So remember to save up some legs for the return back. Road cycling enthusiasts love the challenge of the nearby hill climbs like Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Mt Buffalo. 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) . The Great Valley Trail (Bright to Harrietville) The Great Valley Trail proposed alignment (Bright to Harrietville) is out for public comment. Bright holds several bike events each year for road cycling enthusiasts and mountain bikers. I set off from Bright at 4AM with a couple of hundred other riders. Accommodation and services are available in most towns en route. Great place well located. Matt, superb site. 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. There are many bush camping opportunities, with some particularly nice spots on the banks of the Tambo River between Ensay and Bruthen. Havent riden hills like that for a few years, in fact probably BC, BM (before children, before marriage) 25 years ago. Over 100kms of sealed off road trail links the popular towns of Wangaratta, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Bright, Myrtleford and Yackandandah. This was my first Alpine Climb, I loved it! This website is collaboration between Bright OnBike and Et Tu Media. Now Dingos is perfectly placed for a quick coffee & muffin, to warm the body before the real decent, a stop in I fully recommend. Buffalo climb begins the moment you pass the tollbooth, albeit with a rather pedestrian gradient of around 5%. The greatest cycling event in Australia, the Audax Alpine Classic week at end Jan 2014, will have a range of the 200km riders leave Bright at 4am to climb The Buff before going onto Tawonga, Falls and back over Tawonga for the Classic 200km. Give it the respect and enjoy it all. They must have started pretty early I thought. Some short gravel sections which can be a bit rough. Bright to Harrietville by bus The bus journey time between Bright and Harrietville is around 25 min and covers a distance of around 24 km. I could not have scripted more perfect riding conditions or more beautiful views. 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. These were just small pinches though. It is one of the best mountain bike parks in Australia with over 50 kms of trails for all levels (beginner to double-black diamond) with a massive vertical drop of 800 m. The trails comprise of hand-built, The Murray to Mountains rail trails are located in North Eastern Victoria (250 km from Melbourne) and consist of 3 sections with a total distance of 116 km. The trip was organised by one of the guys who I've met through Croydon Cycleworks and they have been going for a few years now. The views are great and its an epic climb. (Lake Mountain and Buller. Rode BawBaw with you and Hells 500 last year, and love your work. Also, I could not find a sandwich on the mountain! See more information about bike riding in Bright here. 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. Dysons Wangaratta. Day trips from Harrietville or Bright. Harrietville to the Razorback(Dimatina Hut) for Mount Feathertop walks. The climb ends at the Mt. Bright is a small rural town located in North Eastern Victoria approximately 320 kms (3.5 hours drive) from Melbourne. the start of The Meg, which is a steep RHer and if you enter too fast, you cant do much about it. They have a great range of recreational bikes ideal for those wanting to ride the rail trails or other, Bright Riverside Holiday Park features river views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Bright. Beast of a climb. Cyclists coming from Melbourne are best advised to take the Hume Freeway (M31) to Wangaratta before turning east onto the Great Alpine Road (B500). Hotham climb. Your email address will not be published. [8] After a slow grind to the top of the Diamantina the road reaches a crest at the 29.7km mark. Grinding away at around 50 55 cadence. About 1km after Bruthen the East Gippsland Rail Trail crosses the road (there is a sign marking it), and if you take a left onto it, it will take you all the way to Bairnsdale. After some time I found a rhythm, the false flat was a welcome change hitting speeds in excess of 30km h. What is it like to ride it with cars on the road? Well done! 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 There is a visitor center there with cafe and toilet facilities, although I cant speak for the opening hours. 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. Why stop there? Hiking and Biking transfers. 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. In the same year Harrietville became a resting place for those heading for the Omeo, Dargo and Glen Wills goldfields. Read More. I reached Harrietville at about 5AM and started climbing. * Reef mining commenced in the area in 1861. Winter would be a different story though. After having around 120ish kms and already conquering Mt Buffalo, the meg was a wake up call. In addition to its local MTB trails Bright is within reach of other fabulous MTB parks located Falls Creek, Dinner Plain, Mt Beauty, Beechworth & Yackandandah. 1.1km at 10% might not sound all that challenging but after 22.7km of climbing this stretch makes for a slow and painful grind. Typically two buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. 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. Completed Hotham over Easter for the first time. 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. This is a great site. The first 10 kms are quite challenging at 6% for the first 5 kms and 7% for the second; The Meg is particularly steep and challenging and will surely get you out of the saddle. Travelling Australia in my converted Sprinter van.Watch the latest video from Vanlife Shots (@vanlife.shots). The Strava segment for the Mt. STRAVA. 