The Alpine Weekend is nearly here and the weather, depending on which long range forecast you believe, looks like it will be ok.
Below is a detailed outline of the weekend’s activities. Payment is now due and if you can advise the other details as requested below then that will help to finalise planning. Note we still have some spare spots, so it is not too late to join in. Here we go…..
Friday 10th Feb.
Helen and I will head up Friday morning and I will be dropped off at Porepunkah (just past the roundabout leading to C535 and Mt Buffalo) around 1:15pm to ride up Mt Buffalo if anyone else wants to join. Helen usually drives up to the top for a walk (and backup). Cycle back to Bright arriving around 5pm. Others are heading up earlier, so we usually cross paths somewhere on Buffalo.
For those who are in Bright early enough, we are having a drink and meal at The Bright Brewery at 5.45pm. I have booked an outside area in my name/ARC for 25 from 5.45pm in anticipation. Everyone is usually off to bed by 8pm (!)
Saturday 12th Feb.
Bright to Anglers Rest (via Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain) – 139km, 2500vm, approx 6.30hr ride time.
Two groups (with the aim of coming together at Dinner Plain), both departing from the car park across Cobden St from Bright Velo, 2 Ireland St, Bright. Be self-sufficient for breakfast. Cars can be left in that carpark.
Departure times are 6.30am & 7:00am sharp. Arrive early and allow extra time for bag drop, photos, socialising etc.
I’ll be in the carpark with a car available for bag drop from 6.15am. Please keep bag size to a minimum, leave the rest in your car. A small esky will be available at the same time to transport any personal perishable breakfast items to Anglers Rest.
Water and food available (every 30 or 40km).
Water available at Harrietville (toilet block in carpark LHS just prior to the General Store, (I suggest leaving with 2 full bidons for a 2 hr climb), Mt Hotham (General Store, opposite the Police Station), Dinner Plain (DP Hut LHS in main Carpark), and Omeo Crazy Cow Bakery Cafe (& public toilet block, RHS opposite The Golden Age Hotel).
Food available at Harrietville General Store, Hotham General Store, The Hub Dinner Plain, Omeo Crazy Cow Bakery and Cafe.
HARRIETVILLE – ETA 7:30am – stopping at carpark toilet block for water stop and climb prep. Sometimes a coffee van is across the road.
DINNER PLAIN – ETA 10:30am – Stopping at The Hub Dinner Plain (left at the main roundabout, vehicle parking still outside the closed Mountain Kitchen) for coffee/morning tea and regroup. With prior notice, it may be possible to ensure your choice of food is available, otherwise, take your chances.
OMEO – ETA 12.45pm – Stopping at the Crazy Cow Café & Bakery for lunch and regroup. There is also a park further down the road with water as well as a couple of other food spots – the Olde Country Kitchen Café (takeaway) and Pippas Bakery.
The notorious bike-eating wooden bridge across Bingo Munjie Creek, in the valley half way between Omeo and Anglers Rest, should now be gone but just be a little cautious in case road works are not complete.
ANGLERS REST – ETA 2.30-3pm. Time for a nice cool swim in the river, a relax, and a few drinks before dinner. Helen has offered to supply drinks and snacks in the undercover BBQ area opposite our cabins from 4pm, beer/wine/mineral waters/chips/dips and snacks – $15pp to assist with costs.
If anyone has the energy, assistance with prep always appreciated.
Cabins $65 per person – Lana from the Blue Duck has advised me that she requires accommodation payment upfront. To this end, I will be paying a lump sum and asking for your payments to me via internet banking with details below.
A cabin allocation list will be provided to assist with check-in.
Dinner at The Blue Duck is from 6pm and must ordered by 7.30pm. We will probably take pre orders at afternoon drinks.
Payment options for dinner will be either cash or EFTPOS, with the backup of leaving card details for later debit. EFTPOS sometimes, but rarely, fails. Just remember to settle up before retiring to bed.
Sunday breakfast packs are not available this year (to be confirmed), so you will need be self-sufficient with the esky option from Bright available. Gas powered fridges and cook tops in the rooms.
No power in the rooms (except lighting), plenty of outlets in the pub for recharging.
No mobile reception, public phone in the pub.
For those not cycling, the pub is not open until 11.30 Sunday morning, so you will need to be self-sufficient.
Sunday 13th Feb.
Anglers Rest to Bright (returning via Mt Hotham) 139km, 2200vm’s, approx 6.30hr ride time.
Again, two start groups, 6.30 & 7am, the aim to arrive at Dinner Plain at a similar time.
Dinner Plain – ETA 10:30am Stopping again at The Hub for lunch and regroup.
Bright ETA 2pm – The toilet block near the river in Mountbatten St, (RHS before crossing Morses Creek) will be the initial drop off point for the bags. Nice to have a swim in the river on a hot day. Join us for a drink or two at The Brewery, area for 20 booked from 3.15pm, to celebrate a great ride before heading home.
Monday 13th Feb.
Please organise any additional rides individually. Helen and I are staying Sunday night this year. I think Perry had some plans for a ride up to the closure at Falls Creek. I may also join in before heading home.
Logistics:
I’ll bring a floor pump and a few spares, tyres, tubes, tools. Bring anything else you think prudent, but there is limited space available for transport. Helen (0424 034 916) will be driving as well as Lindee and Marg. Their role is to help transport our gear and most likely they will meet us at various spots along the way for lunch etc. Unlike the Tour de France it is not intended that they follow behind to provide wheel changes and mechanical support (we wish!).
By Monday 06 Feb could you please advise:
– which group 6.30/7am you are joining Saturday (for rollcall).
– if there are other vehicles travelling to Anglers Rest other than Helen, Lindee and Marg that can assist with bag/food transport.
– any specific food order for The Hub Dinner Plain.
– anyone you particularly do (or don’t) want to share a cabin with, as I’ll be providing The Blue Duck with a cabin list next Wednesday 8th Feb to assist our check-in on Saturday.
– you have any Vego/Vegan/Food allergies that need considering for Saturday afternoon snacks.
– payments of $80 per person, covering accommodation and Saturday afternoon snacks/drinks, can be made to my PayID, which is my phone number 0438568029, please include your name. Text me if BSB & Account details required. No refunds or withdrawals after Monday 6th Feb.
At the moment we have 21 participants.
The Starters List 31 January 2023
———————-
Brad Phillips, Helen Beggs
Richard Cole
Neal Cam, Lindee Cam
Mark Bradley
Richard Hedding
Frank Niglio, Barbara Niglio
Matt Douglas
Gordon Alexander, Marg Yeoman
Gavin Rossetti
Perry Brown
Richard Serpell
Phil Scardamaglia
Ken Bartlett
Russell Ives
Gary Appleby
Nathan Alexander
Richard Eustace
Wait List:
———-
None. Some spots are available!
It’s getting exciting. Fingers crossed for the weather. Ensure your bike is in good order.
If for any reason you think your fitness is not as you had hoped, it is not an issue to withdraw, or to drive, cycle only part of the way, offer support, or just enjoy the social aspects of the weekend. Partners are very welcome. We have well above the minimum required to cover accommodation assurances.
Give me a call if you have any questions.
Brad 0438 568 029