Day 3: Alexandra to Whitfield
Distance travelled 120 km (75 miles) - Total so far: 272 km (169 miles)
This morning I was woken up by the sound of chickens! I've forgotten how noisy it can be at night with all the animals. By the time I had breakfast and packed everything away, I was on the road at about 8am.
Instead of taking the main road to Mansfield, I took a lovely quiet country road. The road was mostly gravel, but I didn't need to share it with any of those big trucks. When I rejoined the main road I noticed they are building a rail trail from Bonnie Doon to Mansfield. The bits that are done (about 5kms) were pleasant.
Had lunch in Mansfield. Was also able to get some shellite for my camping stove. As the last few towns didn't seem to have it. At least now I can cook a bit more often.
Left Mansfield at about 1pm and began my climb up towards Whitfield. Which is where I'm planning on stopping for the day. Stopped at Tolmie for 20 minutes to enjoy the cakes I bought in Mansfield.
Continued my ride and over the next 10-15kms it began to level out. Afterwards, it was a great downhill section for about 10kms. Doing 50kph on a fully loaded bike is fun when you have the road all to yourself. So those last few kms went pretty quick and I was in Whitfield by 4.30pm.
Whitfield is in the King Valley. It is more of a village than a town. The place is surrounded by vineyards. It was also good getting the fuel earlier, as the only option here in the evening is to cook your own.
Tomorrow I'll be heading to Beechworth via the rail trail from Everton. Hopefully the creatures are a little more quiet here tonight.
Instead of taking the main road to Mansfield, I took a lovely quiet country road. The road was mostly gravel, but I didn't need to share it with any of those big trucks. When I rejoined the main road I noticed they are building a rail trail from Bonnie Doon to Mansfield. The bits that are done (about 5kms) were pleasant.
 |
| The quiet country road to Mansfield |
 |
| The start of the rail trail |
 |
| Bonnie Doon |
Had lunch in Mansfield. Was also able to get some shellite for my camping stove. As the last few towns didn't seem to have it. At least now I can cook a bit more often.
 |
| Coming into Mansfield |
Left Mansfield at about 1pm and began my climb up towards Whitfield. Which is where I'm planning on stopping for the day. Stopped at Tolmie for 20 minutes to enjoy the cakes I bought in Mansfield.
 |
| Part of the climb for today |
Continued my ride and over the next 10-15kms it began to level out. Afterwards, it was a great downhill section for about 10kms. Doing 50kph on a fully loaded bike is fun when you have the road all to yourself. So those last few kms went pretty quick and I was in Whitfield by 4.30pm.
Whitfield is in the King Valley. It is more of a village than a town. The place is surrounded by vineyards. It was also good getting the fuel earlier, as the only option here in the evening is to cook your own.
Tomorrow I'll be heading to Beechworth via the rail trail from Everton. Hopefully the creatures are a little more quiet here tonight.
 |
| Beans for dinner. Yum Yum!! |
