Coastal Trails and Friends

With the opportunity for a cycling ‘escape’, some members of the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail headed off to enjoy trails at the Victorian coast. With a 4-day adventure planned, based at Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, it was a great opportunity for members to experience different trails, take time out for a coffee or two, as well as enjoy some social time together.

The first ride day had riders exploring parts of the coast line at Queenscliff, then it was sharing a coastal trail to Point Lonsdale for a coffee break. Thinking about lunch, next was the Bellarine Rail Trail to find out what made this such a popular rail trail. Intermittent coastal rain showers had jackets on and off, yet that caused little break in the chatter amongst the riders. Lunch and laughs were had at Café Zoo in Drysdale, followed by a cycling return along the rail trail back to Queenscliff.

Ride day two had the group catching the 9am Sorrento Queenscliff ferry service, where at Sorrento two additional riders joined the group to ride in the Point Nepean National Park. With a hot sun shining, exploring the former restricted military area with its aging defence infrastructures plus the historic Quarantine Station had all immersed in centuries of history as well as the natural environment. Too soon it was time to ride back through Portsea to catch an afternoon ferry to finish the day in Queenscliff, yet the night was still awaiting!

With the early sun already heating the last riding day’s morning, came preparations for experiencing what the new Bellarine Coastal Trail had to offer. With this continuous trail highlighting the coastline between Pt Richards, Portarlington, Indented Head and St Leonards, the ride began. The trail had riders checking out various points of interest, in between enjoying coffee and cake in St Leonards and lunch in Portarlington. With bikes packed, it was finally time to say farewells and reflect upon what was a fantastic ‘expedition’ with friends.