The MAAP EQUINOX EXPERIENCE - VICtorian High Country
Written by Henry Yates | 6ft8photographer
The Equinox is a brief moment in time where we all experience 12 hours of light and darkness in both hemispheres.
As daylight extends for some and lessens for others, MAAP.CC decided to embrace this global connection with a 12-hour community ride, from daybreak to sundown.
First light as we descend into Bogong Village.Image by Henry Yates| 6ft8photographer
MAAP.CC embraced their global following through a series of community-based rides from Los Angeles to Melbourne.
On March 23, six riders left Grass Valley Refreshments in Mount Beauty, Australia with the challenge of cycling 235.49 kilometers, 4,962 meters of elevation within 12 hours based on 20km/h average speed.
rOLL-OUT:
6:30am hit and it was time to depart. The temperature was cool and the light was non-existent. We rolled out with high spirits, knowing that today was going to be hard, but great fun!
FALLS CREEK:
We were making good progress on our way up to Falls Creek which sits at elevation of 1580 meters. The road ahead of us isn’t all uphill, once we pass through Cranky Charlie, an iconic corner that takes our climb right and starts our first descent to the township known today as, Bogong Village.
Bogong’s history started in 1938 when it was known as ‘Junction Camp’. Back then it was a site for the State Electricity Commission workers, who were working on the Junction Dam. This site was later devastated in January 1939 by the Black Friday bushfires.
Following the fires the State Electricity Commission workers quickly set out to build a larger and more substantial town and by September 1940 the first Post Office was erected.
As time passed the town was expanded and the SEC encouraged beautification between the main road and the Junction Dam site known today as Lake Guy.
Bogong High Plains Road, tracing the mountain scape above Pretty Valley Creek. Image by Henry Yates| 6ft8photographer
Bit by bit, we were powering up this first climb. Rightfully so, because we were on the west-facing side, meaning that when the first light broke, we were still in the cold. This stretch is well known for its gradual tracing path with a steep drop-off of the right-hand side down into Pretty Valley Creek.
Climbing towards Falls Creek Resort in the warm morning light. Image by Henry Yates| 6ft8photographer
We passed the resort’s entrance and began to slow as we reached the sunny alpine treescapes on the east-facing side of the mountain.
Out of the saddle, we can see the reflecting glass on the resort ahead. The flicking of light and dark from the bright morning rays and shadows cast by the trees make for a somewhat strobing effect as we pedal closer.
We crested and stopped for a little break, a water refill and a layer check before continuing towards Omeo.
The warm, orange morning light up the surrounding mountains around Rocky Valley Dam, Falls Creek. Image by Henry Yates| 6ft8photographer
OMEO:
Bottles full and morning hunger quenched, it was time to finish off the last punchy section before we could enjoy the road flatten out along Rockey Valley Dam and the descent down WTF Corner.
If you have ever ridden from WTF corner to Omeo there is this one spot along the way where the very windy road in the bush and rocky slopes open into green rolling fields. This location is called Bingo Munjie.
Located past Anglers Rest, it’s a key transition from dense forest to open green rolling hills. This is also when the descent incline gets steeper.
Lunch break and refill in Omeo. Image by Henry Yates| 6ft8photographer
We rolled into Omeo for a big coffee refuel and feed. I was really hoping to make a stop in at the New Rush Brewhouse, because when we stopped there last time their coffee and food was on point! Unfortunately, they were closed for renovations, so we headed to the Crazy Cow Bakery for one of their iconically enormous pie’s for another refill and snack stop ahead of Dinner and the summit of Mount Hotham.
Climbing Details: Omeo to Mount Hotham
This section is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a 40 kay section that begins to reveal itself at the 1.9 kay mark when we reach the 6% gradient climb before it again ramps up to 7% around the 3.4 kay mark when we veer left and follow the ridgeline before about 500 meters of respite. This sort of undulation continued into Dinner Plain.
By this stage of reaching Dinner Plain, we were feeling it! Motivation was starting to crumble and our spirits were declining. Nevertheless, we pushed on cresting Mount Hotham together, riding at a pace that we all could keep.
Sore legs, the topic of discussion. We were well ahead of the 20km/h time limit and we knew it. The watermelon came and so did the good vibes. This break provided the best reset for us all, it wasn’t long before we were laughing and having a great time.
A few of us started getting cold, the perfect reminder that we weren’t finished.
Side Note: If you are up Mount Hotham and need a great food and accommodation recommendation, then you need to check out “The General”. Not only does the location have mountain views, but it also has a range of accommodation below. Having stayed there before, I guarantee you won’t hear a thing from upstairs and all the rooms are modern apartments.
A quick headnod and we all knew it was time to absolutely send it, and we did!
I think the mentality was that the faster you go, the less you have to climb…well that was my mindset.
If you’ve cycled up Mount Hotham then you know that there is this not-so-enjoyable section between the Dargo turn-off and the summit which consists of a few descends and steep climbs.
Once we’d passed this, we got onto the gold section a long descent down into the township of Harrietville. Before a fast flat section towards Germantown for our last climb of the day up Tawonga Gap.
Side Note: If you need a feed when you pass through, be sure to check out Harrietville Hotel & Motel just near the bridge for good food and accommodation.
All smiles when we crest the final climb of the day on Tawonga Gap. Image by Henry Yates| 6ft8photographer
The Tawonga Gap climb was less difficult than the other climbs we had tackled, but with the state our legs were in nothing was going to be easy.
This road has some deep-seated history beyond this ride. The Bight-Tawonga road opened in 1896 and linked the Kiewa and Ovens valleys. Its construction came after years of agitation from farms wanting to sell their produce in Bight. A successful petition saw its construction. Since then, this road remains the primary connection between the Kiewa and Ovens communities.
Tawonga Gap Lookout. Image by Henry Yates| 6ft8photographer
It wasn’t long before we all reached the top of Tawonga Gap and boy were we ready for a cold drink from Crank Handle Brewery.
Thanks to everyone who came out to ride this loop.
Summary of results from this Equinox Challenge