It certainly draws the crowds. I reckon I saw two cars on the ascent and one on the descent. [8] a short 10-km (round trip) Bright to Wandiligong. Hi Matt FYI your JPG and google maps linked arent loading. A further 400m up the road and the breathtaking views are put on hold momentarily as you get to the climbs first major challenge: The Meg. goumet delights (wineries, breweries, cheeseries, etc). I used 2 bottles on climb it would have been good to refill for ride back to Harrietville. Can be done on a road bike, though some may prefer a gravel bike. The whole network of trails stretch more than 100km from Wangaratta to Bright, with a couple of extensions connecting the trail to Beechworth, Milawa, and Harrietville. Then it was over and the real climbing had resumed. Well done! Free chilled water!!! Welcome to Harrietville and Mt Beauty. The last of the climbs on the way back finished not a metre too soon. I had enjoyed Hotham the day before and was looking for a relaxing climb, I found it a tough, With crucial information like maps, gradients, distances, terrain, where to stay, where to get water, etc. var year = today.getFullYear() Its a 1400 m climb, so quite hard. Accommodation and services are available in most towns en route. A long, challenging climb with three distinct sections, some steep ramps and great views. Complete and utter pain. Having said that, Hotham is amazing and the true climbing highlight (along with the Mt Beauty side of falls) of Australian cycling, iconic, scenic and massive, a cycling must-do for anyone who loves riding their bike. The views are great and its an epic climb. The joy of riding uphill & a guide to Victoria's best climbs. Website Your email address will not be published. It was absolutely stunning, but hard work. What:pastoral land, bushland, rural idyll, local produce, wineries, small towns, moderate climbing/descending. Length: 20.9kmAverage gradient: 4.8%Elevation gain:1,013m. Here's where to hike, eat, and stay in Victoria's Harrietville & Mt Beauty. 2. Hothams final 11km come as a rather rude shock. Arrived in Harrietville hands aching from modulating the brakes all of the way down and shaking from the wind chill but warmed up again returning back to Bright. Lucy &, Pizza Mondays are back & we have the lovely Lucy m, FRIDAY KIDS EAT FREE Thanks for subscribing! E-bikes are fun after all; you put a teeny bit of oomph into the pedal and the bike gently kicks off like a trusty old horse. There are a few pinches before the sight of the CRB opened my eyes thinking wow. There are many dirt roads and 4WD tracks that cut their way through the rugged bush-clad mountains around Harrietville. CRB Hill ends at Renes Lookout as the road flattens off quite noticeably. This section can also be done largely off road by following the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, which roughly parallels the Great Alpine Road between Wangaratta and Bright. Cycling: The Audax Alpine Classic cycle event is run every Australia Day weekend by Audax Australia with over 2000 cyclists descending on Bright. Harrietville/Bright to Dinner Plain. Bright is a small rural town located in North Eastern Victoria approximately 320 kms (3.5 hours drive) from Melbourne. Gradients and cycling: How much harder are steeper climbs? He easily completed the 250km loop. Hotham Alpine Resort. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is the ideal way to discover the diverse landscape of North East Victoria. Located in the main street of Bright, overlooking the river, Bright Brewery is an ideal destination for a beer and a meal after a work-out on the bike. Hope that helps! Thought I was going to die on the final ascent. You can take a long-weekend or more to, Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park is located at Falls Creek ski resort in the Victorian Alps approx. The retreat offers a range of rooms catering for twin shares or large groups. Ten years behind you in age, but my first climb of Hotham was on my 1975 Peugot PX10LE about 5 years ago. Overall though, it's a gruelling section, so allow plenty of time and take lots of water and snacks. Your email address will not be published. ACV thanks its current patrons: Antonio Lima, Saul Culican, Adrian Muller, Tanya Bosch, Jeremy, Kim Delbridge, Phil Yardy, Leigh Esposito, Margery Smith, Stephanie Quinceton, Ivor Guest and Robert Potocnik. Havent riden hills like that for a few years, in fact probably BC, BM (before children, before marriage) 25 years ago. Rode up Mt Buff last Tuesday, nice day for it, warm and calm and the climb on a perfectly surfaced road was kids play even for this 75 year old. This mountain can bite and within a half hour we were descending in torrential stinging rain with visibility on the top down to one snow pole. It will challenge you to the edge of your ability and then instantly reward you with breathtaking views that will be etched into your mind forever. Harrietville 3741 MAP Short Walks Category 3 hours