The whole network of trails stretch more than 100km from Wangaratta to Bright, with a couple of extensions connecting the trail to Beechworth, Milawa, and Harrietville. Thanks for your web site Matt. Link into the 7 peaks ride. The Mt. Its a 1400 m climb, so quite hard. Mt Hotham is around a 30 km long climb where you'll gain 1,279m. Im off to do Hotham this Saturday, Have done it a few times now, but it has been about 2 years since last time, A fantastic climb, planning to start from Haritteville @ around 6am and hopefully a nice sunrise on the way up. Will I be allowed to ride up if cars are forced to fit chains and would I even be able to get traction to ride up? Surely the finish of any climb is the top where you cant climb any more. To book a stay at Bright OnBike, please visit our Bookings page.All other enquiries to Bright OnBike can be made below. Had to walk a couple of hundred meters before Renes lookout (?) For those who like to relax, there is a good variety of touristy shops, cafes, restaurants, a local brewery and several wineries in the area. Cycling Mt Hotham - The Cyclist's Guide to Riding - Cycling-Inform Thank you Matt, Ill let you know if I find the time to get there again fresh. ? President Franklin D. Apr 5, 2017 - This 30-minute intense team building escape room is specifically designed to thoroughly engage students in an activity that will build strong team bonds while breaking down other identity barriers. I hear you Mike! At around 9% this 1.4km section is the final challenge and arguably the toughest section of the climb. Visit Victoria: Best things to do in autumn 2023 | Herald Sun From Mackeys Lookout the road flattens out a fraction and remains that way for the rest of the climb. Buffalo climb can be found here. Buffalo Chalet. Buffalo plateau take a left-hand turn and climb the last couple kilometres to the Mt. It was pitch black. Ten years behind you in age, but my first climb of Hotham was on my 1975 Peugot PX10LE about 5 years ago. Complete and utter pain. From Bright there are dozens of great day-trips to places like Beechworth, Harrietville, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek & Dinner Plain just to mention a few. Throughout the CRB and the Diamondtina strong side to head winds really helped to crush your spirit to test the resilience and fortitude of your mind, this was a grate yard stick to determine if your determination and strength that had developed over the course of your training accounted for anything. Harrietville to the Razorback(Dimatina Hut) for Mount Feathertop walks. After descending onto the Mt. Omeo to Bairnsdale (122km)-You'll get some long downhill runs through open farm country before the road joins the Tambo River after Ensay (km233). I had a weekend cycling around Beechworth and took in Buffalo. 9. Kath had thought of everything. There is a good variety of restaurants & bars in Bright with cafes, some amazing bakeries/pie shops, pubs & breweries as well as some fabulous wineries in the region. Do you think this would be achievable or should I just try the one section.. Great site and great write up of climb. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a8393c1ce416bfd59f55b32ce767ef85" );document.getElementById("dbaaa3f9ae").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I am already planning for my next adventure to the cycling Mecca to endure the epic climbs in some of the most beautiful country on this great continent. Buffalo is located roughly 350km north-east of Melbourne and 35km west of the nearest regional centre, Bright. The market has loads of stalls, food vendors and live music. The unit is very clean, has everything you need for a short stay and a great location to discover Bright and surroundings. Did it yesterdayit was glorious with birdies and mist and stuff. As stated the 24km from Bright is an excellent warmup with an average +1% gradient before the real climbing starts in earnest from Harrietville. A theme by CSSIgniter.com - Powered by WordPress, Large, clean rooms, a nice big radiator to dry your wet gear and a pub thats easy to get comfortable in. Falls Creek and Hotham have been wonderful in recent days. Go Bill. As one of Victoria's many rail trails, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is one of the most popular things to do in Bright. and: CRB Hill at 23.5km (1.1km at 10%) and Diamantina at 28.3km (1.4km at 9%). Cycling Bright to Harrietville #cycle #travelaustralia #explore #daily To see how your time compares to other riders and to post your best time, head over to the Strava segment for the Mt. Bright Bike Riding | Road Cycling, Rail Trails & Mountain Biking Murray to Mountains Rail Trail map (free), Alpine National Park map-includes locations of some camping spots (free, click on the park notes link at the bottom of the page), Where:Yarra Valley, Yarra Ranges, east of Melbourne, Surface:about 50/50 sealed/unsealed. The final section begins at 19.7km and features two short descents (at 22.9km and 27km) . PS. Harrietville, VIC - Aussie Towns If you are looking forward to fantastic scenery and amazing views, you neednt wait long: the fun begins as early as the 1.5km mark with The Gorge on the right-hand side of the road. Welcome to Harrietville and Mt Beauty. Hotham Bus. Located just past Mount Hotham, the MTB park is open in summer and has a range of professionally built beginner, intermediate and advanced flow and cross-country trails that are easily accessed from the village centre. The property is modern and the beds very comfortable. Due to good ride length some challenging sections and awesome views. Theres a false-flat 7.6km into the climb that lasts for the best part of 2km. Cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail in Bright, Victoria The hairpins return 300m later with a sharp left-hand bend and then, at the 11km mark, a tight right-hand bend that takes you to Mackeys Lookout. Over 100kms of sealed off road trail links the popular towns of Wangaratta, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Bright, Myrtleford and Yackandandah. The joy of riding uphill & a guide to Victoria's best climbs. Opposite the police station. 5km in at the park entrance as expected, the gradient tilted up and up I went. Want to see how your time up Mt. With the road meandering along at an almost-negligible gradient, terrific views of the summit are available at the 11.7km mark. Cycling: The Audax Alpine Classic cycle event is run every Australia Day weekend by Audax Australia with over 2000 cyclists descending on Bright. We recognise the ancient and continuing presence of the First Peoples on these lands and their important role as caretakers of these Countries. Thanks for your detailed description of the climb, I read it post-hoc, as you can see. Buffalo begins at the Mt. With crucial information like maps, gradients, distances, terrain, where to stay, where to get water, etc. Note that there is a fairly long stretch between Swifts Creek (km215) and Bruthen (km284) where no supplies are available. Thanks for your site, I am reading this looking forward to returning to Hotham soon, thanks for the inspiration. The first 10k is complete climbing with very little rest. The second 10km are far easier but still uphill at what seemed to be 2-5%. 8 hours there and back for me including walking across to the West Peak above Mt Beauty. Hotham without a proper warm-up is not advisable. Definitely the toughest Ive done so far. What a beast! The amount of traffic probably goes up on the weekend and during school holidays. Ive done Arthurs Seat, all major climbs around Canberra and Mt Buffalo, and this climb far exceeded all of these climbs. Beechworth to Everton Station Cycling Trail. Share on Twitter Mt. Can be done on a road bike, though some may prefer a gravel bike. Pick a clear, still day to climb Hotham. Its probably 2kms towards Dinnerplain past the bridge. The diversion to Bright was not without its benefits - there are a lot of choices of places . Reading your articles helps, but nothing truly prepares you for what is to come other than to strap your your cleats and hit the slopes . Poor cyclist being loaded into an ambulance on Sat. Harrietville Cycling (Victorian Alps) - The Mayhem's Blog In one place about a third of the way up. Science of climbing: Why power-to-weight ratios matter, Riding the 7 Peaks in one go: part one | CyclingTips, The Audax Alpine Classic | Beyond the Call, An Alpine Cycling Adventure | Beyond the Call, A slow and snowy ascent, without embro, on a set of fast Roval wheels | not-so-zen and the art of pink bicycles, Mt Buffalo for 7 Peaks 2011/2012 Ride Life [Get a Mountain Bike]. The ascent of Mt. Harrietville is a great off-mountain base for riding the Dinner Plain Mountain Bike Park trails that weave in and out of the snow gums and rocky outcrops surrounding the alpine village. Follow the rail trail from the center of Bright towards the Tawonga Gap turnoff andt then wind your way through eucalypts and our spectacular valley to arrive in Harrietville where you can find refreshments. 