April 19, 2024
Yarram to Rosedale
The day started well. There was rain overnight but it cleared off while I was packing up
I headed out to Tarra Valley Rd, the day was going to be a big one with lots of up. The elevation profile was like a normalise curve. Flat then up, up and down, down into Rosedale.
I don't go the direct route tothe Tarra valley Rd as that involves going on the C484, so I take an slightly different route that puts me on a gravel road for a short way. Once I join the Tarra Valley Rd I'm passed by 4 trucks all empty, I wonder where they are going, my route was meant to avoid them.
The Tarra valley Road was so pretty. It meanders along next to the Tarra River.
I found the trucks, they are doing some patching of the asphalt. The lollipop guy waves me through.
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There is a dog friendly retreat, complete with a cute letter box.
The road continues to enchant.
I stop at the Tarra falls they aren't that exciting but I don't care as the whole space is lovely.
And then disaster strikes. I'm 27kms and 500m from my start point today and the road is closed!!!
There a women in the Ute who's job is to stop people attempting to go around the signs.
They have dug up the road and put in channels acroos the road to improve drainage, I can't even walk through.
Apparently I missed the closed road sign because I didn't take the C484 and although I did see a couple of detour signs I didn't realise they were for me. I'm shocked and upset. All that effort wasted. My only option is to turn around and go all the way back down.
On the way back I talk to the lollipop guy. He gives me a rough plan on how to ride too Rosedale that doesn't include the A440 to Sale, as it's bound to have lots of traffic and be a very unpleasant to cycle.
I stopped at the Devon North tennis court club and puzzle out my route. In hindsight I should have stuff closer to the lollipop guys suggestion.
I rang the Rosedale caravan park hoping for a cabin as I'm going to be arriving later than I like. Turns out they are completely booked out, not even a camp site available, crap! They suggest the Coach Lamp Motel. I give them a ring and they have a room. Thank goodness.
I set off at 12:30pm with another 60kms and 600m of elevation to ride, oh dear that's a normal days ride not an afternoon ride.
The C482 has more traffic than I like, but it's manageable and there is often a shoulder to ride in. I hope my battery last. The elevation profile is now more like up and down, and up and down again.
After a while I turn off onto the C453. The lollipop guys said I should continue to Gormandale but Komoot and Google maps say the C453 is a better option and it probably would have been if I'd started with a full battery and not already cycled 40kms. But I'm over the traffic. I then turn onto Tom Cap Rd, a gravel road.
The road is a slow sand base and before I realised it I've gone through my battery and I'm 27kms from my destination. 27kms!, F*ck, F*ck, can the day get worse? I'm tired and feeling completely unimpressed with the day. I turned off with assist with 4kms estimated range left. I thought there might be more need for it later.
I'm tired, determined but really just wanting this day to be a memory so I can focus on the good parts.
I'm cycling down a nice long hill taking my time as it's a bit rough and sandy. Then Lexi catches in a sand patch, swerves and I fall off. I did a lovely roll and end up sitting on the road. Honestly can this day get any worse. More expletives! I'm upset, but nothing is damaged on me or Lexi, thank goodness.
I pause for a bit collect myself, have a snack and we're off again.
Further a long I find this. See photo below
No lonely high-vis vest lady guarding this road. No sign is stopping me today, lol.
There must have been lots of water through here, the road is damaged but nothing a bike can't get around.
We push on.
Out into pine plantations, it reminds me of Mount Crawford near home. I keep cycling and when needed I walk. It's tough going, but I focus on just moving forward. I use that last bit of battery to walk Lexi up a particular steep piece of road and we finally made it back onto the bitumen. Yay!!
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7 months ago
7 months ago
9kms roughly down hill on the bitumen and into Rosedale. I'm exhausted. The Motel lady is wonderful even though I'm a mess. It was truly lovely to see a nice smile. I dust of everything before bringing it inside and fall into a hot shower.
Eat and into bed, it's wonderful 😊
Today's ride: 104 km (65 miles)
Total: 501 km (311 miles)
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