Est. ), I had a great time. A steady, consistent climb with some stunning views throughout. Melbourne to Dinner Plain (snow season only) Via Southern Cross station, Melbourne Airport, Wangaratta station, Myrtleford, Bright, Harrietville, Mount Hotham. Located just past Mount Hotham, the MTB park is open in summer and has a range of professionally built beginner, intermediate and advanced flow and cross-country trails that are easily accessed from the village centre. The 30km ride along the Great Alpine Road (60km return) cranks its way up a 1,321m climb with an average 4% grade, of which the steepest section tops out at 18%. Can recommend it. the start of The Meg, which is a steep RHer and if you enter too fast, you cant do much about it. Ive done a fair bit of climbing this year (AGF Gran Fondo, Whittlesea Challenge, etc) but would wouldnt say Im a super-strong climber. Home News Destinations New South Wales Blue Mountains Byron Bay Central Coast Central NSW Central Tablelands Coffs Harbour Hunter Valley Illawarra Lord Howe Island Mid-Coast I reached Harrietville at about 5AM and started climbing. At around 9% this 1.4km section is the final challenge and arguably the toughest section of the climb. This website is collaboration between Bright OnBike and Et Tu Media. Coasting down to dinner plains before the rest at the aid station before the return back to Bright. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6edaf848e6a4f7b6fdbe7f5b63f6934" );document.getElementById("dbaaa3f9ae").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theres hardly any car traffic up there and what little cars there are give you plenty of room. Go Bill. All trails lead to a climbing trail that loops back to the top. We acknowledge the Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai and Jaithmathang as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the Alpine Shire, which encompasses the land, water and sky of Bright & Surrounds. The Diamantina is quite uncalled for after all that climbing in the first 28km. Dingo Dell Cafe at Mt Buffalo is open every day over January from 10am-5pm then out of holiday times is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Please check your email for further instructions. The first 10k is complete climbing with very little rest. Matt, superb site. The Great Valley Trail is a new family friendly shared cycle trail between Bright and Harrietville. Whats come over me ! Shepparton Alpine Club is a ski lodge offering summer accommodation to cyclists doing altitude training. Harrietville marks the start of the Mount Hotham 7 Peaks ascent the most spectacular of all mountain road rides. I did it! Required fields are marked *. The Mt. a short 10-km (round trip) is Bright to Porepunkah -sealed and mostly flat. The trail follows the Ovens River and explores the beautiful valley between Bright and Harrietville. They have a great range of recreational bikes ideal for those wanting to ride the rail trails or other, Bright Riverside Holiday Park features river views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Bright. The amount of traffic probably goes up on the weekend and during school holidays. Had to walk a couple of hundred meters before Renes lookout (?) Buffalo ends at the now-closed Mt. best climb in Aus in my books, you will love it! Love your site! Hey Alexandra. Yarck to Molesworth. The good news is that you'll be treated to some amazing views, and once you reach Hotham Village there is a fair bit of downhill to the town of Omeo. Door to door service for family groups staying on Mt Hotham or Dinner Plain. As for it being open: it is probably the most exposed climb Ive done (behind maybe Mt. And for families or people who just love to enjoy the outdoors, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is ideally suited to any age or ability. Sorry, no records were found. Keep pretty fit though normally but theres nothing like climbing a mountain to sort things out. Harrietville is a peaceful mountain village which offers hiking, cycling, swimming, short and easy walking trails, family fun and an abundance of local produce and delicious food. Your legs are dead but the hills just get bigger and bigger. One of my riding mates on the ACE250 was 74 years old. Buffalo is heaps easier that Hotham or Baw Baw because it doesnt have any nasty steep pinches. The Mt. The first section is a steady 11km except The Meg at the 5.6km mark (300m at ~10%). Ride or Walk the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. A guide to the best bikepacking and bicycle-touring routes in Victoria. Ive climbed Hotham in summer, spring and autumn and theyve all been fine. Dysons Wangaratta. Typically two buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. The climb ends at the Mt. Looking for something different to do on Valentines Day?, Our favourite local son - @jackraymond.music is ba, Looking for something different to do on Val, Come try the best STEAK in the valley This afternoon Paul