Derek was happy – we had finished our time at the caravan park at Yea and had moved to bush camping at Delatite Arm Reserve on Lake Eildon. We were about 30 kilometres from Mansfield, which would be my end point on the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
The downside of this arrangement was that it would be too far for me to ride back to camp after a long day. Derek would have to drop me at the start and collect me from the finish of my next ride on the Great Victorian Rail Trail. As he understandably did not want to do this two days in a row, I agreed to cycle the full 62 kilometres from Cathkin to Mansfield in one day.
Cathkin to Bonnie Doon (40 km)
There is a steady low-gradient rise for twenty kilometres from Cathkin to Merton Gap. About six kilometres into the climb, I stopped at the Giddy Goat Cafe at Yarck for a coffee.
Then it was back on the trail to continue the climb.
The view from Merton Gap was pretty but did not compare to what I had seen on the ride between Alexandra and Yea at Eglington Gap.
From Merton Gap, I enjoyed a 20 km downhill roll to Bonnie Doon.
Bonnie Doon to Mansfield (23 km)
I ate my packed lunch on a bench at Bonnie Doon before crossing the bridge over the Brankeet Arm of Lake Eildon.
The scenery became prettier as I approached Mansfield.
Feeling tired, I took a rest quite a few times during this last section of the trail.
Eventually I cycled past the Mansfield rail trail station to the Mansfield Coffee Merchant. I enjoyed a good coffee and cake while I waited for Derek to collect me at the agreed time.
The sixty-three kilometres had really been a bit long for me, especially for the last fifteen kilometres. The total climbing for the ride was 405 metres.
This was my last day on the Great Victorian Rail Trail as I had already completed the sections between Tallarook and Yea and Alexandra and Yea.
If you’re planning to ride this wonderful rail trail, have a look at Tour de Vines Ultimate Guide for information about independent riding, self-guided tours or guided tours.
