DAY 29 - WODONGA to CHILTERN

Our run of fine days ended with a day of grey skies and drizzle. We only had a short hop down to Chiltern, so we had a good wander around Wodonga before packing up and riding on. 

Among the art in Wodonga
Wodonga is well supplied with walking and bike paths, and we managed to avoid the streets as we navigated our way through the town. 
Through Wodonga on the bike paths
When the paths ran out, we were on the sealed Felltimber Creek Road, which we decided to follow despite the advice on Google Maps that it contained a "moderate hill". We passed a few kangaroos before we were confronted with an ominous sign. 
A few kangaroos
An ominous sign
It didn't take long for the road to go upwards, and then even steeper upwards. 
At the top of yet another climb
Shortly after a very steep (around 25% gradient) hill, we turned a corner to be confronted with an even steeper one.  We rode the first half of it, but conceded defeat and walked the bikes up the last 200 metres or so. 
The top of the walk
Looking back at the road we walked up
There was still more climbing to be negotiated, fortunately at more convenient gradients. A herd of goats along the roadside kept us amused for a while. 
An amusing herd of goats
At the top of what we hoped was the final hill, there was a pretty good view looking back on Wodonga, which seemed a long way down. 
Looking down on Wodonga from the top of Felltimber Creek Road 
A very steep descent followed, making us grateful for our disc brakes, and then it was a gentle roll through farmland and forest to Chiltern. The whole day's ride was only 30km. 
Riding on to Chiltern 
With just a little bit more uphill
Upon arrival in Chiltern, we supported the local bakery until it was time to check in to our b&b. Then we went out to look at some of the town's sights. 
Some of the sights of Chiltern
While on our walk, we managed to spot a few birds. 
A few birds
And a fungus
Day:  29
Distance: 30.38 km
Cycling time:  1 hrs 48 mins
Elevation gain: 527 metres
Cumulative Distance: 1405.38 km
Day 29 - Elevation profile 
Day 29 - Route 






Comments

  1. Anonymous26 May 2022 at 18:46

    The Howies: Your journey seems to have many hilly challenges and intermittent weather. Yet you still have a wonderful ability to maintain a wonderful sense of humour and enjoyment of everything around you. We love reading the blog an seeing the awesome photos.

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    Replies
    1. Kath and Russell26 May 2022 at 19:45

      Most days seem to contain at least one hilly challenge, but usually they are followed by some good descents... today's was amazing! And a bit of inclement weather makes you appreciate the sun even more...

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