2008 Rider Route Overview
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590km of exhilarating cycling
From the shores of Lake Wendouree shady roads lined with reminders of a gold mining past lead to lakes Corangamite and Gnarpurt. Follow the Crater to Coast Rail Trail to discover Cobden's miniature railway and town of Mortlake. The Grampians rise spectacularly ahead, and the ride cuts straight through the middle to Dunkeld and Halls Gap, the bushwalking capital of Victoria. Rest day here and there's loads to see - or just chill out with the other riders, your new best buddies! Delightful rural towns pop up towards Lake Bolac and a 106km challenge day will bring you to charming Beaufort. Loop the loop back to Ballarat - 590km of exhilarating cycling!
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Pre - Ride |
Arrive early to relax in bike-mad Ballarat. Explore local trails, pan for gold at Sovereign Hill, witness stockade history at the Eureka Centre or limber up for the ride ahead. Camp on the shores of Lake Wendouree and join other riders to kick off the fun. |
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Day 1 Ballarat to Rokewood |
Excitement builds - time to ride. What a scene: shady roads, green parks and old gold mining relics along the way. Legs are warming up now, pedal hard on the small, steep hills. Go with the flow. Roll into Rokewood, grab some nosh and relax - day one is under your belt. |
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Day 2 Rokewood to Cobden |
Lakes country! Salty Lake Corangamite, Lake Gnarpurt… long day today, take it easy, take in the view. Camperdown, stop for a cuppa? Why not - there's a familiar face pulling in up ahead. Leave the road to discover the Crater to Coast Rail Trail. Ready for another ride? The Cobden miniature railway awaits. |
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Day 3 Cobden to Mortlake |
Cycle quiet back roads in a caravan of colour - riders of all shapes and sizes are rolling along. Bends and twists coming up, concentrate now… keep up the rhythm, master the road. Cruise through Terang, strike up a conversation at the bakery. There's a buzz at the camp - the Grampians are near. |
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Day 4 Mortlake to Dunkeld |
Power up undulating hills, freewheel down the other side. Look out over dairy country. Turn north, there they are - the Grampians rise up in front. Beautiful. Pitch a tent at the foot of the Grampians National Park - or check into the historic Art Deco hotel? Take a stroll, admire the ever-changing colours of the rocks. |
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Day 5 Dunkeld to Halls Gap |
Cut through the middle of the Grampians. Watch out for local traffic - koalas, emus and wombats. Legs pumping, getting stronger. Rest day tomorrow, time for a treat? There's 6000 beds at Halls Gap - and a rollicking good pub! Everyone is ready to celebrate and relax in style. Wonder what's happening at Café De Canvas? |
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Day 6 Halls Gap - Rest Day |
Linger over breakfast, no need to pack up today. Grab a map, hit the bush trails for a hike. Funny to see all the cyclists out walking. Book in for a massage to soothe hard-working muscles. Everyone's talking about wine, the local drops are superb. So much to see! |
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Day 7 Halls Gap to Lake Bolac |
Back on the bike, this is what it's all about. Around the other side of the Grampians today, a different view, more wineries to see. A welcoming committee waves hello in Moyston, then Willaura - beautiful towns. Someone calls 'Lake!' Speedo says 80km, could it be? No… but it's only another 5km to impressive Lake Bolac. |
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Day 8 Lake Bolac to Beaufort |
Big day, hit the 100km mark - and keep going! It's the 106km challenge. Gentle, sloping hills keep the wheels rolling. Mountain views rise up ahead. It's Grampians to the left, Mount Langhi Ghirian to the right, and you, stuck in the middle… with several thousand cheerful bike riders! |
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Day 9 Beaufort to Ballarat |
Back to where it all began. Could it only be nine days ago? Take it slow, have a yarn along the way. Try to meet one more new person. Smiling faces look familiar now. The adventure's not over yet - funny how the small hills are no longer daunting. There's the finish line! Give yourself a pat on the back. |
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