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. Mt. After descending sharply for 600m you will come face-to-face with one of the most iconic sections of the Mt. A guide to some of the best bicycle touring in Victoria, Australia, featuring a wide variety of multi-day bike rides. They also have electric mountain bikes also suited to rail trails and beginner mountain bike trails with a range of around, Cyclepath Bike Hire Bright If you are looking for bike hire in Bright, Cyclepath in Bright has a fabulous range of bikes for families and fanatics. , Can be very cold and windy depending on when you do the climb. Situated around 19 kilometres from Harrietville, this property has 2 bedrooms and is a hit with guests. Beast of a climb. Go Bill. 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). Grinding away at around 50 55 cadence. Dingo Dell Cafe at Mt Buffalo is open every day over January from 10am-5pm then out of holiday times is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The town has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Ovens & King Football League. They dont seem to charge entry for cyclists (http://www.mthotham.com.au/travel/entry/) and its an open road so I think it should be fine. The 27-kilometre trail extends the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to the base of the Alps. Question for everyone, where to get water at Mt Hotham? After a sharp 600m descent the road heads skyward again, snaking its way majestically along the ridge line for 700m. Road riding around Bright is just a matter of picking a road and heading off, but some of the recognised ride loops include: - Wandiligong (14 km return) - Harrietville (48 km return) - Buckland Valley (38 km return) - Mount Buffalo (84 km return) Road Riding Events Rode BawBaw with you and Hells 500 last year, and love your work. Cycling Bright to Harrietville original sound - Vanlife Shots. . Also, I could not find a sandwich on the mountain! (React to signs you read. We strive to bring you real High Country hospitality matched with a dining experience the equal of any inner city hipster joint. Congrats Chelsea, awesome effort! As for it being open: it is probably the most exposed climb Ive done (behind maybe Mt. Reading though it with a mate challenged us to have a crack at a few of these bigger climbs. At one point 348 reefs were officially registered. - Harrietville (48 km return) One kilometre later the road bends sharply and very steeply around to the left. The unit is very clean, has everything you need for a short stay and a great location to discover Bright and surroundings. It took me 3 hours to lug the 20 kilos of my spare tire up this hill. The Great Valley Trail project will deliver 16 kilometres of family friendly shared trail, completing a 27 kilometre link between Harrietville and Bright, and extending the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to the base of the Alps. The first 10k is complete climbing with very little rest. Can recommend it. Thanks for your detailed description of the climb, I read it post-hoc, as you can see. 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. Here's where to hike, eat, and stay in Victoria's Harrietville & Mt Beauty. The 200 km route takes the rider to Falls Creek and back and then a return trip to Mount Buffalo . Make use of handy extras like free WiFi and a smart TV at "The Evening Star Bright, Luxury". The diversion to Bright was not without its benefits - there are a lot of choices of places . Well done! The property is modern and the beds very comfortable. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. Is hotham an incrediably fats descent. The top section is very exposed and would be extremely unpleasant/dangerous in bad weather. For a full guide of road rides, maps and events in and around Bright, pick up a Cycle Guide at the Bright Tourist Information Centre or visit the Ride High Country website. While in Harrietville, riders can also complete the Omeo to Dinner Plain leg of 7 Peaks, which crosses to the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range. The General Store is normally open and very cyclist friendly After a pleasantly pedestrian false-flat section, Mt. Melbourne to Harrietville/Mount Hotham/Falls Creek. In Victoria's high country, more than 225,000 people visit the Great Valley Trail every year, a 27-kilometre path linking Bright to Harrietville that is popular with cyclists. We reached the tree line at sunrise. Always take two bottles up this climb no matter what the weather due to time on the bike(maybe thats just the pace I go anyway) . Ride High Country supported by Best In Class rider services and catering. Share on Twitter 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. Now Dingos is perfectly placed for a quick coffee & muffin, to warm the body before the real decent, a stop in I fully recommend. Bright to Harrietville - Great Valley Trail. What is it like to ride it with cars on the road? CYCLING IN HARRIETVILLE Whether you're after a relaxing ride on the bike path or a challenging mountain road climb, Harrietville has the best of both. Bright, Victoria is central to some of the best road rides that the state (and country) have to offer with aspiring, current and past professionals often seen training on the roads. Myrtleford to Dinner Plain (snow season only) Via Bright, Harrietville, Hotham. A key feature is the longest unbroken gravity trail (10 kms) with a whopping 535. Length: 20.9kmAverage gradient: 4.8%Elevation gain:1,013m. Thanks very much Richard. Bright to Harrietville Cycle Trail - YouTube 0:00 / 2:20 Bright to Harrietville Cycle Trail 17 views May 29, 2022 1 Dislike Michael Ylias 4 subscribers Cycling the Bright to. For those looking for a flatter scenic ride, the 48km-return ride to Bright from Harrietville along the Great Alpine Road is an enjoyable sprint. We recognise the ancient and continuing presence of the First Peoples on these lands and their important role as caretakers of these Countries. The next 1.4 kms had me reaching to the deepest point of mental strength to continue without stopping for a break. The road narrows to a single lane controlled by traffic lights! Onwards I continued taking it fairly easy, spinning my way through the lower sections, slowly gaining elevation as I went. The ascent of Mt. The information published is meant as a guide only, and should be combined with your own due diligence and planning. What:stunning coastal scenery, surfing, beaches, seaside towns, temperate rainforest, local produce, food & wine, Where:Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Yarra Ranges, Length:187km OR 134km (two route options). Then it was over and the real climbing had resumed. 