700m later, at McKinnons Corner, a very sharp left-hand hairpin, another notable change occurs with the road becoming tighter and windier than the previous 15.5km. * In 1863 alluvial mining began between Bright and Harrietville with 98% of the miners being of Chinese descent. Vanlife Shots (@vanlife.shots) on TikTok | 268 Likes. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for AERIAL VIEW OVENS VALLEY BETWEEN HARRIETVILLE & BRIGHT VIC. Bright OnBike, Melbourne. Hotham climb is often attempted from the township of Bright with the 24km ride from Bright to Harrietville acting as a perfect warm-up. Hotham climb starts at the School Bridge in the alpine village of Harrietville. He easily completed the 250km loop. Ill have a friend following me 45mins later in a car for support btw which will be my return ride (icy roads and decent = bad idea). The Harrietville shared trail is a great outing for all riders wishing to take a leisure option and head to the Mountain Fresh Trout Farm for fishing or walking amongst their extensive garden and ponds. The top section is very exposed and would be extremely unpleasant/dangerous in bad weather. Avoid a long car shuffle by having us drop you at the trail head. A further 400m up the road and the breathtaking views are put on hold momentarily as you get to the climbs first major challenge: The Meg. 390 km (3.5 hours drive) NE of Melbourne. 800m further up the road there is a considerable break in the tree line and breathtaking views are possible to the right-hand side of the road. Hope that helps! Everything you need to explore beautiful Bright. If you are on here researchin and toying with the idea climbing Mt hotham, do it!!! Dysons Wangaratta. Havent riden hills like that for a few years, in fact probably BC, BM (before children, before marriage) 25 years ago. To book email or phone 03 5759 2524 or 0402 377 101 I really hope Im as fit as him when Im his age. Mt. Hotham | The Climbing Cyclist Surface:95% sealed (though a bit choppy). The kitchen features an oven and a microwave and there is a private bathroom. Located in Harrietville, this apartment is 16 mi from Bright. Although all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure its accuracy at the time of writing, Adventure Cycling Victoria cannot guarantee that the information herein is 100%correct. Buffalo is amazingly picturesque for most of the time not least of all due to a series of hairpin bends that cling to the mountains ridge line. Bright is without question, one of Australias best biking destinations with incredible mountain bike trails, epic road cycling rides, an amazing rail trail & local bike paths. 600m later the gradient increases again, with the road cutting through Mt. A key feature is the longest unbroken gravity trail (10 kms) with a whopping 535. Please adjust your search criteria and try again. The CRB Hill is incredibly hard and the final 3kms really challenged my mental fortitude. What:attractive pastoral areas, fresh produce, wineries, Yarra River, tall mountain ash forest, rainforest, challenging climbs, fast descents, historical mining settlement, Victoria's tallest tree! At 55 and cycling for less than a year, I refer to your site prior to any climb. Rode up Mt Buff last Tuesday, nice day for it, warm and calm and the climb on a perfectly surfaced road was kids play even for this 75 year old. The Great Valley Trail proposed alignment (Bright to Harrietville) is out for public comment. But, at a touch under 21km, the climb still demands strength and fitness of riders who are keen to partake in the breathtaking summit views. Rode up Hotham for the first time in over a year doing the 3 Peaks event and I have to agree with ANTO the new road surface is rough, lumpy, bumpy and dead. Sights to visit along the way include: Gunadoo Berries Hothams famous moonscape comes into view. Great Valley Trail | Alpine Shire Council We acknowledge the Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai and Jaithmathang as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the Alpine Shire, which encompasses the land, water and sky of Bright & Surrounds. Great Alpine Road Adventure Cycling Victoria The Great Valley Trail is a new family friendly shared cycle trail between Bright and Harrietville. It wasnt until I reached the false flat that I could make out faintest detail in the forest. document.write(year) Bright to Harrietville - Great Valley Trail - Ride High Country The views were great and the climb was as you described it many thanks for inspiring me to take the first steps in training for this climb, I am now going on to my next challenge any ideas for the next one? What was it like for you? Coasting down