and I hired eBikes and took the 16 km Great Valley Trail that completes a 27 kilometre link between Harrietville and Bright, and extendin. (React to signs you read. On the Audax Alpine Classic yesterday they had to alter the route due to the bushfires, and the ACE 250 riders went another 6km past Dingo Dell to Cresta Valley, which adds another ~160m of climbing (and ~5km distance) compared to the route that stops at the Chalet. I found the climb reasonable until the MEG. Do you think this would be achievable or should I just try the one section.. Great site and great write up of climb. Note that there is a fairly long stretch between Swifts Creek (km215) and Bruthen (km284) where no supplies are available. For more info please see our website. (Lake Mountain and Buller. . Bright to Wandiligong 5.5km. And the road crews have done a great job IMHO fixing it up. Generous covered luggage storage perfect for large groups with all provisions and ski gear. A more moderate gradient returns 400m later and, for the most part, the road climbs quite gently for the next couple kilometres. After winding gently for another 2.6km the false-flat turns into a brief downhill before flattening out once more. Surely the finish of any climb is the top where you cant climb any more. STRAVA. Buffalo was surprising hard, I have done it before and did not give it the mental respect it required. See more information about bike riding in Bright here. Question for everyone, where to get water at Mt Hotham? I rode Hotham again last week & it is without doubt a commendable challenge in whatever time. 09 - 10 Dec 2023 . Hotham climb is often attempted from the township of Bright with the 24km ride from Bright to Harrietville acting as a perfect warm-up. With the gradient still negligible, the Great Alpine Road meanders gently toward the 19.7km mark and the Buckland Gate. Lush valleys fuelled by snowmelt and sun. My legs screamed in a world of pain having to be reactivated for a couple of steep sections on the way down. The best time to go is in the warmer months but outside of school holidays, as the traffic is light during these times. What a beast! They reopened the road to Hotham for this Easter weekend. No better in many ways (do Stronglight chainwheels ever wear out), but stops in half the time. and: CRB Hill at 23.5km (1.1km at 10%) and Diamantina at 28.3km (1.4km at 9%). Hotham is among Victorias most iconic cycling climbs. Some sections of the route are on the main road so please use caution with passing traffic. For the next few kilometres the road climbs slowly but steadily, twisting into a right-hand hairpin bend at the 8.2km mark. Id go in the summer or around autumn/spring, when there is no snow. In the colder months there's plenty of snow in the alps, so only go then if you're well-prepared and hardy. The ride can be divided roughly into three sections: Wangaratta to Harrietville (102km)-this mainly flat ride takes you through the Ovens Valley, past the towns of Myrtleford, Bright and Harrietville. Great description of the climb, it really helps to know what punishment lies ahead. To book a stay at Bright OnBike, please visit our Bookings page.All other enquiries to Bright OnBike can be made below. Thankfully the last little bit is downhill. Thanks for your comment. Needless to say there really is something suitable for every ability and style of bike rider. At the 10km mark youll pass The Font and an amazing rock face on the left of the road. While shorter ride options are available, climbing Mt. Its a beast no doubt about it, the final ks are just so tough particularly with the extreme uv sun beating down on you! What Hotels used to be like. Its certainly controllable so dont worry about that. Roads like the East Ovens River Track, or Wet Gully Track between Freeburgh and Harrietville, provide rewarding but challenging adventure and gravel bike rides. bright to wandiligong rail trail map. The most famous is the Alpine Classic road bike race which is held on the Australia Day long weekend. document.write(year) Buffalo is located roughly 350km north-east of Melbourne and 35km west of the nearest regional centre, Bright. The ascent of Mt. Bright, Victoria is central to some of the best road rides that the state (and country) have to offer with aspiring, current and past professionals often seen training on the roads. Hothams famous moonscape comes into view. The trails are generally well-developed with all surfaces being sealed and most sections are quite flat with the exception of Everton Station to Beechworth. The 27-kilometre trail extends the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to the base of the Alps. - Alpine Perennials, Harrietville. Buffalo Chateau (1.8km), or right to Dingo Dell (4km). . Bright to Harrietville Return (Flat) via bike path Cycling Route Save Share Details 59.0 km 262 m A very scenic and generally flat ride via a bitumen sealed bike path with many new sections. Bright is a popular tourist town so there is a good variety of accommodation options including holiday camping parks, motels, holiday house rentals and bed n breakfasts. A key feature is the longest unbroken gravity trail (10 kms) with a whopping 535. They dont seem to charge entry for cyclists (http://www.mthotham.com.au/travel/entry/) and its an open road so I think it should be fine. This was my first Alpine Climb, I loved it! We will generally respond to your enquiry within 12 hours. Walk, cycle, ski or snowboard on a holiday in and around Harrietville, the gateway village to the stunning Alpine National Park. Bright is a popular tourist town and gets very busy and booked out during peak holiday periods. I did this ride on 27 December 2013. One last super fantastic burrito at the Rail Trail Cafe in porepunkah and onwards over the pass towards falls Creek I went. The Climbing Cyclist website has a detailed breakdown of the climb. I dont really have a problem with this but it seems to consistently catch people out. Thank you Matt, Ill let you know if I find the time to get there again fresh. As of 21/2/2018, almost the entire false flat section has been resurfaced with what I can only assume is the finished seal given the bright new alpine orange line markings. The town has an Australian Rules football team competing in the Ovens & King Football League. Read More. Hotham climb is often attempted from the township of Bright with the 24km ride from Bright to Harrietville acting as a perfect warm-up. Road riding around Bright is just a matter of picking a road and heading off, but some of the recognised ride loops include: Just be aware that there will be MUCH more traffic on the road than in summer. The Mt. Mystic Mountain Bike Park Mystic Park is located in Bright in North Eastern Victoria approx. There was barely a breath of wind. Please check your entries and try again. While the climbing doesnt start immediately after the School Bridge, it doesnt take long for the Great Alpine Road to ramp up. Bright to Harrietville by bus The bus journey time between Bright and Harrietville is around 25 min and covers a distance of around 24 km. For those that know this absolute legend of a bloke - Mr Zac Rockstar James, he has been a great addition to the Snowline Team for the past few months. This steeper grade is maintaned for ar0und 400m before things flatten out to a comparatively pleasant 6%. Everything you need to explore beautiful Bright. The final section begins at 19.7km and features two short descents (at 22.9km and 27km) . Lake Mountain is next but not until my muscles recover from walking up Mt Bogong yesterday now that makes cycling feel easy. GREAT VICTORIAN RAIL TRAIL Reading your articles helps, but nothing truly prepares you for what is to come other than to strap your your cleats and hit the slopes . Climbing from Harrietville to the Mt. The first few kilometres of the descent a pretty windy (in both senses of the word) and pretty exposed so I always take it easy down there, but its probably no more dangerous than the rest of the descent. A-grade riders in the Tour of Bright will complete the climb in under 80 minutes but anything under two hours is a commendable effort. From the end of the false-flat at the Buckland Gate the road kicks to around 7-8% as it passes a rather accurate sign: Steep Climb Engage Low Gear. We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. If you are looking forward to fantastic scenery and amazing views, you neednt wait long: the fun begins as early as the 1.5km mark with The Gorge on the right-hand side of the road. This is a great site. The new surface is very good. Now looking in to doing the 7 Peaks next year. From Bright there are dozens of great day-trips to places like Beechworth, Harrietville, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek & Dinner Plain just to mention a few. Over 100kms of sealed off road trail links the popular towns of Wangaratta, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Bright, Myrtleford and Yackandandah. Congrats Chelsea, awesome effort! - The Mountain Fresh Trout and Salmon Farm, 5km from Harrietville village Please check your entries and try again. It was pitch black. Alps Link is a PTV service operated by the Dyson Group. Thanks for your detailed description of the climb, I read it post-hoc, as you can see. Bright OnBike, Melbourne. The property is modern and the beds very comfortable. Day trips from Harrietville or Bright. Buffalo climb begins the moment you pass the tollbooth, albeit with a rather pedestrian gradient of around 5%. Last year I climbed all 7 peaks and so far this year I have climbed the 7 peaks twice with the exception of Dinner Plain and Mount Baw Baw. The Great Valley Trail proposed alignment (Bright to Harrietville) is out for public comment. - Harrietville (48 km return) Scenery was great, but a cafe at the top would have been a real bonus. The views were great and the climb was as you described it many thanks for inspiring me to take the first steps in training for this climb, I am now going on to my next challenge any ideas for the next one? V-lineruns three train services a day between Melbourne and Albury (which stops at Wangaratta) and three services a day between Bairnsdale and Melbourne. I believe the unit would be particulary suitable for couples, guests with disabilities, elderly and families looking for a short stay (the property has a small pool and BBQ area which would be handy with kids over the warmer months). Of the 1800m from the turn-off, the first half is flat before the road climbs again, winding through a series of tight hairpin bends. Expansive views of the Australian Alps burst forth as you rise above the alpine ash and snow gum forests to the high peaks of the Alpine National Park, passing the iconic landscapes of The Razorback and Mount Feathertop. Super glad Ive done it, though. Views were stunning and I was lucky with the weather, warm but plenty of cloud cover. A fridge, an oven and stovetop are also provided, as well as a, Gapsted Wines is located near Myrtleford in Victorias High Country and is an award-winning winery producing premium cool climate wines from the King and Alpine Valleys. Operated by Public Transport Victoria, the Bright to Harrietville bus service departs from Alpine Hotel/Anderson St and arrives in Pioneer Park/Great Alpine Rd. The joy of riding uphill & a guide to Victoria's best climbs. The diversion to Bright was not without its benefits - there are a lot of choices of places . After a pleasantly pedestrian false-flat section, Mt. The Great Valley Trail project is brand new - 16 kilometres of family friendly shared trail, completing a 27 kilometre link between Harrietville and Bright, and extending the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to the base of the Alps. The next 1.4 kms had me reaching to the deepest point of mental strength to continue without stopping for a break. Can be done comfortably on a road bike, though some may prefer a gravel bike. The Meg rears up at you with already 700m of vertical or so in the legs. The Great Valley Trail proposed alignment (Bright to Harrietville) is out for public comment. The town is a popular all-year-round destination for tourists with an extensive list of things to do in and around the area like fishing, horse riding, dirt-bike riding, four-wheel-driving, paragliding and importantly bike riding as well as much more. 8 hours there and back for me including walking across to the West Peak above Mt Beauty. After 800m and a sharp right-hand bend, the road starts to flatten out as lush alpine forest surrounds the road. The market has loads of stalls, food vendors and live music. Wouldnt have thought I could. harrietville cottage; haus on houghs; hidden gem; hidden haven; houghs cabin; hygge; kaighins place; kangaroo lodge; kate's cottage; kilfinan; leader views; lumley abode; mountain haven; mountain thyme; mountbatten retreat; mystic mountain lodge; on the trail; park street retreat; rustic retreat; shine bright; silver birches holiday village . The top section is very exposed and would be extremely unpleasant/dangerous in bad weather. The stunning ascent of Mt. PS. From Bright there are dozens of great day-trips to places like Beechworth, Harrietville, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek & Dinner Plain just to mention a few. Bright Electric Bikes are located on the main road in Bright and offer a range of electric bikes. Save money on resort entry/chains and leave your vehicle in secure off mountain car parking. Hotham Alpine Resort, this is a climb in three distinct parts and is a must-climb for every Victorian cyclist. In the same year Harrietville became a resting place for those heading for the Omeo, Dargo and Glen Wills goldfields. The Great Valley Trail is a new family friendly shared cycle trail between Bright and Harrietville. Read More. The CRB Hill is incredibly hard and the final 3kms really challenged my mental fortitude. Alpine Colour Fun Run Saturday 18th March 2023 Hotham climb: CRB Hill. I highly recommend this place. Taking the rail trail cuts out a couple of climbs and avoids traffic-this last section to Bairnsdale is the busiest of the whole ride. Road riding around Bright is just a matter of picking a road and heading off, but some of the recognised ride loops include: - Wandiligong (14 km return) - Harrietville (48 km return) - Buckland Valley (38 km return) - Mount Buffalo (84 km return) Road Riding Events About 1km after Bruthen the East Gippsland Rail Trail crosses the road (there is a sign marking it), and if you take a left onto it, it will take you all the way to Bairnsdale. All Terrain Cycles offer a great range of bikes for hire in Bright. The Alpine Classic isnt just a cycling event in Victorias majestic High Country, its an experience that will stay with you forever. Hotham climb starts at the School Bridge in the alpine village of Harrietville. Harrietville is a great off-mountain base for riding the