Author Topic: Cheviot Tunnel RTE - Postponed & Renamed  (Read 6011 times)

Offline Williamson

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Cheviot Tunnel RTE - Postponed & Renamed
« on: July 13, 2021, 03:46:11 PM »
See reply #45 for update

This an RTE with a twist - on bicycles.

Just a short reccy ride to check out the Tallarook - Mansfield Rail Trail, to see if I / we can handle the approx. 134km of overall rail. 
https://www.railtrails.org.au/index.php?option=com_railtrails&view=trail&id=90&Itemid=243

Wednesday's ride is just Yea to Cheviot Tunnel, then to Native Dog Road or Molesworth and return.

Planned itinerary is:

8:30am:    Meet at Yea Railway Station - https://goo.gl/maps/ShAYqbFkmfKjPwuTA

9:00am:    Commence ride to Cheviot Tunnel - https://goo.gl/maps/D45GAhGKSgoTRbTL7

9:45am     Arrive Tunnel - only a 33 minute ride, but allows time for pics

10:15am:  Arrive Molesworth - only a 20 minute ride, but allows time for more pics - https://goo.gl/maps/Vp5nUFFqHRzhVEdd6

11:30am:  Arrive back at Yea - coffe, lunch or whatever.

Participating so far:
  • Michael
  • Pete - from AusTouring


« Last Edit: August 16, 2021, 11:49:06 AM by Williamson »
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
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Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 
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Online ruSTynutz

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 21 July 2021
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2021, 05:43:01 PM »
Don't tire yourself out too much before the Toora RTE, Michael!  :whistle

Actually...instead of bringing your ST, perhaps you could bring the pushy and ride from Leongatha through to Toora on the Great Southern Rail Trail???  :grin

I'll shout ya a beer if you do that... :beer


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Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 21 July 2021
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2021, 05:55:39 PM »
Don't tire yourself out too much before the Toora RTE, Michael!  :whistle

Actually...instead of bringing your ST, perhaps you could bring the pushy and ride from Leongatha through to Toora on the Great Southern Rail Trail???  :grin

I'll shout ya a beer if you do that... :beer

I have a better idea.  You can join me on the pushie ride, and I'll shout you two of your choice.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 21 July 2021
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2021, 08:28:05 PM »
Throw in a couple of MICA paramedics and I'll think about it... :p  :grin


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Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 21 July 2021
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2021, 09:12:40 PM »
Throw in a couple of MICA paramedics and I'll think about it... :p  :grin

With a bit of training and conditioning, we can avoid the need for any MICA support.  You can commence with joining us Wednesday next week.  So dust off the pushie in the garage, if you don't have one, I have a spare or two.   You would be the youngest.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 21 July 2021
« Reply #5 on: July 13, 2021, 10:51:58 PM »
More than a bit, me thinks, Michael!

While the thought of wearing lycra is very tempting, but knowing that I'd probably look stunning and all you blokes would be so jealous, sadly I'm going to have to decline your kind offer... :Blow


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Offline ppopeye

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 21 July 2021
« Reply #6 on: July 13, 2021, 11:35:15 PM »
Would love to but have a chiro appointment in the morning
ppopeye

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Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2021, 07:39:33 PM »
Due to Garry's prior committment ...

Would love to but have a chiro appointment in the morning

... weather forecast, and 5 day COVID lockdown, this RTE is re-scheduled to Wed 28 July.  All other details unchanged.

Push bike riders, add your name to the attendee list:
  • Michael
  • Pete - from AusTouring
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
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Offline ppopeye

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #8 on: July 16, 2021, 05:24:13 PM »
With the change of date I am a possible starter for this.
ppopeye

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2005 Red ST1300
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Bikes I've had
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Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #9 on: July 16, 2021, 05:28:51 PM »
With the change of date I am a possible starter for this.

 :thumbs

Push bike riders, add your name to the attendee list:
  • Michael
  • Pete - from AusTouring
  • Garry - possible starter, and finisher too, we hope
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Online Jdbiker

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #10 on: July 16, 2021, 08:05:03 PM »
Would love to join you but can’t due work and all, ok if it were on a Saturday or Sunday. Do you have road or mountain bikes?
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Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #11 on: July 16, 2021, 08:49:46 PM »
Would love to join you but can’t due work and all, ok if it were on a Saturday or Sunday...

This is a reccy ride.  From this we may be able to determine if we are fit enough for the whole trail - Mansfield to Tallarook, at some stage in the near future.  That would be at least a three day ride, two overnights (Alexandra and Yea), timing of that (week and/or weekend) may depend on availablity of accomodation.  If the itinerary works for you, you will be very welcome.

