Rainy Days and Mondays
Sydney to Melbourne Stage 14 – Mon 20th March 2017 – Bairnsdale to Maffra (76 Km)
Weather: 16⁰C min – 24⁰C max, rain showers
“Push yourself again and again. Don’t give an inch until the final buzzer sounds” ~ Larry Bird
What has happened to the beautiful sunshine? Gentle rain was falling when we left Bairnsdale around 9 am this morning and continued for the first half of the stage to Maffra.
After riding along the highway for the first 7 Km we turned left onto Bengworden Road (C106 route) which looped in a southerly direction and re-joined the highway about 55 Km further on. What amazed us was why such a good road had been built to service the two small towns of Bengworden and Meerlieu, both of which boasted only a primary school. Still the road made for good peaceful riding so we were not complaining.
Photo opportunities were very limited today, not just because of the constant drizzle, but because the countryside for most of the ride consisted of dry grass and gum trees. At least the farmers would have appreciated the early autumn rainfall to enable some growth before the onset of winter.
We had to wait until Stratford (10 Km before Maffra) before we came to our first café, so by that time we were more than ready for our daily fix. From there we picked up the start of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail which took us the final 10 Km into Maffra. Unlike the East Gippsland Rail Trail yesterday, today’s trail was a pleasure to ride on being made of well-compacted fine gravel.
Maffra as a town we found to be underwhelming, with little to offer by way of food or accommodation. There are only three places to stay in town: a motel (which had no vacancies), a back-packers place (which was full of young farm workers) and the hotel where we are staying.
Although it hasn’t been the most exciting day we have had so far at least we are one day closer to our destination. We have now completed 14 days riding (800 Km) and have only 5 days (300 Km) to go. Look out Melbourne here we come!
You guys are doing an amazing job – you have come so far already and getting closer to Melbourne every day. Keep going – what an amazing adventure !!
Stay safe and hope the riding is going to be easy and the country towns are getting a little more interesting!!
Sorry there were no photo opportunity. Anyway at least you guys have a place to lay your head. As the song say “Where ever I lay my head that’s my home” for you guys it’s temporary home!
Hope you guys get some good weather for the rest of the trip.
Ride safe now and take it easy!!
Love your commentary Kev, keep those legs peddling.
Cheers
Thanks Robynne. Only three more days of riding (170 Km) to go now, so we might just about make it to Melbourne.