DAY 20 - YEA to MANSFIELD

This was our second day on the Great Victorian Rail Trail, and once again full of fun cycling and interesting sights. The weather was cold and foggy this morning, so we rugged up for the start of the ride. 

A cold and foggy start to the day
We were soon back on the rail trail, cycling through the morning mist.
Morning mist on the Great Victorian Rail Trail 
By the time we reached the Cheviot tunnel, the mist had cleared, and we enjoyed a sunny blue sky. For a little while, anyway.  The tunnel is one of the main attractions of this section of the trail. 
Entering the Cheviot tunnel
In and out of the tunnel
The mist came down again as we descended towards Molesworth. We rode through the scenic surrounds with an occasional stop for an atmospheric photo. 
Great Victorian Rail Trail between Cheviot and Yarck
The trail was well-surfaced, and the riding was straightforward, notwithstanding a few obstacles. 
Evidence of horses on the trail. The horse riders are supposed to clear the manure from the trail, but the evidence suggests this is not always done. 

A fallen tree which was obstructing the path was removed by a civic-minded cyclist 
As always on the rail trails, there were lots of birds going about their business, and we stopped to watch a few of them. 
A few birds
Our morning coffee stop was at the Giddy Goat Cafe in Yarck. 
Approaching Yarck on the Great Victorian Rail Trail 
Another local business we were happy to support
The trail from Yarck heads steadily uphill, at a very gentle gradient, for about 20km. We passed several cyclists coming the other way during this stretch. We also found many interesting things to stop and photograph. 
Like these circular anthills 
And these colourful fungi 
We also took photos of cyclists. A couple of them weren't even us.
When we reached Merton the Rail Trail took a right turn, and the way forward was largely downhill, with the wind behind us. We made steady progress towards Bonnie Doon, with the occasional stop on the way. 
Great Victorian Rail Trail between Merton and Bonnie Doon
Fungi and birds, between Merton and Bonnie Doon
The weather had turned quite cold by the time we arrived in Bonnie Doon, where we had our picnic lunch and photographed a parrot. 
Picnic lunch,  Bonnie Doon 
A parrot,  Bonnie Doon 
After lunch, we crossed Lake Eildon on the Glad Phillips Bridge, another highlight of the trail. 
Crossing the bridge at Bonnie Doon 
Even here there was evidence . . . 
The final stretch of the trail into Mansfield was fairly flat, but still full of interest. 
There were sheep enjoying some hay
There was a trailside rest stop at Maindample
There were cows, and autumn leaves
And of course,  there was the trail itself
We completed the trail into Mansfield, and looked around the station area before checking in to our accommodation. 
Arriving in Mansfield
On the way to our accommodation, we noticed that something was wrong with one of the tyres. Fortunately, the bike shop was still open, and are going to try to have it sorted so we can be on our way tomorrow. The preliminary diagnosis is three broken spokes and a buckled wheel. Doesn't sound good . . . 
Anyway, on the way back from the bike shop we saw some autumn leaves on the ground, and took a photo of them. 
Cheery photo of autumn leaves after bad news at the bike shop
After a long and eventful day, there was still time to support some more local businesses.
As our followers know, we are keen supporters of local businesses in the areas we are cycling through. Here we are supporting the Delatite Hotel, Barwite Vineyards (the pinot noir in the glass) and the Mansfield Brewing Company
Day:  20
Distance: 81.79 km
Cycling time:  4 hrs 48 mins
Elevation gain: 1261 metres
Cumulative Distance: 953.52 km

Day 20 - Elevation profile 
Day 20 - Route 

Comments

  1. Anonymous18 May 2022 at 16:14

    so things were crook in Tallarook!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath and Russell18 May 2022 at 18:29

      But worse in Mansfield Town!

      Delete

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