Tour de Murray to Mountains Pedal n Pamper

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Loreen Thomas
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Tour de Murray to Mountains Pedal n Pamper An iconic cycling tour The

you back in time, but also through stunning scenery, farmland, alpine

Enjoy this fantastic tour, take photos of the beautiful landscape,

1 Tour de Murray to Mountains Pedal n Pamper An iconic cycling tour The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is an iconic cycling trail, that takes you back in time, but also through stunning scenery, farmland, alpine valleys and gourmet outlets. Enjoy this fantastic tour, take photos of the beautiful landscape, and savour the delicious food and wine, and relax knowing that Tour de Vines has everything arranged for you.

Congratulations on choosing to explore the brilliant, beautiful and bountiful North East Victoria on the Tour de Murray to Mountains Pedal n Pamper.

You ve chosen the Tour de Murray to Mountains Pedal n Pamper self-guided itinerary, so you can cycle at your own pace, stop for as long as you want at the designated stops, and explore places off the

Having said that, Tour de Vines has ensured if you follow nothing else but this guide, you will be savouring the best of the region so you re not missing out.

2 Congratulations on choosing to explore the brilliant, beautiful and bountiful North East Victoria on the Tour de Murray to Mountains Pedal n Pamper. This information pack will provide everything you need to ensure your tour with Tour de Vines is everything you hoped for and more. You ve chosen the Tour de Murray to Mountains Pedal n Pamper self-guided itinerary, so you can cycle at your own pace, stop for as long as you want at the designated stops, and explore places off the beaten path if your heart desires. So this guide is the basics only, you are of course free to explore and enjoy all that the region has to offer. Having said that, Tour de Vines has ensured if you follow nothing else but this guide, you will be savouring the best of the region so you re not missing out. Start Point Your starting point is the town of Beechworth, in North East Victoria. See What to Bring at the back of this guide. How To Get There Drive Beechworth is approx. a 285km, 3 hour drive north of Melbourne. Follow the Hume Freeway (M31) north until you see the Beechworth sign turnoff near Wangaratta. Flights A number of airlines fly to Albury from Melbourne and Sydney, which is a 45 minute drive to Beechworth. Border Shuttle Services can provide transfers. There is also the Wangaratta Coach Line service: Train There is a VLine service to Wangaratta from Melbourne, and from there a coach service to Beechworth, inquire at VLine for latest timetables and costs. Arrival Your first night accommodation in Beechworth is: George Kerferd Hotel Mayday Hills, end of Albert Rd, Beechworth Phone: (03) There is no cycling on your arrival day so check into your accommodation, and enjoy Beechworth s ambiance. Your locked vehicles are safe in the parking area. First Night Dinner A reservation has been made for you at Bridge Road Brewery for 7.30pm. You have a choice of pizzas, which are included in your tour (drinks to be paid at the bar). We strongly recommend the Gundowring ice-cream!!

3 Itinerary Day 1 Bikes If you have booked bike hire, these can be collected at the following venue: The Old Priory Guesthouse, 8 Priory Lane (turn left at the main roundabout and 1 st right on Church Rd then left on Priory Lane see reception desk for bikes). Breakfast A full breakfast is included with your room booking. It s also worth a brief visit into town to try some exceptional coffee at one, or many, of Beechworth s emerging cafes before heading off on your cycling tour. Our favs are: Blynzz Cafe: 43 Ford Street Providore Café: 18 Camp Street Cellar Door Wine Store: 62 Ford Street Pack your bags and leave them at or near reception to be collected by your transfer service. Aim for a 10am start. Cycling (**refer PDF maps also) The following is a suggested itinerary. Using the attached PDF maps, and being a self guided tour, you have the flexibility to cycle anywhere you would like to visit. Lunches are booked for you but all other visits are at your leisure. This itinerary covers 72kms of cycling almost all on the Rail Trail, an easy to follow, paved and safe cycling path. To start, from the George Kerferd, head down the hill from the entrance gate, with the start of the Rail Trail on the left hand side about 100 meters down before you reach town(signposted). Join the Rail Trail here. TIP: There is a large map just before the original Beechworth station which is a great area for photos. This is the original rail station largely in tact. Your first stop is Pennyweight Winery, which is a minute ride from the start of the rail trail, so don t arrive too early! Wine purchases can be picked up from here, but make sure you label them clearly with your name. At Everton Station, double back & stay right on the fork in the rail trail, now cycling toward Gapsted and Myrtleford. You are heading toward Taylors Gap, the only uphill section of the ride for the whole weekend. From Everton it is about an hours ride to your lunch stop at Gapsted Winery located on the Rail Trail just after Taylors Gap, where a lunch booking has been made for you for 1pm. Enjoy the wines and the stunning scenery down the Alpine Valley and of Mt Buffalo from Gapsted. It s a short 30 minute ride to Myrtleford where you will stay for the evening. Lunch: Superb food awaits with obviously a great wine list. A platter lunch is included in your tour with any drinks to be paid for upon leaving. After a leisurely lunch, it s a short ride to Myrtleford to your accommodation. Follow the Rail Trail and upon entering the town of Myrtleford (stay left do not pass under the bridge) you will pass the Motel on Alpine (just near the Savoy Club) on your left. Check in, you luggage will have been delivered for you. Motel on Alpine (03) Great Alpine Rd, Myrtleford Optional: Another 100 meters along on the other side of Great Alpine Rd is Michillini s Wine cellar door, a great way to end the day with this traditional Italian based winery. Evening Meal: A booking has been made for you for 7pm at The Motel on Alpine Restaurant (attached to your accommodation) with a 2 course meal included in your booking (drinks extra). Day 2 Pack your bags and leave out ready for collection. Your ride is flat, scenic with lots of stops today, travelling along the rail trail to Bright (30kms). Aim for a 9am departure to breakfast. Leaving Pennyweights, join the Rail Trail again heading downhill toward Everton, admiring the rural views across the King Valley.

