Our Lake Mountain ride passes Marysville, a rural community that was devastated by the black Saturday fires. People have rallied to rebuild and the forest is regenerating. However, the ghostly tree-scape is a reminder about the destruction.
Lake Mountain climb starts from the roundabout as we leave Marysville. The more difficult part of the climb is early on, meaning most of the climbing is down by the time we reach half way. As we enter the resort road the gradient flattens and we have an opportunity to push bigger gears and increase …
Lake Mountain climb starts from the roundabout as we leave Marysville. The more difficult part of the climb is early on, meaning most of the climbing is down by the time we reach half way.
As we enter the resort road the gradient flattens and we have an opportunity to push bigger gears and increase our speed. The views across the valley are stunning and the small gums that have germinated after the fires fume the air with eucalptyus.
After grouping at the summit, we will return to Marysville for a wholesome lunch at the bakery.
Bakeries are an institution in country Victoria.
We have a short drive to Mansfield this afternoon, arriving in time to enjoy an afternoon cold beverage before dinner. We’ll have dinner together, enjoying a country feast.
Our ride this morning starts from our hotel on the Yarra River, we’ll take a tourist route that includes a 13km section of gravel. It is well compacted, take it easy and you’ll have nothing to be concerned about. As well as being a scenic route, it also keeps us away from the busy roads that logging trucks frequent. After the gravel section, we enjoy a gentle downhill before a short climb into Marysville. From here the climb begins, #2 of 7.
Our shorter ride has the option of starting just out of Marysville, skipping the gravel yet still giving you the opportunity to warm up for the climb for your 7 peaks.
Notes on Mansfield
Our accommodation this evening is in a newly appointed hotel within walking distance of the main street. As well a being a thriving country town with many surrounding farms, Mansfield is the main service town for Mt Buller, the local ski resort.
It gets very busy in winter, and in summer it serves a wide variety of travellers such as cyclists, boaters, hikers and nature lovers. A number of coffee merchants and cafes have established themselves in Mansfield and the local pubs serve a great country meal.