Exploring Wombat Forest trails

A warm welcome to you

Gidday, Kia ora

This blog is intended to inform you of mountain bike riding possibilities in the still under utilised Wombat Forest,Upper Loddon Forest and Great Dividing Trails.

In the ten years I have been living and riding here I have noticed more and more mounatin bikers finding that this area has extensive and good trail riding. About time! And complementing the riding is a raft of great apres mtb food, coffee, relaxation and interest spots in the surrounding towns.

The Forest Trails

Trail notes and occasional maps will feature. And every year we have Cyclic Navigator where particpiation is not only a lot of fun and good riding, you also get a recreation map that has every road and track marked. No one else does that fdor you by a long chalk. 

Great Dividing Trail

I'll keep you informed on the Goldfields Trail development. Part of this initiative is to ensure that the trail (Ballarat - Daylesford - Castlemaine - Bendigo) is mountain bike friendly all the way. 

Compliments for complements

What would mtb be without food and drink? So you will also get my honest and independent opinion on coffee, food and other delights that we encounter.

See you on the trails...

Tourist Train makes it back to Musk

At 1115, the Daylesford Spa Country Railway railmotor pulled into Musk Station for the first time since the Feb 2009 bushfires. Those bushfires destroyed sleepers, track and other infrastructure. It has been a long haul to get sufficient funds for the willing volunteers to restore the track. Thanks to the state government and Bendigo Community Bank for significant donations and many other donators and volunteers. 

Passengers on this first Musk trip were local residents and those who had a hand in the restoration. A few short words at Musk Station from key players was followed by late morning tea, or was it early lunch?

The station building bore old lanterns and similar equipment, the magnificent old trees provided a lovely backdrop and at the far end of the platform just across the line, the mini park had been spruced up.

See June 2009 posting on the Railway Recreation Route for details of riding one way on a little known track, including a downloadable PDF map. The trains run only on Sundays and timetable can be found at DSCR web site.

Geocaching on a Leanganook Ride

Departed from the Bendigo bushlands on a very pleasant riding day to trial the Geocaching Australia route feature (see previous post). A couple of km on, I rode up to the first of 3 intended geocaches as colourful runners streamed past me. There was an orienteering control site just 30m away. This cache was most unusual being also a memorial to a keen geocacher. A great idea.

Joined Leanganook Track at Diamond Hill heading for cache 2 which was in the vicinity of Sandhurst Reservoir. Again was able to ride right to the spot indicated by my GPSr. Laid the bike down, checked out the obvious looking hide at my feet but no joy. After 5 minutes search around I pulled out the printed notes and noticed the word 'creative' in the log of the previous person to find it. Hurried back to my original suspect and checked it more closely. Yes! Very creative indeed. I cannot tell you what I found as that would spoil your enjoyment if you try out geocaching. Suffice to say that while most caches are in Sistema waterproof plastic containers and will be hidden under rocks or branches or in a tree hollow, not a few are so natural you wouldn't give them a second glance as a hide.

So onwards alongside the reservoir fence but no dogs, just a wave exchanged with a trail bike rider. Onto the Coliban Channel track which takes Leanganook Track to the northern end of Leanganook, aka Mt Alexander. Mild morning, cruising at 20km/h, great life.

The long 'sprint' changed to a grind up alongside the dissipators and falls from Springs Rd. No water for some 3 years now. More of a grind up the hill of the northern tunnel and a rest while chatting to a walker coming the other way. He is off with 14 others to my home province of Otago, NZ to walk the Rees-Dart Track in Fiordland. Great area.

But my objective is rather closer and soon I have the 3rd and final cache in my hand. Fill in the logbook then its just a few km to the pick up point where Leanganookm Track crosses Harcourt North Rd.

28km with undulations to start then a fairly fast clip for half the distance and finishing with a couple of noticeable hills. They used to call this fartlek in my youth.  I found the geocaching certainly halved my average speed but added a lot of interest. Now I just have to work out a good way of handling my GPSr on the bike.

After the fires

We biked around about half the burnt out area of Batson Still  (south of Jubilee Lake) getting ready for a mapping update. The forest is so open now - can see adjacent tracks and streams that were invisible before. Some tracks are much clearer while others are harder to see due to bracken. Not much in the way of twigs and branches on tracks although there are more fallen trees. However, due to the undergrowth gone, it is easy to ride around most. Most major tracks are now gravelled, others are improved and there are a few new ones built during the fire.

The eucalypt forest is more uniform now in the way that a pine forest is. This will change as the green extends out to more branches. Plentiful water on tracks and in wetlands. Even a 4WD almost hopelessly bogged. We helped for a while but it was going to be a long exercise. Riding on an adjacent road a few hours later to check on them we could see they had managed it.

