Details

  • Foster was the first Weekend Ride we did so it will be nice to return to this ride 3 years after the first time there.

  • While the fires in Gippsland are in the far east of the state we understand that the whole of Gippsland is facing reduced visitation so thought it a good idea to get back there to support local businesses

  • Foster is located just over 2 hours east of Melbourne so easy to reach even if you join us for one of the days riding.

  • Book your own accommodation. Jason and Fhon will be staying at the Prom Central Caravan Park where there are cabins and camp sites available. There are also hotels and motels in town.

Dates

14-15 Mar 2020

Bookings for the ride are not required, simply turn up!

Accommodation bookings are your responsibility.

Location

Foster is located just over 2 hours east of Melbourne, about 30 minutes past Leongatha so it’s easy to reach even if you join us for one of the days riding.

We will be riding along the Great Southern Rail Trail so most of the riding will be off road

The Rides

We will be riding along the Great Southern Rail Trail so almost all of the riding will be off road.

Day 1 - Saturday 15 March

Foster to Port Welshpool and return (55km)

Start Time: 10am

Ride along the Great Southern Rail Trail to the pier at Port Welshpool. The trail here is flat and relatively straight. Lush dairy farm country interspersed with gum trees around watercourses. From Welshpool there is a connecting trail to the coast. It is initially an offroad bike path, then joins a quiet unsealed road which follows the alignment of the former horse drawn Port Welshpool Tramway. Enjoy views of Corner Inlet, Snake Island and the norther section of Wilsons Promontory National Park.

We will probably look to have lunch at Toora (40km) on the return ride or depending on timing there is fish’n’chips at the Pier in Port Welshpool.

Day 2 - Sunday 16 March

Foster to Buffalo and return (41km)

Start Time: 9am

The trail takes a big loop south to avoid the Hoddle Ranges. So while we are out of the bigger hills the trail is not flat and we will be climbing up to an elevation of 140m in the first section of the ride. Along the way there are a number of cuttings and embankments providing changing views. Expect spectacular views of Corner Inlet, the Strzelecki Range to the north and the mountains of Wilsons Promontory to the south east.

There is a general store in Buffalo, the turn around point for the ride, for a morning coffee (you can of course, continue on further if you want a longer ride). Fish Creek also has plenty of cafes and restaurants. We would expect to be back in Foster in time for lunch and the return drive for those heading home.