Some details on the route here: https://www.greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au/trail-map-distance-and-gradient/

... Do you have road or mountain bikes?

I'll be on my trusty 30 plus year old Giant hybrid.



The trail is compacted sand so I have changed over the 700 x 23 high pressure tyres (in the pic) with 700 x 38 75psi all terrain tyres.

Not sure what Pete and Garry ride.  Garry will be along soon to advise.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 
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Offline STroppy

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #12 on: July 19, 2021, 08:03:55 AM »
Would love to join you but can’t due work and all, ok if it were on a Saturday or Sunday...

This is a reccy ride.  From this we may be able to determine if we are fit enough for the whole trail - Mansfield to Tallarook, at some stage in the near future.  That would be at least a three day ride, two overnights (Alexandra and Yea), timing of that (week and/or weekend) may depend on availablity of accomodation.  If the itinerary works for you, you will be very welcome.

Some details on the route here: https://www.greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au/trail-map-distance-and-gradient/

... Do you have road or mountain bikes?

I'll be on my trusty 30 plus year old Giant hybrid.



The trail is compacted sand so I have changed over the 700 x 23 high pressure tyres (in the pic) with 700 x 38 75psi all terrain tyres.

Not sure what Pete and Garry ride.  Garry will be along soon to advise.

Hmmm depending dates and Lockdowns .. I could be a starter for the 3 day pushy ride! Now which bike . . Mountain, road, tourer . . Or Electric Mountain . . . A hard decision . .
Terry, Canberra 0412499625
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Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #13 on: July 19, 2021, 09:25:22 AM »
Hmmm depending dates and Lockdowns .. I could be a starter for the 3 day pushy ride!

If the itinerary (when determined) works for you, you will be very welcome.

... Now which bike . . Mountain, road, tourer . . Or Electric Mountain . . . A hard decision . .

Mmm ... may have the same problem here.  I have been struggling a little on the Giant hybrid on the last few rides.  Not sure why, but I've concluded this could be due to the weight (it's quite a few kg heavier than the Giant MTB).  I'll take the MTB for a few rides, see if I can cope with it a little better.

I was Googling eBikes a coupla days back, I can see one of these in my future, but probably when I get old, in my 70's.

Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
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Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Offline STroppy

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #14 on: July 19, 2021, 09:38:16 AM »
I bought mine in my 75 th year, I bought a Dyson with a rear wheel hub motor for around $2,889. Their HO and sales are located in Melbourne, prob not far from you. Dysonbikes.com.au they have a good range.
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Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #15 on: July 19, 2021, 09:51:37 AM »
I bought mine in my 75 th year, I bought a Dyson with a rear wheel hub motor for around $2,889. Their HO and sales are located in Melbourne, prob not far from you. Dysonbikes.com.au they have a good range.

I was looking at some on this website - https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/bikes/electric-bikes/?sort%5B0%5D%5Bfield%5D=price&sort%5B0%5D%5Border%5D=asc

My son-in-law just bought an up-market MTB, for what he paid, coulda got an ST1300.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Offline ppopeye

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #16 on: July 19, 2021, 11:16:44 AM »
I have a mountain bike which is currently in Bendigo with the caravan, a road bike and a single speed flat bar. Not sure when I can get to Bendigo but would normally use mtn bike for trail rides.


Its looking like the lockdown may affect the 28th
ppopeye

I never ride faster than my angel can fly!

2005 Red ST1300
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Bikes I've had
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Honda450
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Offline Nigel

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #17 on: July 19, 2021, 01:35:41 PM »
Whatever you chose to ride make sure it has off road tyres.
We did this Cheviot ride a few years' ago , I was on my 1100 at the time sure wish I`d taken the XT.  :grin
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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #18 on: July 19, 2021, 02:28:31 PM »
... been struggling a little on the Giant hybrid on the last few rides.  Not sure why, but I've concluded this could be due to the weight (it's quite a few kg heavier than the Giant MTB).  I'll take the MTB for a few rides, see if I can cope with it a little better ...

The Giant Hybrid is a heavy old bike (hi-ten frame and forks, but with alloy bits 'n' bobs), I just didn't realise how heavy until I weighed it this AM, and then compared it to the Giant MTB. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, around 9kg heavier.

The combined weight of the road bike and the MTB is less than the hybrid. So a minor service needed on the MTB before our
reccy ride.