Geocaching and MTB - Great Partners

Wanting to add some more spice to the long distance Great Dividing Trails? How about some geocaching along the way. If you already have a GPSr then you are well on the way.

I am testing the public routes function of Geocaching Australia (GA) which they have kindly modified for this purpose. That will allow us to provide any GDT track with all Geocaching Australia caches within say 500m of that track. You will be able to view the track and caches within Google Maps. If you are registered with GA (free) then you can download to a GPX file, all the GA caches shown. 

On the track, when you get near a cache you can start navigating to it. Most caches wil be accessible by bike. We expect to have a program of developing further cache hides to fill the blank spots.

In the meantime, check out the rideable caches in Wombat Forest. There are enough for 2 or 3 full day rides. And watch this blog for further developments.

Lerderderg Track access update

Keep an eye on the GDTA web site www.gdt.org.au for the Lerderderg Track being declared open.

This track from Daylesford is mtb-able to Blackwood but the section Jubilee Lake to Leonards Hill Rd has been closed since last Feb's bushfires. We understand there is a good chance this closure may be lifted before Easter. Apart from other safety issues, some signs have been burnt and thus it is easy to take a wrong track.

Please note that a large section of track through Parks Victoria land between Blackwood and Bacchus Marsh is currently forbidden to mtn bikers.

Cyclic Navigator is our own enduro too

Enduro Mountain Biking accessible to all

So you noticed the dearth of posts. It isn't that we haven't been heavily involved in mountain biking, its just that riding hasn't figured very much.

Cyclic Navigator #4 is next weekend (Sunday 29th November to be exact) and we have been preparing since Saturday 7th March.  Every 'free' weekend has been devoted to field work for the map and/or cartography. So anything beyond a very local ride or a ride in pursuit of fieldwork (most done by GPS in a 4WD) has been almost nought. The mapping is over and this weekend was organisational which is just as well given the welcome rain. 40mm since Friday eve as I write early Sunday. 

Until now, extreme heat and/or fire danger were looming as potnetial causes of a postponement but given more rain is forecast for later in the week, we are breathing easier as are the entrants.

And so I ask, why aren't you entered? This isn't a masochist's event. It doesn't require advanced technical skills. You don't even need to stay out 4 hours or 6. It certainly does help to be able to read a map but if you are comfortable with VicRoads maps and even Melway, you should be fine.

Entrants have ranged from 12 through to - well let's just say over 80ish, eh Joyce and Graham. Mountain biking ability has ranged from recent to expert. Fitness from average to superb.

 

Pair up. And larger groups can ride together anyway in this event. Price is very reasonable compared to commercial events thanks to volunteers 'funding' through their work. Profits go to development of junior orienteering and the last year over $1,000 went that way. 

And what a challenge! Saying in the saddle, finding checkpoints, building up your score and having a barrel of fun. The broad smiles as people finish, even in our atrocious weather of 2 years ago, says it all. 

And you get something else out of it. A waterproof map that has more tracks and roads than any other map available - many more even than the renowned CFA maps.  So you can come back at any time and explore further in this great mountain biking area.

The event area encompasses part of the Great Dividing Trail's multi-use Wallaby Track (previously Federation Track). There is a high value checkpoint on an interesting part of the trail. 4 or 6 hours in this even will stand you in good stead for riding all (Daylesford - Buninyong, about 12 hours for an average rider like me) or sections such as Daylesford - Creswick, Creswick - Ballarat. 

I've gotta go - picking up more event equipment from Russell Bourke a fellow Eureka orienteer as he passes through Daylesford this morning. These volunteers are great!

See you out there - entries close online Tuesday evening. Unless someone else in the club picks it up we will take a break from teh event next year and look at staging it every 2nd year. So do it now. www.cyclicnavigator.mapsport.net.au

Riding the Trails after the Feb 09 Fires - Musk near Daylesford

Daylesford Fires

The main fire impacted on trail riding south of Jubilee Lake which is on the southern side of Daylesford. It reached as far as Musk where it burnt out a few kms lof the Daylesford & Spa Country Tourist Railway route. An earlier posting described the associated Railway Recreation Route. Other less major fires, including one down the end of our road (photo), only marginally touched trails.

Railway Recreation Route

We recently ventured into the Railway recreation Route area as there were no cautionary signs therefore we presumed it to be safe. It now appears that the area is still to be cleared of dangerous trees and branches but signs were placed only on the rail line at locations out of sight of the trail. For your safety, check for a sign on the rail line near the milestone (see map in earlier posting).

Anyway, we survived the widow makers to tell the photo tale of what is a microcosm of the impact on the larger fire area's trail system and environment. 

The pleasure of brambles and other weeds being wiped out was tempered somewhat by previously enjoyable single track being revealed as cruisy dirt roads.

Visit the photo gallery.

Guildford to Glenlyon : Historic Big Tree and Store but Ride it Soon!

