Bairnsdale to Bright Vic Australia (with pics)

[ktmman1503]

Hi All,

My good friend and I set out on a great weekends ride starting at Bairnsdale Eastern Victoria heading up and over the Hotham range via Bruthen, Swifts Creek, Omeo, Hotham Heights, then into Bright..



Don checking the bikes at Koo-Wee-Rup, bloody raining as well.


Early Saturday morning on the 23rd of Feb we set out with our two 1999 KTM 640'S on tow behind the car, we decided to trailer them down so not to wear ourselves out, seeing that the 640's are not the most comfortable bikes to ride on the road for any great length of time..


Ok ready to keep on rolling..

By the time we rolled up at Bairnsdale to unload the sky was starting to clear a little, yes but only a little.

We managed to leave the car and trailer at a good friends for the weekend until we returned later on Sunday avo.

Check out his shop in Bairnsdale, Rawsons Bikes, a trick pushy shop.. Thanks to Glenn.


Come on Don lets go mate..



We set out from Bairnsdale with a 25-30 k ride to Bruthen hitting a few showers on the way, also thinking to our selves that it can only get worse as we head up higher.

However as we turned from Bruthen heading to Ensay, the sky began to clear with many patches of blue sky popping through and by the time we ended up for a quick stop at Ensay, the sky was just right.


Now check that sky out..


Time for a check of the map, a quick drink and away we go.


The ride was just perfect with perfect conditions to say the least..

The road was the most fun I have had for years on a bike and the 640's were handling it just fine.


Yep, that my girl.

On to Bright via the town of Swifts Creek with the clouds clearing the further we road.


Arriving in Omeo just around lunch time, time to fill the bike, not bad, $7.51 from Bairnsdale to Omeo, time for a sit, a chat and some lunch.



Main street of Omeo... Nice town.

On to Hotham past Hotham Airport, but time to stop off and have a look around, not much action though.


Don the strong man...



It's locked Don..

Had to park on the foot path as the car park was full... Not.

Did I say how nice the day was... A little chilly though, but nothing we couldn't handle.

On to Hotham, around another 30 or so k's before the Ski resort..

And how about those views...




Don's Bike..


Craig's Bike..

Fun Fun Fun Fun...



Don's View..



Craig's View..

A few more pics of the great view from the side of the Road (Hotham Heights).



A replica of Neil Armstrong (Man on the Moon)


More pics more view..



Now the next 50 k or so we were just too busy to worry about taking pictures, lots of turns, twists and fun.. The road works its way down to the flats to Bright stopping off to check out a nice camping spot down by the river.






Nice spot to chuck a swag.. hey.

Now onto Bright which was just down the road from that nice camping spot.

The accommodation was very nice indeed, stopping at a place called Elm Lodge.. $95.00 for the night which includes breakfast and a very comfortable bed.. Queen of course for Don, and a single for me.. Was very happy with that.


Now how neat and tidy is this...


Tea please Don.. And get some pants on mate.


Very comfortable after 250k in the saddle.. Can highly recommend it.





We managed to hook up with some goods mates (Terry and Richard) and their families for dinner at the local pub. One of the reasons, yes one only was to chat about a planned ride from Broken Hill to Birdsville and so on, later in the year... Now that's going to be a trip.

Well that's all I have time for expect one last pic of the stop off point in Swifts Creek on the way home... And by the way, take the old part of the hwy on the way up or back, way more fun.

If I check a chance to re-edit this, and add a few more points I will.

Hope you enjoyed the pics.











Ride Details..

Great Alpine Road Victoria Australia

Bairnsdale
Bruthen
Tambo Crossing
Ensay
Swifts Creek.
Omeo (Lunch)
Follow Great Alpine Road
Dinner Plain
Hotham Heights
Harrietville
Smoko
Freeburgh
Bright

Return using the same trip..

Around 230 k...

The return trip however, we decided to deviate off our course a little, after stopping at Omeo on the return trip for fuel, we headed back around 3 k to the turn off to Cassilis, this take you further West through some very nice country with some excellent roads... Just keep on that main road (and yes it is sealed), and you will arrive into Swifts Creek.

We stopped off at the very motorcycle friendly Bakery, then we headed back to the centre of town turning at the pub and following the old Alpine Road, this is a lot more fun.

Be careful though, it crosses over the main road where you must drive back over a bridge to re-join the old road, but it is well worth it, and if I ever make this trip again, I will take the old part of the Hwy when ever I can. Much more fun.



Fuel is available at:

Bairnsdale
Bruthen
Ensay
Swiftscreek
Omeo
Harrietville (but may not be open) Best to re-fuel at Omeo and next at Bright.
Bright

Just make sure you have enough fuel from Omeo to Bright and the same in return.

Also, the temp can drop quite a bit as you climb especially up on the higher peaks of Hotham, make sure you suitable clothing for the trip.

I will say one thing... it's a great weekend trip and I'll do it again for sure. Soon I hope.

Now get out and enjoy it.

Craig Shine.