to dinner plains before the rest at the aid station before the return back to Bright. I climbed Mt Hotham in the dark on Australia Day as part of the ACE250. Typically two buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. www.hothamchallenge.com.au. Hotham climb is often attempted from the township of Bright with the 24km ride from Bright to Harrietville acting as a perfect warm-up. The town has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Ovens & King Football League. Time 8km Distance Grade 3 Grade Return Style Nature Walks Type GPX Download Starting at the end of Bon Accord Track, the Bon Accord Spur takes you to Mount Feathertop via the Razorback Walking Track. - Gunadoo Berries, Smoko This steeper grade is maintaned for ar0und 400m before things flatten out to a comparatively pleasant 6%. Albury Airport to Mount Hotham/Falls Creek. Ok, I get that the seal is probably the best outcome for mitigating black ice etc., and that it may take some time to bed-in, but I have to question whether VicRoads did any consultation with local cycling groups or stakeholders given the importance of Hotham as a cycling destination. This website is collaboration between Bright OnBike and Et Tu Media. Im not a bad climber for an old bloke with average fitness but Id never climbed anything bigger than Lavers Hill on the GVBR. If you need assistance with transporting your bike to the start of your ride and/or pickup at the end of the day, the Bike Hire . In the same year Harrietville became a resting place for those heading for the Omeo, Dargo and Glen Wills goldfields. Snowball Express. Some sections of the route are on the main road so please use caution with passing traffic. Now looking in to doing the 7 Peaks next year. Climbed many passes in Europe and every one of them offers refreshments. We recognise the ancient and continuing presence of the First Peoples on these lands and their important role as caretakers of these Countries. By the time the road is climbing again, 9.8km from the tollbooth, the valley views are now possible on the left-hand side of the road. Reading though it with a mate challenged us to have a crack at a few of these bigger climbs. Not content to Finnish at the chalet, onwards I went towards my pre determined goal of the saddle.Up past Dingos I rode, this was where it realy started to get cold and it was where I began to feel the effects of limited oxygen from the altitude (somthing not so noticeable on Buller). Mystic Bike Park is becoming recognised as one of the best mountain bike parks in Victoria. After 19.1km turn left to go to the Mt. Remaining almost flat for the best part of 2km the road snakes its way through lush eucalyptus forest and a thick covering of native ferns. Great Valley Trail, Bright - Harrietville Multi Trail - Trailforks Still struggling to warm up, on I climbed and before I new it I found my self topping out, decending onto the plateu landing me pretty quickly at the turn to the chalet, the first mile stone was met. The range includes electric bikes ideal for rail trail riding with ranges of 90 120 kms on a single battery. The Alpine Classic is including the extra kilometres to Dingo Dell. , Can be very cold and windy depending on when you do the climb. Harrietville/Bright to Mount Hotham. Alps Link | Bus Charters Melbourne - Dyson Group Buffalo climb begins the moment you pass the tollbooth, albeit with a rather pedestrian gradient of around 5%. the start of The Meg, which is a steep RHer and if you enter too fast, you cant do much about it. Hiking and Biking transfers. This is one of my Favourite climbs. * Reef mining commenced in the area in 1861. 320 km or 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne. Rest assured that completing this climb is a significant achievement and will give you confidence to complete the 7 peak challenge. As of 21/2/2018, almost the entire false flat section has been resurfaced with what I can only assume is the finished seal given the bright new alpine orange line markings. The ski bridge was a welcome sight as I turned the corner. After having around 120ish kms and already conquering Mt Buffalo, the meg was a wake up call. This year 5 of the 7 peaks have been climbed riding the Peugeot. The trails are generally well-developed with all surfaces being sealed and most sections are quite flat with the exception of Everton Station to Beechworth. The Alpine Classic isnt just a cycling event in Victorias majestic High Country, its an experience that will stay with you forever. Wind your way through eucalypts, along the river and through the