Liam has planned a challenging road cycle tour over the Victorian Alps during the weekend of the 10-12 of February 2012. It's both beautiful and rugged, with mountains, lakes, rivers and tall trees, this is a spectacular ride.

It will be a small group, with support vehicles so you can ride on your road bike. It is expected that you have a good level of fitness, cycling at least 100kms a week as training. The Vigor Cycling Group's Wednesday and Saturday rides will provide you with adequate training and it's recommended you ride with Liam a few times before signing up for the ride to show you are fit enough for the tour.

Itinerary

Because the ride starts from Bainsdale Friday morning you have the option to travel down Thursday or Friday morning. There may be some cars going, but if there is not enough room there is a train from Melbourne Friday morning.

Day 1- Leave Bainsdale as soon as ready and aim for Omeo, this is a tough first day but makes the trip possible in the short time frame. 122kms

Day 2- Omeo to Bright, conquer the Dinner Plain climb, one for those trying to complete the 7 peaks,then roll down into Harrietville and onto Bright. 110kms

Day 3- Bright to Wangaratta, easy day to finish the tour, enjoy a sleep in and big breakfast in Bright before a flat ride to the train station. 76kms

The grand total of 308kms sees you start in the Gippsland coast, ride over Australia's highest sealed mountain pass over the Great Divide and finish in North East Victoria's Ovens valley. The tour is a challenge which will deliver a great sense of accomplishment and memories to last forever, and will wet the appetite for more cycle touring to explore the not so well traveled roads.

Download the Map

Food

Some meals are catered for which is included in the price, however we will make use of local shops and pubs to both support the local businesses and reduce our load. Specific details will be given once we know how many people are coming, but feel free to discuss any requirements or requests with Liam.

What you need to bring

The only bike for this tour is a road bike, this means you will be able to ride in a group and cover the challenging course and distance in the time available. It is essential to have a comprehensive service on your bike before we leave, don't leave it too late to book in your service.

This is a suggested list of items you should bring:

2 cycling jerseys

1 short sleeve thermal top

1 long sleeve thermal top or arm warmers

2 cycling shorts

1 long leggings or thermals or leg warmers

1 pants, track suit pants for evenings (jeans are heavier but if you must)

1 shorts to keep dry for evenings

1 pair sandals/shoes for off the bike

1 pair cycling shoes

3-5 pairs socks

1 pair cycling gloves

underwear as you please

1 pair bathers

1 warm top for evenings

1 waterproof top, might be necessary to cycle with it.

1 bike helmet

Sunglasses and sunscreen would be advisable

Minimal toiletries

Book (maximum 200 pages!)

Optional Camping Equipment (i'll be staying in accommodation):

Tent (you can share if you're game)

Sleeping mat, essential for a good night sleep

Sleeping bag, it's good to have a liner too in case it's hot or freezing at night

Bike Equipment:

2 Drink bottles for water (must have 2 drink cages on bike)

Pump, 2 spare tubes, 2 tyre levers, multi-tool/allen keys for bike.

Obviously the weather forecast will give you a clearer picture of essentials but remember once we are out there you can't put on a rain jacket if you didn't bring one.

Cost

Cycle touring can be a very cheap form of travel, if you want to keep the cost down we suggest you camp and we will transport your gear, however i will be booking accommodation for those that want to enjoy the comfort of a house and bed. Besides this we are charging the costs of providing a safe and supported ride, we will have at least one support vehicle with first aid that we intend to never use. Obviously petrol costs and the driver giving up there time to support you.

Vigor Members $TBC, Non-Members $TBC.

We suggest you register your interest with Liam at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it as soon as possible to enable us to book accommodation and organise logistics.

We look forwards to cycling with you.