8. The Mt. This is a great site. Smash a pint of Bridge RD Pale on the deck while you drink in the feeling of being surrounded by mountains. - The Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm, 5km from Harrietville village The most famous is the Alpine Classic road bike race which is held on the Australia Day long weekend. Harrietville to Omeo (86km)-The road up Mt Hotham is one of Australia's hardest and most iconic climbs, so be prepared for pain. There are many different rides suitable for novices and the experienced rider. Whether it be Mountain Bikes, Recreational Bikes or Road Bikes Cyclepath have you covered. If the weather is good the descent is fine, if there is wind, you want to have good control of your bike and either way you want brakes that are working well . Required fields are marked *. The ascent of Mt. Fine mild weather is always ideal for this climb but start early before the heat. There are many bush camping opportunities, with some particularly nice spots on the banks of the Tambo River between Ensay and Bruthen. Unfortunately I had a different experience to Jules. Gradients and cycling: How much harder are steeper climbs? Want to see how your time up Mt. The Great Valley Trail isa new family friendly shared cycle trail between Bright and Harrietville. The final section begins at 19.7km and features two short descents (at 22.9km and 27km) . Surface:95% sealed (though a bit choppy). I rode Buffalo on Wednesday after riding Dinner Plain on Tuesday, and the views on both rides were amazing. With stunning views of the valley below this is a great place for a brief rest should you feel the need. Hotham compares? Last year I climbed Mount Hotham from Harrietville on my Trek Madone 3.1 with 34/30 gearing making three ascent on three different bikes. Harrietville/Bright to Dinner Plain. Your day - Your Way All our guests of the King Valley go away with memories and definitely want to return. Hotham Alpine Resort is located approximately 350km north east of Melbourne and around 50km south east of the township of Bright. From the Chalet theres still a couple of hundred metres in altitude to gain on what is far and away the best bit of the Buffalo Road. These were just small pinches though. Everything you need to explore beautiful Bright. Id go in the summer or around autumn/spring, when there is no snow. Another great ride report and of one of my favourite climbs did this one twice in the week before the ACE. E-bikes are fun after all; you put a teeny bit of oomph into the pedal and the bike gently kicks off like a trusty old horse. A long, challenging climb with three distinct sections, some steep ramps and great views. Cazz Redding, a town . Theres a false-flat 7.6km into the climb that lasts for the best part of 2km. I must say Hotham makes Lake Mountain seem like a mole hill. October is definitely the biggest month in the official cycling calendar with events including the 7 Peaks Ride and the Ned Kelly Chase. 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? The Great Valley Trail is a new family friendly shared cycle trail between Bright and Harrietville. 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%. The good news is that you'll be treated to some amazing views, and once you reach Hotham Village there is a fair bit of downhill to the town of Omeo. The events begin in January with the Audax Alpine Classic and wrap up with the Tour Fondo in December. the final corner, another RHer into Harrietville. 1.3km later the gradient increases marginally but not enough to cause significant discomfort. All rooms include a private en suite bathroom, TV and continental breakfast. Another enjoyable rail trail nearby is the High Country Rail Trail.. They reopened the road to Hotham for this Easter weekend. If you have any questions, please call Dysons Bairnsdale during business hours (9am-5pm) on 03 5152 1711 With crucial information like maps, gradients, distances, terrain, where to stay, where to get water, etc. Cycling: The Audax Alpine Classic cycle event is run every Australia Day weekend by Audax Australia with over 2000 cyclists descending on Bright. While shorter ride options are available, climbing Mt. There is a visitor center there with cafe and toilet facilities, although I cant speak for the opening hours. Thankfully the last little bit is downhill. A TV is offered. Would i be absolutely terrified of the open spaces? The last leg from CRB Hill to the summit is the toughest but doable for any cyclist who has done a little preparation. On this section supplies can only be obtained at Hotham Village (km133) and Dinner Plain (km145). The second section is a long false-flat from 11km to 19.7km with only minimal climbing. By this point you are well and truly into crosswind country and the road ramps upward once again, holding its gradient for the next 1.2km. It wasnt until I reached the false flat that I could make out faintest detail in the forest. 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. Disclaimer:should you choose to cycle this route, you do so at your own risk. 