Myth 1
What happens on the ride stays on the ride….Wrong. I hope to dispel this myth and certainly some others as I write the report on our weekend away trip to Bright.
It started as most rides do with 21 riders leaving Merriwa Park in ideal riding conditions.
Renata joined us for a short while to make sure that we were headed in the right direction and two of the riders became the essential "domestiques" for the weekend.
Our first stop was Tarrawingee station where we shed some of the layers of clothing we had started with.
Back on the bikes for a welcome break at Everton and to enjoy some banana cake lovingly baked by Heather and carefully transported by Bruce.

Myth 2<
The shelf life of a banana is 7 days. Wrong . We understand the bananas were left over from the Strathbogie weekend but the cake was still great!
Of course the Taylor's Gap rise was on everyone's mind as we climbed to the top only to find the "domestiques" already there!
It was then down hill at breakneck speed where on reaching Gapsted Winery a number of us took a sharp left while others continued into town for a Bakery lunch.
Meanwhile back at the winery we enjoyed sampling the local products on offer.

Myth 3<
Never Assume……Wrong .. as Heather found out when she inquired about a serving of bread with her meal!! Only to receive an inhospitable rebuke from the "hospitality staff"
Our first puncture occurred on the way into Myrtleford but we were able to get Ken back to his vehicle so that he could continue his "domestique" role
There was a dash to the Eurobin station where two of the ladies won the time trial "just in time"…….Suitably "relieved" we then rode into Bright to our various accommodation and found that the "domestiques" had already dropped off the luggage.

Myth 4<
A No Vacancy sign doesn't necessarily mean that…..Wrong
Three of the ladies found that they were the only guests at the motel where they were staying.
After a welcome shower and some refreshments we adjourned to the Oriental Hotel for the evening meal.

Myth 5<
Don't believe what you read in the media….Wrong. The "Fawlty Towers" report in the Age regarding our restaurant was in fact true as several at our table ordered the local trout only to find that it was still flapping on their plates….after three attempts to serve a "cooked" trout we left with the apologies of the staff ringing in our ears and tears rolling down our cheeks!!
The following morning we assembled in the main street for the return journey

Myth 6<
A new bike seat is the best option for a distance ride…..Wrong This myth was certainly "exposed" …ask Judy Lardner!
The weather was once again perfect for riding as we rode strongly towards Myrtleford for morning tea and a welcome coffee
We met the "Domestiques" riding towards us from Myrtleford but fortunately they turned round and followed us back!
The coffee was good and our journey resumed.
It was time for another puncture and Bob Shaw was the recipient- however some 'good samaritans" came to the rescue. It happened to be Barry Kershaw and Jan Miller, now living in Myrtleford. What a helpful community of cyclists we have!
The rest of us rode on towards Everton station hoping that Bob would finally catch up.

Myth 7<
Never pass the "elderly' on a hill……Wrong .Thanks Kate for the tow!!
It was also on this section that Judy Shaw achieved "gun rider" status as she battled for the lead against Heather and Graham…well done.
On arrival at the station we found the "domestiques" had once again achieved the impossible with a lovely lunch waiting. It had all the hallmarks of our lunch stops along the Loire Valley. A big thank you to Ken and Faye who were willing to forgo the full ride so that the others in the group could enjoy it.

Myth 8
Old policemen never die, they just remain on point duty….True! Thanks Graham for safely negotiating all riders across the major road junctions.
After our lunch it was back on the bike with a prevailing tail wind. We achieved near record time into Wangaratta.

It was a terrific ride and great fun. Thank you Pat for organizing it. We are so fortunate to have these fantastic cycling opportunities in Victoria. I am eagerly awaiting our next adventure in September!