No formal rides have been organised for the return journey back to Melbourne. Just chat to fellow AVD participants to organise some company for the ride home.
Should anybody wish to join me then I am happy to lead one for at least part of the way. I intend to return via the King Valley and Mansfield. I may head off to Jamieson after that or stick with the group. Note: These routes can be re-jigged for those wishing to participate in Sunday morning’s Vespa cavalcade to Glenrowan between 8 - 9 am.
Below are a number of route options to consider. You can pop these links into your mobile phone browser and turn on Google Map directions to navigate home.
Wangaratta - Reservoir 241 kms
This flat direct route is the reverse of the one many of us took to Wangaratta. Its certainly the fastest option. Its divided into 2 parts:
a) Wangaratta - Violet Town 82 kms
https://goo.gl/maps/xBxBXmLChiGdggcw8
b) Violet Town - Reservoir 159 kms
https://goo.gl/maps/TKppgRWUXdqV9t4u9
Wangaratta - Reservoir via Mansfield 275 kms
https://goo.gl/maps/RcnBPzUBn6rErCMW6
This route is definitely more scenic since you ride along the King Valley with its numerous vineyards while watching the distant blue mountains getting closer by the mile. However it is also longer and much slower because of the winding roads and tight corners as you climb over the mountains from Whitfield via Tolmie to Mansfield. There are couple of reasons why its less suitable for lower powered slower scooters. Aside from the steep climb up the mountains there is the high speed section of road between Mansfield and Yea. I’ve often found drivers rather pushy along here and its an unpleasant experience being hurried along by cars when you are just metres from those guitar string “safety” barriers which are a feature of this section of highway. For those living in the east or southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, take the Alexandra exit at Yarck onto the Maroondah Highway. Its a much quieter road and very pretty as you wind down into Healesville.
Wangaratta - Healesville via Jamieson 281 kms
https://goo.gl/maps/dGMTCYBZKs5AxTkc8
I may take the Jamieson - Eildon back road (above). This 60 km road is sealed but slow because of all the tight corners. You won’t see anything but forrest along here - no houses or buildings. It feels remote but is a beautiful road if you enjoy lots of corners. It adds another hour plus of riding to the journey.
Here are some other variations which will suit those living in the east and north
Wangaratta - Healesville via Euroa and Creightons Creek Road 228 kms
https://goo.gl/maps/sq2QfFXCeJY7AZNW9
Wangaratta - Mernda via Strathbogie 241 kms
https://goo.gl/maps/uH4buNuxmxLbmQUK8
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