The Great Victorian Bike Ride - Day 9

Day 9 - Eildon to Marysville - 48km.

We were awoken by the sounds of a family of kookaburra's and our last day began.

It was a beautiful fine morning, slight breeze and the riding was easy. We had a couple of hills but with what we have had to challenge ourselves with over the past few days, they were easy.




The scenery was beautiful. At one point all riders had to dismount and walk across a very narrow wooden bridge, it was a real sight to see 1500 riders strung out, waiting to cross.

The Cathedral Ranges came into our view, with the poignant reminder of the tragedy of the bush fires, but nature is wonderful and the regrowth was amazing.



As we rode closer to Marysville the hills all around were covered with the burnt trees that haven't recovered, and they really did surround the small communities. It must have been such a horrific experience.



We arrived at Marysville at lunchtime to much fanfare, most of that provided by my sister and brother in law who came up to meet us. The community of Marysville has started the rebuilding, but has a long way to go, and by finishing the bike ride there, I hope it encourages people to come up and visit this most enchanting place.



It was great to reach the finish, and it gave us all a great sense of achievement. It was an experience that certainly challenged the mind and body. We had some really tough days but I was surprised that each day we recovered well and seemed to ride stronger the next day. I would certainly encourage anybody to give it a go. It was a fun and enjoyable "week in another world"

Would I do it again.

I most certainly would.

Still stitching....even though I'm riding.

I know what you're thinking...how can I write this blog if I'm cycling my way from Yarrawonga to Marysville? Well, that's because I am super organised in advance. So, while I am peddling away, you can keep up to date on my stitching activities and upon my return I will have so much to tell you...

So, in the mean time let me fill you in on my stitching...

I love the detail of things and stockings are no exceptions. I've taken some close up photos of some of the details of a couple of stockings. The trinkets, I feel, really make the stocking. Plain also looks lovely too, but I guess I do enjoy a little bit of 'bling'. I have to say, these stockings are always a talking point.

Have a look at the details and see if you can pick a favourite.

Final Preparation for the Bike Ride

I can't believe that after all the training and spin classes that the RACV Great Victoria Bike Ride is almost upon us.

I have spent much of today packing and repacking. We have a limit of 20kg each person, including our camping equipment. Everything bought has been with weight in mind and I am surprised at how we are well under out limit.

All our bags have to be tagged and lined with plastic bags, in case they get wet, and I am certainly wondering how 5000 bike rider's equipment is going to be transported daily... a logistical nightmare, I imagine. As I am not taking a handbag because of room and weight, I am using one of my great travel wallets from the shop. It holds all of the travel documents and cards that I need. Another great find from RAPT UP , is the shampoo bar, it eliminates having to take shampoo, soap and conditioner. When room is of the essence, it will fit the bill.

We will be leaving Mildura at 8am Friday morning, and drive to Yarrawonga. There are seven in our group, half of us are on mountain bikes the others are on road bikes. As no family or friends are to follow the ride by car, there was the problem of how we were going to drive back once arriving in Marysville. My very kind brother-in-law in Melbourne, offered to bus it up to Yarrawonga and take the van back to Melbourne and then meet us in Marysville on day 9.

Once there we have to register and proceed to the camping ground to set up. Saturday morning the ride begins at 9am and our first day is 71kms to Dookie. The terrain looks OK for that day. It's the next day that could be concerning ( big hills ). You will have to wait for my blog updates after the ride to see how I fared.

The bags are packed, the bikes serviced, the excitement growing. RACV Great Vic Bike Ride - Yarrawonga to Marysville... HERE WE COME.

Mini Van Cycling experience

I have a question for you? Does anyone look good in lycra and a helmet?? Unless you are Lance Armstrong, the answer is 'unlikely'. And there is something to be said for the padded bike pants also...I feel rather sporty to say the least.

Driving around in a mini van with our bikes attached to the outside is something I'll have to get used to. I will admit it was my first experience in a mini van. Nevertheless, I really enjoy my new found fitness and I can't believe I will be cycling the 590km from Yarrawonga to Marysville in November. Let's hope there is a cheers squad at the finish line for us.