The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Australia: 7 Peaks and More

November 7th to November 19th

Ride Director: Richard Oddy
Ride Co-Director: Paul Mason
Report by: Bennett Cowan

Seven Peaks Ride was the first of its kind, ably led by BAC members Richard Oddy (former owner of PedalTours) and Paul Mason who has added a professional level to graphics, cue sheets, and profiles.  Both worked very hard to make this tour the smoothly run tour that it was.  Conquering all 7 peaks is a well-known challenge for Aussies and it proved to be equally so for us.  While the timing of this adventure took advantage of the shoulder season before the summer rush of vacationers and while school children were still in classes, it lived up to its reputation of “four seasons in a day”.  It was advertised as a serious ride for climbers and well trained cyclists and thoroughly delivered on both fronts.

While weather cut short climbs on both Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain, the alpine country and ski resort character of both Marysville and Mansfield was delightful. With plenty of miles between, there was ample scenic viewing of Victoria’s lush spring pastures, flowering trees, and multiple birds, pleasing the birders in the group.  It was not the sort of group to miss a ride so our rest days characteristically were ride days for most of us as well, so a cafe stop in Jamieson was another fond memory.  Falls Creek, Dinner Plain, and Mt Hotham were followed by Mt Buffalo and finally Mt Buller but equally memorable was traversing the countryside between.

Our accommodations without exception were clean and central to the towns where cafes, restaurants, and wonderful bakeries were easy to find.  Craft beer is also quickly coming to the fore with Bright Brewery being a notable case, where we had a tour and tasting. Most meals were included, with 2 or 3 items from an extensive menu being the norm, and most meals in the European tradition where eating is considered entertainment rather than just a filling station.  Breakfasts were substantial everywhere and quickly done to put us onto the road.

Clearly this ride should be offered again but should not be considered by the casual rider or those less well trained.  The leaders showed expert planning in advance and were able to shift gears and make adjustments as needs arose.  This could easily become the apex ride in Victoria.