spectacular valley to arrive in Harrietville where you can find refreshments. From the Chalet its only a short flat section to Lake Catani before it keeps climbing all the way to the Cathedral, then its only another 1km+ until the end of the sealed road at the Horn. No better in many ways (do Stronglight chainwheels ever wear out), but stops in half the time. Your day - Your Way All our guests of the King Valley go away with memories and definitely want to return. Give it a shot! Your email address will not be published. . Kath's place is perfect for a family or a group of friends, up to 5 people. Myrtleford to Dinner Plain (snow season only) Via Bright, Harrietville, Hotham. As for it being open: it is probably the most exposed climb Ive done (behind maybe Mt. If you continue on for about a kilometre slightly downhill youll get to The General, a pub that also has a small shop located inside. Free chilled water!!! Just FYI they are resurfacing the road on Hotham at the moment. The General Store is normally open and very cyclist friendly The village rests at the far end of a 150km sealed bike-path network that stretches to Bright, Beechworth and beyond. Melbourne to Dinner Plain (snow season only) Via Southern Cross station, Melbourne Airport, Wangaratta station, Myrtleford, Bright, Harrietville, Mount Hotham. Great place well located. Read More. A mate had got me riding for the first time in over 20 years, and did the Alpine Classic on the bike, steel pack rack and all. You can take a long-weekend or more to, Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park is located at Falls Creek ski resort in the Victorian Alps approx. The 30km ride along the Great Alpine Road (60km return) cranks its way up a 1,321m climb with an average 4% grade, of which the steepest section tops out at 18%. Harrietville and Mt Beauty - We Are Explorers The ascent of Mt. best climb in Aus in my books, you will love it! The next 1.4 kms had me reaching to the deepest point of mental strength to continue without stopping for a break. (Lake Mountain and Buller. The challenge of Audax is all about personal achievement in non-competitive long distance rides with fellow cyclists. Required fields are marked *. Thankfully the last little bit is downhill. One of Australia's highest roads, and an iconic Victorian ride, the Great Alpine Road is a challenge for anyone, but will reward you with some sensational high mountain scenery and a solid sense of accomplishment. Call us for a fixed price quote on all transfers including; To bookemailor phone 03 5759 2524 or 0402 377 101, Share on Facebook Hema High Country Victoria-excellent detail map printed on waterproof paper. Save money on resort entry/chains and leave your vehicle in secure off mountain car parking. For those that know this absolute legend of a bloke - Mr Zac Rockstar James, he has been a great addition to the Snowline Team for the past few months. These were just small pinches though. Hey, Im very familiar with driving the Mount Hotham roads but have not ridden them before. Situated just 15 minutes from Bright, Harrietville is a great base for your high country retreat without all the hustle and bustle. There are many bush camping opportunities, with some particularly nice spots on the banks of the Tambo River between Ensay and Bruthen. These were the last two fine days before the weather changed to winter. Albury Airport to Mount Hotham/Falls Creek. Some of the country's best road riding: gut-busting climbs, thrilling descents, epic scenery, The high country gourmet region (breweries en route in Bright and Bruthen), Gravel bike trails, coffee and bike servicing and shopping at Velo Grammont in Omeo, Mountain bike trails and road cycling side trips in the Bright area. Im thinking of doing this climb in July in the middle of the snow season. All up, the ride is around 6kms. Science of climbing: Why power-to-weight ratios matter, Discovering new rides: Mt Hotham the hard way CyclingTips, Gradients and cycling: an introduction | The Climbing Cyclist, 12th November 2016 Bendigo Cycling Network Weekly Update | bendigo cycling network, Everesting: climbing 8,848 metres in a single ride | CyclingTips, Discovering new rides: Mt Hotham the hard way - Cycling Feeds, Discovering new rides: Mt Hotham the hard way | Ella, The Audax Alpine Classic | Beyond the Call, Behind the scenes of Drapacs big step up | Cycling Tips, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life | Beyond the Call, Training Log Tour Of Bright (and some reflecting) | Riding For David, The Route Alpine Annihilation | desblogs.