ACT TOCA - Rail Trail Biking Experience in Victoria - **Expression of Interest Only**

***Expression of Interest Only*** 

TOCA ACT is planning a rail trail riding event for those interested in a leisurely (or faster) bike ride along an old disused railway track (well, that's what they tell me - get off the track if you hear a whistle).  

We are planning a long weekend event during the school holidays from Wodonga, Victoria, to Tallangatta (or Shelley for those wishing to push on).  BYO bike or hire one.  The track is suitable for Electric bikes, Mountain Bikes, and Hybrid/Touring bikes.

Details of the trail are:

• Experience history, Lake Hume, one of Australia’s largest reservoirs, high timber bridges and the foothills of the High Country
• The trail traverses farmland near the shores of Lake Hume and forest at Shelley, once Victoria’s highest railway station
• The trail is undulating to Bullioh with some moderate gradients. Bullioh to Shelley is all uphill at the steepest gradient trains could manage. Plan your trip
• Trail surface is of varying quality beyond Old Tallangatta
• The 600m Sandy Creek bridge is a scenic landmark

Nearby Attractions

• Albury/Wodonga has many attractions including the Murray River at Wodonga and Bonegilla Migrant Museum
• Recreation facilities around Lake Hume
• Old Tallangatta, the town that moved!
• Many National and State Parks to explore. There are good views from lookouts and mountaintops (including the Main Range of Kosciuszko National Park) and plenty of picnic and camping area.

Accommodation

We will look at staying in Wodonga the first night and depending on numbers and logistics, either do round trip return bike rides moving each afternoon to the next stage accommodation, or one way trips with accommodation booked.  More on this once interest is gauged.

From Family to Keen Mountain Bikers

We plan to keep the trip open to all skill, fitness and age levels.  Again, depending on numbers, groups will be the leisurely, intermediate, and extremers.  While the aim is not to race but to see the sights, there may be some in the group who are interested in pushing through the trail.  Everyone can ride at their own pace.

First Aid and Support

At least one support vehicle will follow the main pack of riders.  Communication options will be investigated.

Carriage of Bikes

We can assist to carry some bikes (trailer or bike rack on Model 3) but we will the support of other Members to help out with bike transport.  Otherwise, hiring the bikes from Albury/Wodonga will be an option too (fit in the boot space after dropping off gear at the hotel).  Logistics TBA.  Plenty of time to have a tow bar installed too using one of our business partners ;)

Proposed Dates

Depart Canberra on Friday 29 September 2023 to meet in Wodonga at lunch time on Friday.  Return Monday 2 October 2023.  Weekenders and day trippers also welcome.  We will put out timings throughout the day for people wishing to join the group at any stage.

Expression of Interest

If you are seriously interested in attending this event, please register.  If we get enough interested, I will repost with more details and request a firm commitment.