DAY 11 - LAVERS HILL to COLAC

It looked like it would be a late start this morning, due to the fog we could see through the windows. As it was, the fog lifted in good time, and we started another up and down day's cycling in good time. 

Waiting for the fog to lift
The first 30km of today's ride was on-road. We started with an undulating first section, climbing up and down through scenic countryside to Ferguson. 
Lavers Hill to Ferguson - up and down 
There was a museum in Ferguson which had exhibits related to locally significant historical events. There was also a café inside the museum, where we sat down to our morning coffee. 
Local history museum at Ferguson
Cliff Young exhibit at the museum
The café at Ferguson. Readers of our blog will be aware that we regularly support local establishments such as this.  
From Ferguson there was a very quick 15km descent down to Gellibrand.
OK, there were one or two uphill bits as well. But look at the elevation profile of this stage and you'll see how steep the descent was. 
We had our lunch in Gellibrand, and then picked up the Old Beechy Rail Trail, which we followed into Colac. 
Lunch stop in Gellibrand  - supporting another local business
Several of the sections of the Old Beechy Rail Trail to the south of Gellibrand are closed, which was why we only rode the last 27 kilometres of it. This was the fourth rail trail of our trip, and it proved quite challenging.
This artwork portrays the elevation profile of the trail. We were riding it from right to left
The trail was well signposted, but the loose gravel surface was occasionally a bit tricky, especially during sections of steep ascent.
Signposts on the Old Beechy Rail Trail 
Old Beechy Rail Trail 
Steep uphill with loose gravel - heavy going for the cycling tourist with laden panniers
What looks like a superfluous sign going uphill . . .

. . . .  Makes more sense going downhill. 
Although challenging, and slower than riding on the road, we both found the rail trail very enjoyable. There were a few more ups and downs, and narrow gates to manoeuvre, before the final on-road stretch into Colac.
A civic-minded cyclist clearing an obstacle from the path
Pleasant riding on the Old Beechy Rail Trail 
The final, on-road section of the trail - up and down into Colac. 

End of the rail trail in Colac
Day:  11
Distance: 60.29 km
Cycling time:  3 hrs 38 mins
Elevation gain: 960 metres
Cumulative Distance:  506.21 km
Stage 11 - Elevation profile 
Day 11 - Route 

Comments

  1. Anonymous9 May 2022 at 18:06

    The Howies: so impressed with your ability to stay positive in what looks like cold weather and wet. Loving the food stops and the sight seeing. You certainly deserve all the yummy looking food.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath9 May 2022 at 18:45

      It certainly makes you appreciate the sun when it comes out. And you have to eat more in the cold weather to maintain energy, so it's not all bad!

      Delete

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