Friends Enjoy Monthly Trail Ride

The opportunity to experience the popular O’Keefe Rail Trail in great company proved irresistible, with the Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail group holding their monthly ride in March.

Starting out from the Axedale Community Park, 13 members gathered ready for a relaxed and social ride. For some, a pre-ride coffee was essential, while others opted to save their café stop for later in Heathcote.

Trail’s rest area at Lake Eppalock. Photo: Judy McLaren

A highlight along the way was the rail trail’s table and seating rest stop area, on the causeway across Lake Eppalock. Here, riders paused to take in the views, while discussing the proposed shelter structure over the tables, as well as the lake’s current storage level sitting at 36%. This sparked reflection on past high rainfall periods, when water levels have risen high enough to flow over the causeway.

Hans and Don discuss the lake’s water level. Photo: Garry Long

Reaching Heathcote, the group enjoyed a well-earned break at Fodder Café, where conversations ranged from e-bikes and the proposed rail trail extension towards Tooborac, to plans for the upcoming Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail ride in April.

As the ride was at the turn around point, some participants chose to stay on in Heathcote for lunch, while others returned to Axedale to finish their day.

Interested in joining the Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail for social rides or helping out at working bees? It’s easy to get involved—simply sign up via the online membership form: https://bit.ly/4oEJ3d3