Jan 02, 2012

We headed off on one of our regular rides today and since the temperature was 40 + degrees we were grateful that as we gradually climbed into higher altitudes the temperature dropped a little.

This is a good ride. Mostly farmland around the Traralgon region but the further into the hills you climb this is replaced by largely natural bush with some plantations as well. The ride from Tyers to Rawson is a pretty ride and a comfortable one with lots of corners of varying curve and camber. Advisory speed signs on corners on this section are good. The road surface is mostly good with some sections deteriorating rapidly so concentration is needed in the shady areas so you can discern what is shade and what is dodgy road surface.

Once we left Rawson and turned into the Tyers Thomson Valley road the road continued to climb and the bush finally gave way to some temperate rain forest which even today was deliciously cool and moist to ride through. Beautiful!



The first glimpse through the trees to the dam wall

The view of the dam / lake as we rode across the wall is always spectacular and the water level is looking good. Once across the wall we discovered the road beyond was now sealed so we continued on from there and climbed steeply up to the intersection where we could turn left to Aberfeldy or right to Walhalla, both recommended for 4 wheel drive vehicles only so we turned around and came back.

There is picnic ground on the south side of the wall but we continued down the road to some of the rainforest area to stop for a refreshment break.



Time for a break and yes that is a stubby I’m drinking but it’s Ginger Beer so I was still riding with a .00 BAC

The remainder of the ride home on through Erica on the Moe Rawson Road is again a good ride with plenty of corners and well signed and by the time we turned off to head for Yallourn North on Purvis Road we had passed into farmland again and glimpsed views of the Strzelecki Ranges across the valley. The temperature became increasingly hot as we descended back down towards the valley and we were grateful to get home to the air conditioner but we are also really fortunate to have so many good rides so close to home.

Most of our ride today was accompanied by falling eucalypt leaves like large confetti. The rain has been so plentiful of recent times that the trees have really luxuriant leaf growth but the eucalypt forest is a survivor and it only takes a day or two of hot weather for the moisture to excess leaves to be cut off and leaves begin being shed. Makes a mess but looks great. Can also be slippery under the bike wheels once it rains!

Tips to remember:

Most of the roads in this vicinity have large logging trucks using them all year and milk tankers in the farming areas so make sure you (as in all of your body) sticks to your own side of the road.

The Tyers Thomson Valley Road and Moe Rawson Road have turn offs to Mt Baw Baw, Mt Erica and Mt St Gwinear so traffic can be heavy
and unpredictable in the snow season.

The temperate rainforest sections of the Tyers Thomson Valley Road towards Lake Thomson remains wet for most of the day in the cooler weather and can be icy in the winter but is well signed re ice. It is NOT well signed with advisory speed signs on corners so needs some respect.

Services available:

Traralgon – 160kms east of Melbourne on the Princes Freeway
Fuel: Multiple choices including Premium Unleaded and 24 hr.
Accommodation: Multiple Hotel, Motel, Serviced Apartment, B&B and Caravan Park options
Food: Multiple choices from small cafes to bistro’s bars and fine restaurants
General Store / Supermarket: Multiple choices from small to large
Motorbike shop: Parts and service BH

Tyers – Small town
Fuel: Including Premium Unleaded 7 days BH
General Store / Supermarket: Small (in servo)

Rawson – Small settlement
Fuel: Available 7 days BH – ask at General Store
Accommodation: Hotel / Motel / Lodge & Caravan Park
Food: Hotel, Café, Bar & Bistro attached to the Caravan Park (The Stockyard – yum) Open for lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays – favourite destination of motorbike clubs
General Store / Supermarket Small

Lake Thomson – Locality only – no services

Erica – Small settlement
Accommodation: Hotel / Motel
Food: Hotel & Cafe
General Store / Supermarket Small

Yallourn North – Small settlement
Food: Hotel
General Store / Supermarket Small