Gippsland Weekend Ride Report

October 5, 2011 in 2011, Ride Reports, ss, Victoria

	On 24 th of September, three cyclists and two support crew gathered outside the Anglican Church in Wonthaggi at 9.00 for a ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in Victoria.After many Bike for Bibles rides, this was my first as ride organiser. Unfortunately I wasn’t well on the weekend and had to withdraw from riding. However I still managed the entire distance – with my bike on the roof – sitting next to my wife, Evelyn, who stepped in as the foodie at the last moment.
	Despite missing the riding I still had a great time as first time ride organiser and would encourage anyone thinking of this to have a go. Next year, I’m planning to repeat this ride but extend it to a week.The small team rode together well, each sharing the lead and encouraging each other. David, one of the locals from Foster, who joined us for his first Bike for Bibles ride, provided much local knowledge and stories of the area. Morning tea on Saturday was on the banks of the Tarwin River at Tarwin Lower.
	We then gained altitude as we rode to the day’s high point (literally) at lunch looking out to Wilsons Prom.This was followed by an undulating ride for the rest of the day to Foster where I believe an enjoyable dinner at the local Golf club was had by all while I remained at behind and inspected my eyelids.
	Refreshed by the sleep and fueled up with breakfast we set off for Fish Creek then took a (planned) detour along a ridge of a valley to the Foster North hill.
	From the vantage point of some 300 meters on the summit of the Foster North Hill all of corner inlet and the northern end of the Prom could be seen. A quick descent to Falls Rd to travel on the other side of the valley we had just ridden up brought us out at Fish Creek for morning tea.The team worked well together as was shown when Dan the roadie managed to get bogged on the damp shoulder when he pulled a little too far off the road to let a car pass. Without any organizing Alan walked back to slow the motorists and Dan walked the other way to warn oncoming motorists, while Evelyn the foodie drove around to pull the car & trailer out backwards. Sorry, no photos of this little incident. I thought the passing constable who stopped to add his flashing lights would be less than impressed.
	Lunch was somewhat delayed but the view at the lunch spot at Inverloch overlooking Anderson Inlet more than compensated.
	Shortly after lunch and a climb to warm us up we stopped to view The Eagles Nest…
	…and the coastline looking west
	The views along the coast road were great and we were assisted by an unseasonal tailwind as we completed the ride back to Wonthaggi topped off a wonderful weekend made all the better by the good weather which we were blessed with.
	Everyone enjoyed the ride and wanted to do another ride through this most scenic area of Victoria.Pencil into your diary September 22 – 30, 2012 for the next Gippsland Ride travelling from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance.