Australia: 7 Peaks and More

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW: 

Victoria is Australia’s smallest mainland state and has a wide range of scenery. Two of the States most famous sons are: Ned Kelly, outlaw and Sir Hubert Opperman, champion cyclist. The tour starts and finishes in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, Australia.  The city sits astride the River Yarra and around the shores of Port Phillip.  The tour covers Australia’s Alps and the challenging Seven Peaks; included are both very easy days and strenuous days. With three nights in Bright and two in Mansfield there are opportunities for rest days should you consider it not essential to conquer all Seven Peaks.

We will drive from Melbourne’s city centre to Wangaratta (c.3 hrs) to commence cycling and start with a gentle afternoon ride to the attractive town of Beechworth (pop.2,800), famous for its limestone buildings, the gold rush in the 1850’s and its present day bakery (carb loading for the next day).

From here we bike up the Kiewa Valley as we head towards the Alps, over Tawonga Gap and down to Bright (pop. 2,100) where we will stay for three nights. Next day we tackle Mt Buffalo, perhaps the easiest of the mounts, to get our first 7 Peaks booklet stamped at the summit as well as enjoying superb views.  Mt Hotham follows, with a steep sting in the tail to the ski resort where you will feel on top of the world.

Mt Beauty village is a good place for a snack on our way to Falls Creek, known for mtn biking, as we head for the ‘roof’ of the National Park and the descent to the tiny settlement of Omeo.   Next day we return via Dinner Plain, the longest and least steep climb, with a stop at Kosciuszko Lookout enroute.  It’s a downhill finish back to Bright. 

Bright to Wangaratta (pop.19,000) is an easy and welcome day along a paved railtrail, mostly downhill.    Our next stop is Mansfield, first following the King River Valley (dairy country) to Whitfield, then over wooded Whitfields hill with its spectacular view from the top, and gentle descent into town. From here we tackle the road to Mt Buller Alpine Village – there is a welcoming café at the top. 

It’s a fairly easy ride from Mansfield to Marysville.   The town was devastated by fire in 2009 and completely rebuilt, although the population has halved to just 226.    Our final Peak is Mt Bawbaw; the climb is a mere 4 miles, but it’s challenging – and satisfying to get your last stamp at the Rangers Office.   We bike back down to Neerim South for lunch and drive from here into Melbourne (90 mins) for a celebratory dinner.

Should you arrive early there are excellent bike trails from the city centre alongside the River Yarra and also out to St Kilda and the coast.  Beware of tram lines in the city. 

THE RIDING: 

• Day 1: Arrive Melbourne.  Introductions and dinner.

• Day 2: We drive to Wangaratta.  The bikes will be offloaded at Wangaratta and after lunch we will cycle to Beechworth .  We will lunch at Choice Hotel, then a gentle afternoon ride to the attractive town of Beechworth (pop.2,800), much of it on rail trail, and famous for its limestone buildings, the gold rush in the 1850’s and its present day bakery. (carb loading for the next day) (27 mi/1,742 ft).

• Days 3, 4, and 5: From here we bike up the Kiewa Valley as we head towards the Alps, over Tawonga Gap and down to Bright (pop. 2,100) where we will stay for three nights (68 mi/4,465 ft). From here we tackle Mt Buffalo (52 mi/ 4,131 ft), perhaps the easiest of the mounts, to get our first 7 Peaks booklet stamped at the summit as well as enjoying superb views. Mt Hotham follows, with a steep sting in the tail to the ski resort where you will feel on top of the world (68 mi/6,171 ft).

• Day 6: Mt Beauty village is a good place for a snack on our way to Falls Creek, known for mountain biking, as we head for the ‘roof’ of the National Park and the descent to the tiny settlement of Omeo. (86 mi/ 9,745 ft)

• Day 7: Next day we return via Dinner Plain with a stop off at Mt.Kosciuszko lookout with a downhill finish back to Bright. (67 mi/6,745 ft) .

• Day 8: Bright to Wangaratta (pop.19,000) is an easy and welcome day along a paved rail trail, mostly downhill. (54 mi/1,112f t).

• Day 9: Our next stop is Mansfield, first following the King River Valley (dairy country) to Whitfield, then over wooded Whitfields hill with its spectacular view from the top and gentle descent into town. (69 mi/4,432 ft).

• Day 10: From here we tackle the road to Mt Buller Alpine Village – there is a welcoming café at the top.(60 mi/4,808 ft)

• Day 11: It’s a fairly easy ride from Mansfield to Marysville. The town was devastated by fire in 2009 and completely rebuilt, although the population has halved to just 226. (69 mi/3,277 ft).

• Day 12: On the morning of the 18th – Marysville to Melbourne – the second mini bus and trailer will be at Marysville to drive part way to Mt BawBaw and after the cycling to drive everyone to Melbourne (c.90 mins)  Our final Peak is Mt Bawbaw; the climb is a mere 4 miles but it’s challenging – and satisfying to get your last stamp at the Rangers Office. We bike back down to Neerim South for lunch and drive from here into Melbourne (90 mins) for a celebratory dinner. (8 mi/2,412 ft).

RIDE RATING: The rating for this tour is 3C with an average of 51 miles and 3,178 feet of climbing per day on the seven required riding days. For those that like to do it all, the 11 days of riding will offer a total of 628 miles and 49,040 feet of climbing. This translates to an average of 57 miles and 4,458 feet of climbing per day for 11 days of riding. Days 3 (68 mi), 5 (68 mi), 6 (86 mi), 7 (67 mi), 9 (69 mi) and 11 (69 mi) all exceed the level D rating , although days 5, 6 and 7 are not required riding days.  Days 3 (4,465 ft), 4 (4,131 ft.), 5 (6,171 ft.) 6 (9,745 ft.) 7 (6,745 ft.) 9 (4,432 ft.) and 10 (4,808 ft) all exceed the threshold for a 4 rating, although Days 4, 5, 6 and 7 are not mandatory riding days.

LOGISTICS:  The tour starts at 6 pm on November 7, 2019 at the Rydges Hotel in Melbourne for dinner.  Transportation from MLB to the hotel is not included in the tour price, but taxis are plentiful. Melbourne airport (MLB) is approximately 14 miles from our hotel.  Happy hour and introductions will be prior to dinner.  Our tour will end  in Melbourne after breakfast on November 19, 2019.  Airport shuttle using the rental van back to MLB from our hotel on that day is included in the tour cost. Roads are all paved, with some chip seal.  Typical traffic volume is light to moderate (motorists are used to cyclists on the 7 Peaks Route).  NOTE: In Australia, cars and cycles drive on the left side of the road.  Good quality road bikes may be hired from Bike Now +61 3 9696 8588 info@bikenow.co.au  Arrangements for rental bikes must be made directly with them. 

Australia Visa Requirements: American and Canadian citizens must hold a passport with 6-months validity and a valid ETA (online electronic visa) to enter Australia. Citizens of other countries should check for the visa requirements pertaining to their country.

WEATHER:  Cyclists can expect warm days and cooler evenings with an average high tremperature in November of 81ºF and an average low temperature of 43ºF. It can be 50ºF or lower on the summits.  There may still be snow on the peaks.  Average rainfall for the month of November is 2.25 inches.   

LODGING & MEALS: The estimated cost iincludes 12 nights twin share accommodation (4* in MLB, 3* in Marysville, Mansfield and Wangaratta, otherwise best available motels), 12 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 11 dinners.

COST & ADMINISTRATION:  The cost for this tour is $2995 plus a $100 non-refundable BAC fee.  This amount is based upon a currency exchange rate of US$1.00 = AU$1.18.  Also included in the tour cost is a guided brewery visit, happy hour refreshments, daily maps and profiles, cue sheets, Victoria State map, Melbourne city cycle map, Seven Peaks Passport, bike box storage, and a van and trailer to carry luggage and refreshments.  (It is planned to also have a park Ranger give a talk on the National Parks and a qualified person on Aboriginal culture)  Note: The luggage van is for luggage transfer only, and for emergencies. It is not a SAG wagon. Please keep luggage to the minimum – one bag per person not exceeding 20 kg /44 lbs. A small carry on bag should be brought for items such as spare clothing that may be required during the day. Luggage that will not fit in the luggage trailer will be placed on the seats. GPS files will be provided for this tour. The ride leader has previously cycled the entire route.  Final payment of $1995 is due September 26, 2019.  Depending on currency exchange rates, some fluctuation may occur between now and September 2019, requiring a price adjustment.

SINGLES & SOLO POLICY:  It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until April 1, 2019 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the $100 BAC fee and payment processing fee) or pay the $880 solo supplement and stay on the ride.   If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary.  The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.  The solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office.  Checks should be made out to "BAC" with a notation of the tour name included on the check.  They should be mailed to:  Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA  92193.  

CANCELLATION POLICY:  The BAC ride registration fee and processing fee are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:  Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

SIGN-UP:  To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description.  When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List.  At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable $100 BAC ride registration fee and the initial tour deposit ($1000) by credit card.  As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name/s will be added to the participant list.  To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.