IMBA estimated rating: Green (Easy)
23.3k, 1h 40m ride time, avg 14 k/h, 2h elapsed, 50+ years reasonably fit.
Uphill in this direction but seems much more gradual than profile below suggests.
One way and circular options available.
Vic Roads maps: Guildford on the Midland Highway between Daylesford and Castlemaine 59 D4, Glenlyon on the Daylesford - Malmsbury road 59 E6.

VL = veer left, 1R = 1st right, SA = straight ahead. GDT = Great Dividing Trail

Description

Guildford has its Big Tree and Glenyon has its historic store (for the moment) - photo.

Dirt roads, one 4WD track and tarmac each end. A very pleasant ride when you haven't got a lot of time. Suits being dropped off in Guildford (or Glenlyon). Take careful note of navigation notes along Schicers Track. 

I was staggered when I generated the elevation profile below as during the ride I never (staggered). There are three climbs on the route but only one is steep and then only for a very short distance.

The Old Glenlyon Store will not be operating beyond June 2009 if a buyer is not found. The current lessees have built up the business from the doldrums to a very, very popular spot with accolades from food reviewers, excellent coffee, weekend music and simply a great ambience. So ensure you enjoy a slice of history as well as great cakes by riding this route very very soon.

Options

Circular route from Guildford

When you meet the GDT Dry Diggings Track crossing Porcupine Ridge Rd (12km) L onto the GDT to Vaughan Springs (11.5k). After crossing spillway in Vaughan Springs Reserve, L along road (leaving GDT) to reserve entrance then L along tarmac to Guildford (6km). To avoid most of tarmac you need a map to follow L at Italian Track prior to Vaughan Springs Reserve then via Porcupine Ridge Rd and Tarilta Rd, wend your way to Guildford.

One way to Hepburn Springs, Daylesford

At GDT Dry Diggings crossing (see above), R on Dry Diggings Track. Follow the trail to Hepburn Springs. From Hepburn Springs the trail is closed to mountain bikers so use the cycle track along main road to Daylesford. Side trip to the Chocolate Mill? Then R when you hit Midland Highway.

Route

I enjoyed a really good coffee with an Anzac biscuit at the old Guildford Store. They have excellent home baked (genuine I reckon) cakes, pies and the like and at lower prices than you'll find in the city. Sitting outside I noted that each corner of this tiny town had a 'public' building - the store, the pub (which is also pleasant to visit on a hot day), the hall and the sports ground. And just down the side road from the store is a famous big! red gum.

Fortified I mounted up and headed down the tarmac Vaughan Springs Rd into farm land and less than 1km out of town R onto gravel Shicers Gully Rd. Shortly on L is unusual old excavations of a hillside, presumably gold digging. Nearing the forest entrance and with a good following wind, the dogs at the boarding kennels got wind of me well before I heard them barking their welcome. Into the forest and dirt road. Stay on Shicers Gully Rd until Limestone Track.

Pleasant to be in the forest and soon whipped off my inner layer as getting very warm on this lovely autumn day. You could optionally take Cox Track to the right as it eventually comes back onto Shicers Gully Rd. There are a few houses dotted along the road with goat farming and other lifestyle pursuits. The road is undulating but nothing serious.

At 7k, stay SA on Shicers Track as the L track appears to be the main one. 9.2k veer L onto Limestone Track. Here I met a couple in a ute. He had just finished clearing a fallen tree by axe. The cuts were so clean I thought he had a chain saw. Turns out he used to be  a wood cutter back in the 60s. Retired now but they love the bush.

Steepish down to the creek. If it is lunch time, L across the creek up a 4WD track takes you to a very pleasant spot. Otherwise follow the track right then twist up a rise. At the ridge, (10.2k) ignore Lancaster Track on L but just 25m on, take a 4WD track R. This track cruises down then veers L to head up a main gully that has a distinctly eroded water channel. At 11.3k you turn R onto Porcupine Ridge Rd. Today there is the smell of stale smoke as the forest undergrowth on the E side of the road has been burnt off.

Shortly you might see a cluster of cars and at 12k that will be the Dry Diggings Track crossing the road, If you are taking one of the options described above, this is your departure point from this ride. Do give way to walkers on that track. I more often encounter mountain bikers.

Onwards past Loop Track until at 13k VL onto Green Gully Track. A great swoop down for start but do sit well back as there is jutting rock along the way. Then you should scream up the other side for measly metres. For a very pleasant break spot you could diverge on either of two tracks off to the L into the stream valley. And if the main stream is running then you might see my basking crocodile per the photo.

Otherwise continue on teh track to ford a splash of water before the start of a gradual rise to a bridge on a sharp L bend. Then the only steep climb of the day 50m up an interesting rocky section. Take a glance if you can at the creek bed on the R and the view into the valley at L. Round the bend past the farm gate it eases but does continue for some way to the ridge where a short flat ride leads to a screaming drop to a T at Green Gully Rd. Brake well and carefully beforehand as this road does have some traffic.

