2020 ARC Alpine Challenge 7th-10th Feb 2020

Hi All,
Imre, you now have a bed at The Blue Duck, should be a bit more comfortable.
Rusty, thanks for letting me know, you’re not just playing the bookies for a big plunge next year are you?
Garry, thanks for advice on Pete.

All the roads from Bright via Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain, and Omeo to Anglers Rest are now open, with the road via Tawonga Gap to Falls Ck also open, however a portion of the Bogong High Plains Rd beyond Falls Ck still closed.
I spoke to Lana, the publican at The Blue Duck Inn during the week, she had 40 people for lunch last weekend, her first customers since November, and is very much looking forward to seeing our group.
She is also optimistic that the Bogong High Plains Rd may open before our arrival, a lot will depend on what effect the latest hot weather has on the fires.
The plan at the moment is to leave Bright on Saturday riding the traditional route via Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain, and Omeo to Anglers Rest, and then returning the same way Sunday, with a possibility we may return via Falls Ck if the road opens.
The only thing I can’t control is the air quality and that will be very dependant on wind direction.
With the latest withdrawals and subs,the starters list currently looks like this
– Wayne and Jude
– John and Clare
– Barb and Frank
– MattDoug
– StevenG
– Robyn
– Justin
– TrevS
– TonyW
– GarryD
– GTP
– JulieJet
– RichardC
– RobP
– Brad and Helen
– Lynton
– Gordon and Marg
– GlennS and Wilma
– Imre (25)
Still have room for a couple more.
I’m away without a lot of my planning materials at the moment but will post in the next couple of days asking some info of each of you, and providing detailed info for the uninitiated.
Cheers
Wayne.

Friday 7th Feb.
10am Jayco Herald Sun Tour stage 3 start.
For those who are in Bright early enough, Jude and I are having a drink at The Brewery at 6pm, leading onto dinner at the same venue.
Saturday 8th Feb.
Bright to Anglers Rest (via Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain) – 139km, 2500vm, approx 7hr ride time.
2 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.
6.30am – I wouldn’t say led by me, Mob.0403877060, but I’ll be joining this group.
7am – led by GarryD, Mob. 0438910335.
A car(s) will be available for bag drop from 6.20am in the carpark. 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), Dinner Plain (DP Hut LHS in main Carpark), and Omeo Bakery Cafe (& public toilet block, RHS opposite The Golden Age Hotel).
Food available at Harrietville General Store, Hotham General Store, Dinner Plain Mountain Kitchen, Omeo High Plains Bakery and Cafe.
Harrietville – stopping at carpark toilet block for water stop and climb prep.
Dinner Plain – Stopping at Mountain Kitchen (fronting the Carpark) for coffee/morning tea, and regroup. Open from 9am, and advised of our arrival.
Omeo – Stopping at High Plains Bakery and Café (LHS opposite The Golden Age Hotel) for lunch, and regroup. Advised of our arrival.
Beware the wooden bridge in the valley half way between Omeo and Anglers Rest – large longitudinal gaps that will swallow your front wheel – walk or ride VERY slowly.
Expect to arrive at The Blue Duck Inn around 2.30-3pm. Time for a nice cool swim in the river, a relax, and a few drinks before dinner. Jude has offered to supply drinks and snacks in the undercover BBQ area opposite our cabins from approx 4pm, beer/wine/mineral waters/chips/dips and snacks – $10pp to assist with costs.
If anyone has the energy, assistance with prep always appreciated.
Dinner at The Blue Duck is from 6pm, and must ordered by 7.30pm. Table booked. http://www.blueduckinn.com.au/index.html
Cabins $65pp, payable individually at check-in, a cabin list will be provided.
You can run a tab and pay at the end of the night as there is an EFTPOS surcharge for each transaction. Just remember to settle up before retiring.
Order Sunday breakfast packs at check-in, $10 continental, (no cooked option this year), pickup after dinner, or be self sufficient with the esky option. 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 9th Feb.
Anglers Rest to Bright (returning via Mt Hotham) 139km, 2150vm’s, approx 6.30hr ride time.
Again, 2 start groups, 6.30 & 7am, same leaders, the aim to arrive at Dinner Plain at a similar time.
Dinner Plain – Stopping again at Mountain Kitchen for lunch and regroup.
Bright – 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 from 3pm to celebrate a great ride before heading home.
Monday 10th Feb.
I now can’t stay to ride Monday but there could be a Falls Ck option – MattDoug?
I’ll bring a floor pump and a few 10 speed Shimano spares, tyres, tubes, tools, 25litres of fresh Melbourne water. Bring anything else you think prudent, but there is limited space available for transport.
Could you please give me an idea if:
– attending dinner Friday night.
– which group 6.30/7am you are joining Saturday (for rollcall).
– there are other vehicles travelling to Anglers Rest other than Jude/Clare and Justin that can assist with bag/food transport.
– needing esky space Bright to Anglers Rest.
– 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 on Wednesday to assist our checkin Saturday.
– you have any Vego/Vegan/Food allergies that need considering for Saturday afternoon snacks ASAP.
At the moment we have 26 participants (23 cyclists) –
– Wayne and Jude
– John and Clare
– Barb and Frank
– MattDoug
– StevenG
– Robyn
– Justin
– TrevS
– TonyW
– GarryD
– GTP
– JulieJet
– RichardC
– RobP
– Brad and Helen
– Lynton
– Gordon and Marg
– GlennS and Wilma
– Imre
– NZJohn (26)
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, offer support, and just enjoy the social aspects of the weekend. We have well above the minimum required to cover accommodation assurances.
Give me a call if you have any questions (I’ll be home Weds)
Wayne. 0403877060.