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. It has an average gradient of 4.2 percent but don't be deceived; there are several parts of the climb the pitch up to more than 10 percent. They reopened the road to Hotham for this Easter weekend. Alpine Colour Fun Run Saturday 18th March 2023 I had a weekend cycling around Beechworth and took in Buffalo. Im super happy cos I dont get out on my bike much, and never ridden anything this difficult before. Another enjoyable rail trail nearby is the High Country Rail Trail.. 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. Any tips regarding it? After a year or so, it was those brakes on descending that sent me off to buy a new road bike. Mobile phone coverage is scarce, so always ensure you are fully self-sufficient, have a detailed topographical maps or GPS and have told someone about your plans. 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. Did it yesterdayit was glorious with birdies and mist and stuff. Disclaimer:should you choose to cycle this route, you do so at your own risk. 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. The Bright Rotary Gala Day Market is a part of the Bright Autumn Festival Gala Day activities. If you have any questions, please call Dysons Bairnsdale during business hours (9am-5pm) on 03 5152 1711 Enquire Today [email protected] 0472 938 000 Email Phone Date of Tour Pick up Location Number of friends & family on the tour Any other info we need to know I want to subscribe to the newsletter. A more moderate gradient returns 400m later and, for the most part, the road climbs quite gently for the next couple kilometres. Regular buses will run on Friday evening and all day Saturday & Sunday to/from Porepunkah, Harrietville, and Wandiligong to the event precinct, routes posted on the Brighter Days Facebook page and on the website www.brighterdays.org.au A nominal charge applies. This is a great pit-stop for those on the Great Victorian Rail Trail between, Bright Brewery has become an incredibly successful brewery in the Australian High Country. The Great Valley Trail is a new family friendly shared cycle trail between Bright and Harrietville. Ill be interested to hear how much easier you find it on fresher legs! I havent climbed it in winter but I imagine the traffic would be considerably heavier. With stunning views of the valley below this is a great place for a brief rest should you feel the need. Buffalo Chalet. At the 14.8km mark, after several kilometres of fairly gradual climbing, the snow gums that were previously visible are now on both sides of the road. Alexandra. Phone Hoys on 1800 467 669 or 03 5759 2589 OR email - [email protected]. The market has loads of stalls, food vendors and live music. Harrietville Cycling (Victorian Alps) . Hotham climb is often attempted from the township of Bright with the 24km ride from Bright to Harrietville acting as a perfect warm-up. To book email or phone 03 5759 2524 or 0402 377 101 Thought I was going to die on the final ascent. Your email address will not be published. They produce wine varieties including Fiano and Saperavi, as well as classic styles such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. The joy of riding uphill & a guide to Victoria's best climbs. Cazz Redding, a town . Then it was over and the real climbing had resumed. Albury Airport to Mount Hotham/Falls Creek. On Buffalo that is the Horn not the Chalet. All the very best with Lake Mountain! This steeper grade is maintaned for ar0und 400m before things flatten out to a comparatively pleasant 6%. Hey Alexandra. Congrats Chelsea, awesome effort! Ive done Arthurs Seat, all major climbs around Canberra and Mt Buffalo, and this climb far exceeded all of these climbs. The joy of riding uphill & a guide to Victoria's best climbs. So, I think, did anyone who saw me! Your descriptions are fantastic and help gauge whether Im up to it. I used 2 bottles on climb it would have been good to refill for ride back to Harrietville. 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). I have modified the Peugeot from a the original 10 speed (50/40 chain ring & 14-28 cluster) to a 15 speed with the addition of a 30 tooth granny gear chain ring. Theres hardly any car traffic up there and what little cars there are give you plenty of room. Be aware that it can be cold, wet and windy at any time of year in the high mountains. There was a perfect blue sky above. I really hope Im as fit as him when Im his age. . 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 There was barely a breath of wind. Hotham is among Victorias most iconic cycling climbs. Adventure Cycling Victoria and its contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individuals following this route. The Great Valley Trail isa new family friendly shared cycle trail between Bright and Harrietville. After descending sharply for 600m you will come face-to-face with one of the most iconic sections of the Mt. The General Store is normally open and very cyclist friendly The 27-kilometre trail extends the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to the base of the Alps. 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. I put that down to fatigue but went down (hill) again this week and definitely noticed the poor condition. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6edaf848e6a4f7b6fdbe7f5b63f6934" );document.getElementById("dbaaa3f9ae").