In March 2022, Dan and a few mates rode about 330km over 3 days in a large horseshoe-shaped tour along the outer edge of the GABCY Network. They started at Bendigo and finished at Tallarook, with a train connection at each end. This is Dan’s recount.
Day 1 – Bendigo to Echuca – 121 km
Amazing roads out of Bendigo through the forest.
Was a bit of a slog from where it opened up, until we saw the Campaspe river for the first time.
Then onto the amazing long straight gravel roads, zig zagging our way north west.
Stopped for a very late lunch at Rochester bakery and then pushed on to Echuca.
The last 30kms along the rail lines were the worst of the day. Very corrugated, hard to find a good line.
The swim in the Murray and the cold beers were amazing.
Strava link for the day – (you have to be logged in to Strava as a member for this link to open)
Overnight in commercial accommodation Echuca.
Some more mates caught the afternoon train to Echuca so they could join the ride the next day.
Day 2 – Echuca to Murchison – 129 km
Super fun tracks along the Goulburn, a few wet spots that were pretty slippery. Would not recommend in the wet.
We didn’t pack lunch, so headed straight south after about 55kms to hit the Undera pub for steak sandwiches (the General store was shut 🤷🏼♂️).
The $16 steak sandwich at Undera Pub is amazing
Straight east after lunch to get back to the river. Had to hop a fence and track through a gully to get back. This was where mate’s rear mech caught a stick (2 broken spokes & 1 very bent hanger). We got it straight enough to keep going (9 out of 12 gears anyway).
Good run into Shep for drinks and snacks before the final leg into Murchison.
Stayed at the caravan park, swim in the river and great cook up there. The close pub has shut, so was a 2km ride into town for beers & food shopping.
Strava link for day 2 – (you have to be logged in to Strava as a member for this link to open).
Day 3 – Murchison to Tallarook – 83 km
Grabbed a snack at the Murch bakery and then decided to head to Nagambie for breakfast.
From there it was easy riding until the Seymour turnoff.
The gravel roads from here were in shocking condition, worst of the trip. And the last climb was tough on the legs after the 3 days.
The draw of a couple of cold pints at the Tallarook pub got us to the top and down into town.
Then caught the 2pm V/Line back to Melbourne.
Strava link for Day 3 – (you have to be logged in to Strava as a member for this link to open).
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For more ride reports see – the Ride Reports page
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Nix-Tracks 