4 A full breakfast is booked for you today in Myrtleford at Alpine Gate Café, located in the same building as the tourist office, for 9am. From the Motel on Alpine, follow the Great Alpine Rd for about 1km, and the Alpine Gate Café is located on your left, just near the town park, it is hard to miss!! Jump back on your bike after breakfast, follow the Great Alpine Rd initially and then join the Rail Trail again. Ride through the centre of Myrtleford and watch for the Butter Factory on the right hand side, worth a visit. Your next recommended stop is the Pumpkin Seed Factory produce shop on the left hand side of Great Alpine Rd just out of Myrtleford (20 mins). This is the only pumpkin seed production site in Australia. Purchases can be collected if needed, please label them clearly. Your gourmet treats aren t done yet, as we now head to the Bright Berry Farm, about min ride along the Rail Trail. Here they serve the best sundaes you re likely to taste.ever! The farm is located on the right hand side of Great Alpine Rd so keep an eye out for the signs. Lunch Twenty minutes further along the Rail Trail brings you to Feathertop Winery or Boyntons where lunch has been booked for you. A stunning winery with gorgeous views across the valley to Mt Buffalo. It s hard to leave Boyntons Winery, but we need to jump back on our bikes and ride into Bright. This is a beautiful part of the Rail Trail, passing through Porepunkah. If time permits, stop at the Rail Trail Café just outside Porepunkah on the Rail Trail. Great coffee & cakes. Follow the Rail Trail all the way to Bright, finishing at Centenary Park behind the Tourist Information Centre (look for signs), ready for a 4pm collection. Recommendation: If time you have a choice of visiting the fantastic Bright Chocolate Bar & Café or the Bright Brewery, or both (they are both right on the parks edge). Call your transport service if running late or if early. Tour End: your transfer service will collect you and your bikes, together with your luggage and any purchases, and head back to Beechworth, taking around 45 mins. Your Contacts George Kerferd Hotel, Beechworth (03) Bridge Road Brewery, Ford St, Bworth (03) Gapstead Winery, Great Alpine Rd (03) Motel on Alpine, Great Alpine Rd, MFord (03) Alpine Gate Myrtleford, Great Alpine Rd (03) Boyntons Winery, Great Alpine Rd, Bright (03) Transport/Support vehicle What to Bring A water bottle is provided Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat. Cycling clothing. Casual evening wear (note that it can get cool in the evenings even in summer) and sleepwear. **Puncture repair/spare tube/pump (if using own bikes) Your sense of fun and adventure!!

A History of the Rail Trail The railway to Beechworth opened in 1875, and was extended to Yackandandah in 1891.

The line to Yackandandah was closed in 1956 and the last train ran to Beechworth in 1977. Beechworth, originally known as Mayday Hills, was a major gold mining centre in the 1850s.

5 A History of the Rail Trail The railway to Beechworth opened in 1875, and was extended to Yackandandah in A second branch line was built from Everton to Myrtleford in 1883 and extended to Bright in Everton was an important regional railway junction but little evidence of it remains now. The line to Yackandandah was closed in 1956 and the last train ran to Beechworth in Beechworth, originally known as Mayday Hills, was a major gold mining centre in the 1850s. You can see traces of this activity at Woolshed Falls, the Gorge Scenic Drive and the Old Powder Magazine. Beechworth Historic Park surrounding the town, has unusual cypress pine/box woodland and box-leaf wattle. The line to Bright was popular in the early 20th century with tourists visiting this picturesque town and the Mt Buffalo Chalet, and was built and owned by the Victorian Railways. The line closed in Construction of the present rail trail began in Bright in 1993 and finished in 2002 to Wangaratta and Beechworth. The original King Valley rail route ran 49 km from Wangaratta to Whitfield and was Victoria's original narrow gauge line built to the two foot six configuration after a last minute change from two foot. The line first ran on after an official opening on 29 April The line closed on 12 September The Wangaratta to Oxley section of the trail was opened in May This provides valuable tourism links to the Oxley and Milawa regions with extension of the rail trail towards Whitfileld being planned.

6 Ut pulvinar elit et augue. We hope you enjoy your Tour de Murray to Mountains Pedal n Pamper. We would love to hear from you about your tour, or you can rate your experience on Trip Advisor under Tour de Vines Tour de Vines inquiry@tourdevines.com.au

Rail Trail Gossip by Mike Lee (AKA Fat Controller)

Rail Trail Gossip by Mike Lee (AKA Fat Controller) During the planning stages of travelling south for the Tour Down Under (reported elsewhere) I decided that I would extend my sojourn south for a week