DAY 8 - CAMPERDOWN to PORT CAMPBELL

Today's ride was full of highlights, including the third rail trail of the trip. It started with a climb out of Camperdown, leading to some wonderful views of the local lakes.

Climbing out of Camperdown
View of Lake Colongulac

Lake Bullen Merri 
Then there was more climbing, and more lake views. 
More climbing
More lake views - Lake Gnotuk
After about 10kms we reached the start of the Camperdown to Timboon rail trail, which we followed all the way to Timboon. The first stretch was just like a country road, fairly wide with a variable surface. 
Camperdown to Timboon rail trail - Camperdown to Cobden section
At Cobden we lent our support to one of the local businesses. This was to be a recurring theme throughout the day. 
Supporting the Blue Wren Cottage café in Cobden
From Cobden to Glenfyne the rail trail followed a direct tree-lined corridor which provided shelter from the wind, as well as habitat for the many birds which were a constant presence from here on. 
Camperdown to Timboon rail trail - Cobden to Glenfyne
After Glenfyne the trail became more a single track path. The official brochure warns that this section is only suitable for walkers and mountain bike riders, as hybrid bikes might find the terrain too difficult, especially after rain. We found this section between Glenfyne to Timboon to be the highlight of the whole trail, although there were indeed some obstacles to be overcome. 
This tree blocking the path was an obstacle . . . 
. . . that we worked our way around
Unlike the first 20 or so kilometres of the trail, this section was not adjacent to the road. There were several old railway bridges which were now unpassable, requiring cycle tourists with heavy panniers to dismount and walk on the steep and slippery approaches to the replacement bridges. 
We dismounted for the steep,  slippery bits, as advised
Camperdown to Timboon rail trail  - Glenfyne to Curdie
In several places the remnants of the old railway bridges were visible from the new path. 
Remnants of the original railway bridges, seen from the rail trail
The last 5km of the trail, from Curdie to Timboon, was a wide, well-surfaced gentle climb through attractive forested country. 
Camperdown to Timboon rail trail  - Curdie to Timboon
Upon arrival in Timboon it was time to support more local businesses. 
We supported this local business in Timboon
We also supported this local business just outside Timboon
There was a welcome surprise past Timboon, with a cycle path now going most of the way to Port  Campbell. There were scenic views of the local farmlands, and glimpses of the sea to the south. 
Between Timboon and Port Campbell
Just before the descent into Port Campbell Kath saw something that may have been a camel, or maybe a rock. 
It was a camel
We finished the day's ride shortly afterwards, and had time for a bit of a wander around Port Campbell before dark. 
A walk around Port Campbell 

Evening at Port Campbell 
Day:  8
Distance: 62.0 km
Cycling time:  4 hrs 17 mins
Elevation gain: 840 metres
Cumulative Distance:  393.21 km
Day 8 - Elevation profile


Day 8 - Route

Comments

  1. Anonymous6 May 2022 at 00:32

    It looks very exciting! Are you sore yet?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath6 May 2022 at 06:53

      No, but I think if I ate any more yesterday I might have gotten a stomach ache...🤣

      Delete
  2. Anonymous6 May 2022 at 10:52

    From Victoria: great ride and spectacular photos, well done. I like any excuse to get off and push, so obstacles are welcome in my opinion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath6 May 2022 at 11:21

      It was so much fun! Sliding in the mud is all part of the adventure. 😊

      Delete
    2. Kath6 May 2022 at 11:22

      Especially as we have access to a washing machine today. 😉

      Delete
  3. Anonymous6 May 2022 at 17:26

    The Howies: Each day gets more fun and more yummy food from what we can see. Obviously needed to help make such distances when riding. The photos continue to be amazing, I think someone I know needs a camera like that Russell 😉, or an adventure bike riding. You make it look so fun .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath6 May 2022 at 17:53

      I hope you noted all the healthy fruit we had, Deb...orange cake, as well as rhubarb and raspberry jam on the scones...Everyone should have a cycling adventure, with or without a new camera!

      Delete
  4. Anonymous15 May 2022 at 16:33

    Belated comment ... When we did a Great Ocean Road trip with Rohan and Nicola a few years ago we visited - and revisited - the Timboon Ice Cream factory! A great place to stop (several times!). Murray and Sandra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath and Russell15 May 2022 at 19:37

      You're right, we had the ginger and whisky flavours but there were many others that sounded good... definitely worth revisiting!

      Delete

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