The ‘Cycle Dindi’ event returned to the scenic Great Victorian Rail Trail on Saturday, 17 April 2021, this being its fifth year organised jointly by the Rotary Clubs of Yea and Alexandra. With the attractions of a Devonshire Tea in a shearing shed, a sheep dog demonstration, a BBQ lunch beside the picturesque Goulburn River, these were certainly reasons why some members of the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail decided to register for this event.
Deciding upon accommodation in Yea and riding the Yea to Alexandra event option, this saw a quite cool morning start for an 8.30am event registration next to the historic Yea Railway Station. Once completing the ride across the four Yea River curved aligned trail bridges, it was the gradual climb towards the iconic Cheviot Tunnel, the only tunnel on a Victorian rail trail, where riding through this impressive tunnel did not disappoint.
The option of being taken from the rail trail to the ‘Nutfield’ farm’s shearing shed for morning tea by tractor and trailer was an opportunity taken up by some riders, while others decided to cycle the farm’s short yet steep driveway!
After a group photo stop at the Eglington Gap, with a spectacular background view of the Cathedral Ranges, it was a downhill ride into Alexandra for a coffee and a snack at a local café.
Not wanting to miss lunch, the group set off for the return ride back along the trail to arrive at ‘Cremona’ farm between Cathkin and Molesworth. The farm’s river setting against the Goulburn River was a real delight for lunch, which also providing a view of the historically significant Cremona concrete bridge in ruins, being built by the Reinforced Concrete & Monier Pipe Construction Co. (John Monash) in 1913.
After the second ride through the amazing Cheviot Tunnel, the final downhill section back towards Yea passed quickly for the riders. Arriving in Yea, this ended the group’s 77kms enjoyable day out riding that also helped in a small way to support the joint fundraiser for Rotary youth programs in the area.
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