day 1 route










Comments

  1. The Howies29 April 2022 at 14:18

    Congratulations on a fine (or should I say "wet") start to your tour. Looks like it has been lots of fun already. Keep up the good riding!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath30 April 2022 at 19:51

      Yes, a good start...we trained for the wet weather!

      Delete

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