I have a mountain bike which is currently in Bendigo with the caravan, a road bike and a single speed flat bar. Not sure when I can get to Bendigo but would normally use mtn bike for trail rides.

What size and sort of tyres do you have on the MTB and the road bike? 
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Offline ppopeye

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #19 on: July 19, 2021, 05:39:12 PM »
The road bike is 700c X 25 which is not particularly suited to gravel paths amd the mountain bike is about 195 X 29. Is has a fairly non aggressive tread suitable for most surfaces.


The mtn bike is a Reid brand which are cheap and not too nasty.  Had it a few years and it has only cable disc brakes. Ok for trails but barely enough brake power on a steep descent.
ppopeye

I never ride faster than my angel can fly!

2005 Red ST1300
2012 Red GL1800

Bikes I've had
Yamaha 500
Honda450
Honda CL175
 
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Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #20 on: July 19, 2021, 06:11:53 PM »
The road bike is 700c X 25 which is not particularly suited to gravel paths amd the mountain bike is about 195 X 29. Is has a fairly non aggressive tread suitable for most surfaces.

The mtn bike is a Reid brand which are cheap and not too nasty.  Had it a few years and it has only cable disc brakes. Ok for trails but barely enough brake power on a steep descent.

Around 20 - 25 years back (in my bicycle shops days), I swapped the original 700 x 35 tyres on the hybrid for 700 x 23 HP (around 120psi) road tyres.   With a few other changes, it was a very, very fast road bike, would've been even faster with a better, fitter, stronger rider.   Anyway, it was good enough to take me Around the Bay in a Day a coupla times.  Mid-2020, I put on about the 4th or 5th set of the HP tyres, only done 50km on these so far. 

In preparation for the Mansfield to Tallarook ride and thinking I would ride the hybrid, I've swapped back to some 700 x 38 tyres.   I'm not sure if you could fit 700 x 38 tyres to your road bike, it might be worth some effort to investigate.   Failing that an option may be some 700 x 28, 700 x 35 or 700 x 35 tyres, any of these would be better on the trail than the 700 x 25 tyres.

I might have a fiddle around in the garage tomorrow to see if the 700 x 38 tyres will fit on my road bike - they only need an addition 13mm clearance - it'll be interesting.  If they do, you are quite welcome to try them on your bike.  The logistics of this may be difficult as there is around 5km between our 5km bubbles, but when we can break-out we can have a chat.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/324135301574
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 
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Offline ppopeye

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #21 on: July 19, 2021, 08:13:18 PM »
I was thinking of 28s on the single speed. Not sure if a larger size would fit that or road bike. Be worth checking.


I should get the van and mtn bike as soon as allowed outside the bubble. I havethe van booked for a new awning early August so hopefully it All works out.
« Last Edit: July 19, 2021, 08:18:29 PM by ppopeye »
ppopeye

I never ride faster than my angel can fly!

2005 Red ST1300
2012 Red GL1800

Bikes I've had
Yamaha 500
Honda450
Honda CL175
 

Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #22 on: July 20, 2021, 11:55:48 AM »
... I'm not sure if you could fit 700 x 38 tyres to your road bike, it might be worth some effort to investigate ...

Well the 700 x 38mm don't fit, but only missed out by 2 or 3mm. 

... Failing that an option may be some 700 x 28, 700 x 32 or 700 x 35 tyres, any of these would be better on the trail than the 700 x 25 tyres.

Mmmm ... the 700 x 35mm may be okay, but to be sure (to be sure), I will try the 700 x 32 tyres in the link, available on eBay at the moment.  These have a reasonable tread for a compacted granitic sand track and at 75psi would still be suitable for sealed path use without too much rollong resistance.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/223907357960?hash=item3421eb2508:g:5WsAAOSwCh1gUtQp&frcectupt=true

Garry, let me know if you want me to order a pair for you - there would be at no cost, as you gave me a new battery (which is in my trailer), and if you bring your bike to me, I can fit 'em.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Offline ppopeye

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #23 on: July 20, 2021, 01:17:31 PM »
Theywould be worth a try. So if you could get me two that would be great.


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ppopeye

I never ride faster than my angel can fly!

2005 Red ST1300
2012 Red GL1800

Bikes I've had
Yamaha 500
Honda450
Honda CL175
 

Offline Williamson

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Re: Mid-week RTE - Wednesday 28 July 2021
« Reply #24 on: July 20, 2021, 02:11:31 PM »
... if you could get me two that would be great.

Done!  Should be here between Mon 26 Jul and Tue 27 Jul, I'll let you know when they arrive.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better