120KM ROUTE

The BIG ONE! 120km of Gravel Glory!

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A huge thank you to our volunteers and sponsors: G.J. Gardner Homes Bendigo, Sunergy, and Braidies Tavern.
 

You will love this spectacular ride through the beautiful greenery. This is a long ride with plenty of hills, so please come prepared with ample food and water as you navigate the diverse terrain of central Victoria.

Please note that the roads are NOT closed; therefore, it is essential to obey all road rules and exercise caution. Be safe out there and enjoy this self-guided route by downloading the published files.

The ride begins at Braidies Tavern in Strathfieldsaye, where you’ll go under the bridge on the new edition of the Emu Creek path. Next, you’ll circle around the outskirts of the school and onto mixed walking and cycling trails. Be cautious, as you may encounter walkers along the way.

Crossing the McIvor Highway onto the O'Keefe Rail Trail, you will turn right into the Wellsford Forest and head toward Axedale. Your first drink station is located at the corner of O’Brien’s Lane and Hawkins Lane, and then it’s on to Axedale for coffee, if you choose.

From there, you will venture through the Knowsley bushland before continuing through beautiful farming country to the foot of Mt. Ida.
Here, you’ll have the choice to head directly to Heathcote or to cycle up Mt. Ida and return to this drink station. It’s your decision to take on this challenge or bypass it. Remember, it’s a mountain, so expect steep ascents and descents on gravel roads.

The bakery at Heathcote awaits you before you head back toward Lake Eppalock, which will be a highlight of your day. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you cycle above the water of the lake.

After rounding the back of Knowsley, enjoy some lovely downhill bush tracks before returning through Axedale and towards Bendigo on the O'Keefe Rail Trail. Just after crossing Somerset Park Road, look for the single track to your left that will take you up through Honeyeater Reserve. Again, be mindful of walkers and stay on the marked trails.

Weave your way down to the asphalt on Turners Road, then onto Somerset Park Road, Sinclairs Lane, Sullivans Road, and finally onto the bike paths returning for an ale and meal at Braidies Tavern. Be sure to treat yourself generously, as the team at Braidies are fantastic local sponsors.

Congratulations on raising much-needed funds for local charities!