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. The kitchen features an oven and a microwave and there is a private bathroom. Keep pretty fit though normally but theres nothing like climbing a mountain to sort things out. Is it controllable? Some sections of the route are on the main road so please use caution with passing traffic. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for AERIAL VIEW OVENS VALLEY BETWEEN HARRIETVILLE & BRIGHT VIC. This mountain can bite and within a half hour we were descending in torrential stinging rain with visibility on the top down to one snow pole. Last year I climbed all 7 peaks and so far this year I have climbed the 7 peaks twice with the exception of Dinner Plain and Mount Baw Baw. With the school holid, Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing Transport Options, www.obee.com.au/theharrietvillesnowlinehotel. . - Mount Buffalo (84 km return). Yes we stayed there at the Shepparton Alpine Club over Easter was fantastic. Required fields are marked *. The Meg, CRB Hill and Diamantina Hill were nasty, but the rest of the climb was quite manageable. Hotham without a proper warm-up is not advisable. The lovely lady at the Cafe even gave me the local news to put under my jersey for extra wind protection, I gladly accepted and was off. 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. So remember to save up some legs for the return back. 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. I climbed Mt Buffalo for the first time on Monday. Harrietville to Omeo (86km)-The road up Mt Hotham is one of Australia's hardest and most iconic climbs, so be prepared for pain. I havent climbed it in winter but I imagine the traffic would be considerably heavier. 500m later, at the Eurobin Creek, the road turns through a sharp right-hand hairpin before kicking up quite sharply. A-grade riders in the Tour of Bright will complete the climb in under 80 minutes but anything under two hours is a commendable effort. Its a great climb steady but not egregious gradients although the Garmin did hit 10% a couple of times and 13% once. The challenge of Audax is all about personal achievement in non-competitive long distance rides with fellow cyclists. I am a cyclist that does ride around hilly terrains, having ridden lake mountain, buffalo, tawonga etc. The Climbing Cyclist website has a detailed breakdown of the climb. If you are driving to the high country from Melbourne you can expect a four hour drive with the best option being to take the Hume Freeway (M31) to Wangaratta and then the Great Alpine Road (B500) toward Bright. Road riding around Bright is just a matter of picking a road and heading off, but some of the recognised ride loops include: Ill be interested to hear how much easier you find it on fresher legs! Your descriptions are fantastic and help gauge whether Im up to it. . ACV thanks its current patrons: Antonio Lima, Saul Culican, Adrian Muller, Tanya Bosch, Jeremy, Kim Delbridge, Phil Yardy, Leigh Esposito, Margery Smith, Stephanie Quinceton, Ivor Guest and Robert Potocnik. Im thinking of doing this climb in July in the middle of the snow season. Bright OnBike, Melbourne. Why stop there? Climbed many passes in Europe and every one of them offers refreshments. Bright, Hotham Village and Dinner Plain are pretty expensive, but The Golden Age Hotel, a grand old art-deco building on the main street of Omeo, is charming and great value-fifty bucks will get you a basic room and an all-you-can-eat breakfast which includes bacon and eggs! Home News Destinations New South Wales Blue Mountains Byron Bay Central Coast Central NSW Central Tablelands Coffs Harbour Hunter Valley Illawarra Lord Howe Island Mid-Coast WebAbout Key Breakout Edu Zombie Answer. The road also leaves the ridge line as it winds around a series of hairpins like the tight right-hand bend at the 17.8km mark. The long steep climbs of the Victorian High Country have become synonymous with Australian road cycling, playing host to annual events like the Alpine Classic and the Peaks Challenge and, each summer, attracting pedaling pilgrims to complete the 7 Peaks Challenge a self-paced program of seven rides that take cyclists on some of the most challenging but rewarding road rides in the country. The ride can be divided roughly into three sections: Wangaratta to Harrietville (102km)-this mainly flat ride takes you through the Ovens Valley, past the towns of Myrtleford, Bright and Harrietville. These trails are remote and include steep and difficult sections. * In 1863 alluvial mining began between Bright and Harrietville with 98% of the miners being of Chinese descent. #seeyo, Dont forget that Kids Eat Free promo is still r, Tuesday Trivia is back on again this week Website They produce wine varieties including Fiano and Saperavi, as well as classic styles such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. One of my riding mates on the ACE250 was 74 years old. All the very best with Lake Mountain! Hey, for a really nice ride instead of turning off Mt Buffalo Rd just keep riding up past Lake Catani we stopped in at the kiosk/shop just past the lake. Ride or Walk the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Unsealed surfaces are well made and can be ridden on a road bike. Buffalo plateau. The biggest attraction to Bright is the Cycling. In the same year Harrietville became a resting place for those heading for the Omeo, Dargo and Glen Wills goldfields. 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! I think this is now a preferred end to the ride over the Chalet site. PURCHASE A GIFT VOUCHER TODAY JUST SEND AN EMAIL TO ORGANISE Follow the rail trail from the centre of Bright towards the Tawonga Gap turnoff, where the new trail begins. 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. Give it a shot! Travelling Australia in my converted Sprinter van.Watch the latest video from Vanlife Shots (@vanlife.shots). Buffalo National Park tollbooth, located around 6km from the intersection of the Mt. 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.