R at the road and a shallow climb with beautiful small flowers on the bank in spring. Then undulate past farms and consider dropping into Butlers Lane or Ellender wineries. Ellender serves meals also. At 18.7 k cross Kangaroo Creek piddling along on its tortuous journey to hit the tarmac and the foot of the last of the 3 climbs. This 2.4 k climb has plenty of false crests to excite then disappoint but it does relieve with a few flattish sections. You will soon see on your right the Canadian vista and then the hobby farms each side keep your interest. Eventually a sweeping L followed by R takes you up to a T at Back Glenlyon Rd, 21.2k.

L here and cruise down to The Old Glenlyon Store at 22.3k for excellent coffee, cold drinks alcoholic and non, ice creams and other treats. Sadly the services here might be gone at the end of June until a buyer is found.

If you have to bike back to Daylesford, take Back Glenlyon Rd to enjoy the plunge down the tarmac to yet another bridge across the ubiquitous Kangaroo Creek.

Maps and GPS Files

Download Guildford - Glenlyon route map - 2page PDF

Download Memory Map file

Download GPX file

Lenaganook Trail, Western Bypass Map & GPX

Two previous postings cover riding the Great Dividing Trail's Leanganook Track. One from Castlemaine to Bendigo and the other in the reverse direction.

The Castlemaine to Bendigo route described a route to bypass the very tough climb (or drop) up the southern face of Lenaganook (Mt Alexander). Only very fit and very expert riders can ride it and even they have to portage over many fallen trees. Once was interesting but enough for me.

The Map & Route files

Download Leanganook W bypass web web view PDF  221kb

Download Leanganook W bypass print quality PDF 3.7mb

Download Leanganook W bypass GPX file for loading into GPS

Download Leanganook W bypass MM Memory Map file

Instructions to go with the Map

Sometime after the Garfield water wheel you will ascend then descend snaking single track, turning R onto Welsh St 4WD track. L @ T onto Endall, ignore GDT R towards Golden Point Rd instead continuing onto Llewellyn Rd. Start climbing then veer 1L. Through fence line into clearing and if a hot day take in the heady aromas of the pine forest.

Now listen up!  This is tricky so refer to the map as well. You should be in a clearing. You are to continue NW on dirt roads, not N along the fence line unless you like more hills. At 300m veer 1R and soon youLeanganook Specimen Gully w will be back at the fence line. Continue N, keep SA where track veers off to L, veer L on dirt road down a steepish gully, SA at next junction still down gully, then saunter along the valley floor, SA at triangle junction.

L@T onto Specimen Gully Rd and from here until Leanganook foothill it is sweetly undulating farming, lifestyle and orchard country. R into Reillys Rd, R@T onto Peelers Rd, R@X onto tarmac Blackjack Rd, take care SA across Calder Highway, 1L into Danns Rd for a few kms more of apple orchards (if using Memory Map, the gap in Danns Rd does not exist).

After it becomes Reservoir Rd, on your R eventually is Henry of Harcourt's cidery, usually open. A bit further on veer R onto the dirt Quarry Rd for a shady interlude if sunny. Then SA onto tarmac Harcourt - Sutton Grange Rd, up a steepish climb past the Joseph Young Drive (Mt Alexander tourist rd) then from the ridge swoop down the esses to the water race and rejoin the GDT on your L.

Trentham pies and cakes; good coffee; roadside vegies

On our way back from the Victorian mountain bike orienteering champs held from Cammeray Waters Conference Centre between Trentham and Woodend, we decided to refuel our bodies at the Trentham Bakery. It was mentioned in our Domino Trail posting and we had praised the real cream cakes but damned the coffee.

Now I'm not a great pie person because even if the outside looks good, the inside rarely is. But it having been a muddy wet event I let Anitra pick out something hot while I tried the coffee place across the road that I noticed last time. 'Jasper coffee' said the sign -- a promising brand. And it proved very palatable indeed so now we have an alternative to Red Beard bakery on their busy weekends.

Back at the car we shared a lovely looking spanakopita. The pastry and the spinach cheese filling tasted every bit as good as it looked. Then onto a vege pastie with the same result. Nothing greasy, plenty of filling and all fresh taste and feel. Yummm. So it is pies and pasties and pastries in Trentham from now on.

And yes Anitra did get a couple of cakes too. One cream filled and the other was a lemon meringue tart.  Beautifully tart. And judging by the people who walked in and asked for those without even consulting the display, they are a well loved specialty of the shop.

btw between Trentham and Daylesford there are now quite a few places selling fresh vegies, eggs etc. We picked up a cabbage that needed heavy lifting techniques and the cauliflowers looked superb.