Dinner Plain Mountain Bike Park trails that weave in and out of the snow gums and rocky outcrops surrounding the alpine village. Another 2.8km further up the road 11km from the start of the climb the road flattens out dramatically, signalling the start of the climbs second section a 9km false-flat. One of Australia's highest roads, and an iconic Victorian ride, the Great Alpine Road is a challenge for anyone, but will reward you with some sensational high mountain scenery and a solid sense of accomplishment. Immerse yourself in the history and vibrant hues of Walhalla. Hotham climb. Like Chamitha points out, having to climb your way down this hill was for me the hardest of the tasks. . At one point 348 reefs were officially registered. Bright OnBike was a comfortable clean unit located in a small complex off the main road heading into Bright. Harrietville/Bright to Falls Creek. Each unit comes with a patio, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. Road up on Jan 9th 2017. Just FYI they are resurfacing the road on Hotham at the moment. Time 8km Distance Grade 3 Grade Return Style Nature Walks Type GPX Download Starting at the end of Bon Accord Track, the Bon Accord Spur takes you to Mount Feathertop via the Razorback Walking Track. The Climbing Cyclist website has a detailed breakdown of the climb. I could not have scripted more perfect riding conditions or more beautiful views. Disclaimer:should you choose to cycle this route, you do so at your own risk. Your email address will not be published. At the 28.3km mark the going gets a little tougher as you come across another section that is steep enough to warrant its own name: the Diamantina. The rolling ride along the Tambo is quite scenic, and there are a number of opportunities to bush camp or go for a swim along here. A theme by CSSIgniter.com - Powered by WordPress, Large, clean rooms, a nice big radiator to dry your wet gear and a pub thats easy to get comfortable in. With its formidable length and unforgettable moon-like summit, the ascent of Mt. 8. After a slow grind to the top of the Diamantina the road reaches a crest at the 29.7km mark. Note on the new surface, mainly on the top 10km, its a bit oily and rough on the descent, so on wet/icy days I would exercise caution. I set off from Bright at 4AM with a couple of hundred other riders. 1.5km after leaving the alpine forest behind, the road flattens out briefly before it plunges toward the valley. Any tips regarding it? The road is lovely, the views are spectacular, and the descent back down to Lake Catani is superb. There was a perfect blue sky above. Cazz Redding, a town . After descending sharply for 600m you will come face-to-face with one of the most iconic sections of the Mt. Alexandra. Road cycling enthusiasts love the challenge of the nearby hill climbs like Mt Hotham, Falls Creek and Mt Buffalo. Just looked at the Strava times and my 2 hours doesnt look too flash in comparison, though I passed a few people on the way and I was happy with it. 4.4km into the climb the road gets noticeably steeper as it bends around sharply to the left. Its a rewarding ride but if your not used to how quickly the weather can change in the mountains like you can get caught out like I was. Delays, semi-sealed sections, gravel. Anyone know? Relax with a full flavoured craft beer, either outside on the Hop Terrace looking over the riverside parkland or, Alpine Classic Bright (Victoria, Australia). These were just small pinches though. The descent wasnt as terrifying as I thought it would be (being a cowardly descender), but the ride from Harrietville to Brigjht on the way back was a lovely wind down sitting on 32-33 kph and shaking the stiffness out of the limbs. Bright (and district) maintains a full road cycling events calendar for road riders of all levels from novice to professional. I commend you Matt for both your accuracy and ability to communicate. For those who like to relax, there is a good variety of touristy shops, cafes, restaurants, a local brewery and several wineries in the area. Regular buses will run on Friday evening and all day Saturday & Sunday to/from Porepunkah, Harrietville, and Wandiligong to the event precinct, routes posted on the Brighter Days Facebook page and on the website www.brighterdays.org.au A nominal charge applies. Ok, I get that the seal is probably the best outcome for mitigating black ice etc., and that it may take some time to bed-in, but I have to question whether VicRoads did any consultation with local cycling groups or stakeholders given the importance of Hotham as a cycling destination. For those who want to hit the incredible cross-country and downhill mountain bike trails in Bright, the offer high-performance dual suspension MTBs for those who want to ride like a pro. Still struggling to warm up, on I climbed and before I new it I found my self topping out, decending onto the plateu landing me pretty quickly at the turn to the chalet, the first mile stone was met.