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hotham compares? Hi David, I cant speak with any authority here but I think you should be fine. Picture: Visit Victoria. For more about the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, read Kerri's article about the section between Beechworth and Everton. Hotham Alpine Resort. Harrietville is a peaceful mountain village which offers hiking, cycling, swimming, short and easy walking trails, family fun and an abundance of local produce and delicious food. Just completed this ride and can confirm it is by far the most difficult ride I have ever done. What:pastoral land, bushland, rural idyll, local produce, wineries, small towns, moderate climbing/descending. The road is lovely, the views are spectacular, and the descent back down to Lake Catani is superb. Walk, cycle, ski or snowboard on a holiday in and around Harrietville, the gateway village to the stunning Alpine National Park. The range includes electric bikes ideal for rail trail riding with ranges of 90 120 kms on a single battery. 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. The dirt road at the end isnt too bad, and the view from the little car park and lookout is superb! You will remember the experience for ever. Accommodation of various sorts is available in many of the nearby towns including Bright, Porepunkah, Freeburgh, Germantown and Wandiligong. 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 . With the AFL Season less than a month away, its time to join up for, Book your table for an amazing Sunday Session on the deck with David Flower. Reading though it with a mate challenged us to have a crack at a few of these bigger climbs. Required fields are marked *. This may seem like stating the very obvious but if you plan to ride back to Harrietville after the climb; the roll downs to the Hull Skier Bridge, the Diamantina and the CRB Hill turn into short but sharp climbs. best climb in Aus in my books, you will love it! Thanks for your detailed description of the climb, I read it post-hoc, as you can see. As I ascended my legs quickly remembered the previous 3 days of solid mountain biking I had undergone competing in the bright national champs. On this section supplies can only be obtained at Hotham Village (km133) and Dinner Plain (km145). I had enjoyed Hotham the day before and was looking for a relaxing climb, I found it a tough, Bright is a popular tourist town and gets very busy and booked out during peak holiday periods. Unsealed surfaces are well made and can be ridden on a road bike. The gently undulating trail follows the Ovens River and explores the beautiful valley between Bright and Harrietville. 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. 73 Followers. Read More. Thanks for subscribing! Everything you need to explore beautiful Bright. With the road meandering along at an almost-negligible gradient, terrific views of the summit are available at the 11.7km mark. October is definitely the biggest month in the official cycling calendar with events including the 7 Peaks Ride and the Ned Kelly Chase. As for it being open: it is probably the most exposed climb Ive done (behind maybe Mt. Road up on Jan 9th 2017. Would i be absolutely terrified of the open spaces? Thankfully the last little bit is downhill. Hotham climb is often attempted from the township of Bright with the 24km ride from Bright to Harrietville acting as a perfect warm-up. Taking the rail trail cuts out a couple of climbs and avoids traffic-this last section to Bairnsdale is the busiest of the whole ride. Its a great value for money and the small fireplace is very enjoyable and cosy at cold winter nights. Buffalo Chalet, marked by the entrance to the Gorge Day Car Park. Alps Link runs from Bright to Omeo via Harrietville, Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain and Cobungra. To get to the base of the climb, you'll ride from Bright up a . There is a good selection of motels, holiday / camping parks, private holiday homes and bed n breakfasts to choose from. The final bridge near the Trout Farm has been opened and the asphalt finished. Like Chamitha points out, having to climb your way down this hill was for me the hardest of the tasks. Your legs are dead but the hills just get bigger and bigger. But your website encouraged me at 63 at long last to get a road bike this spring. 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! Call us for a fixed price quote on all transfers including; To bookemailor phone 03 5759 2524 or 0402 377 101, Share on Facebook What:challenging climbs, fast descents, temperate rainforest, farmland, Yarra River, small towns, gourmet food & wine, Where:Ruffy Highlands, Strathbogie Tablelands, Euroacentral Victoria. Hey, Im very familiar with driving the Mount Hotham roads but have not ridden them before. Located in the main street of Bright, overlooking the river, Bright Brewery is an ideal destination for a beer and a meal after a work-out on the bike. He easily completed the 250km loop. The Great Valley Trail proposed alignment (Bright to Harrietville) is out for public comment. The trail follows the Ovens River and explores the beautiful valley between Bright and Harrietville. Read More. After 18.4km the road reaches a crest and youll descend onto the Mt. - Wandiligong (14 km return) The full length of the Great Valley Trail from Bright to Harrietville is now open and has been getting plenty of use over the holidays! - Buckland Valley (38 km return) Wangaratta to Milawa via Oxley 18km. Each unit comes with a patio, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. V-lineruns three train services a day between Melbourne and Albury (which stops at Wangaratta) and three services a day between Bairnsdale and Melbourne. Buffalo Chalet, 20.9km from the tollbooth.