April 21, 2025
Ah… The Petrichor.
Tallangatta to Corryong
After a barely acceptable meal at the Tallangatta pub we were caught in another downpour on the way home and had to shelter under an awning until it eased. We made it back unscathed and had a cup of tea on stage before dodging another shower en route to the tent. We’re very much looking forward to a solid sleep as we’ve got some big climbing days ahead of us. That changed suddenly when a couple pulled up in a car around 10pm, pitched a tent, talked for an hour and then one of them coughed uncontrollably for most of the night. I think around 5am the patient either fell asleep or died but the net result was another crappy nights sleep.
It was slow going in the morning packing up soggy tents after several overnight downpours. The bakery was the only place open when we rolled into town. We settled in for a quick breakfast and coffees, again highlighted by the lady in front of me ordering a half strength lactose free mocha. Sounds rather strong compared to the quarter strength almond latte from the other day. I hope she sleeps okay and isn’t operating any heavy machinery.
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Under heavy skies we were straight onto the High Country rail trail. It was initially flat before a long gradual climb of 600 metres over 30 kilometres to Shelley. It began raining lightly midway through the climb and was on and off most of the day.
We had lunch halfway up the climb and made the summit well into the afternoon. With over 40 kilometres to ride we were destined to finish in the dark which is not ideal.
After Shelley there was a screaming downhill for 10 kilometres which John and Ross took full advantage of. My broken collarbone is too recent a memory so I descended like a pensioner only glimpsing the always sensible Pete in the far distance.
From the valley floor it was gently undulating with just one decent climb in the semidarkness before a flat run into Corryong.
It was a fabulous days riding despite getting wet intermittently. It was still and cool for the climb on the trail and the roads in the afternoon were largely traffic free. For natural beauty it’s very hard to beat this pocket of North East Victoria.
We arrive in Corryong in the darkness and cruise up the deserted Main Street hoping something will be open for dinner. We’re in luck. The Courthouse Hotel is open with a sign out the front proclaiming ‘The fanciest hotel in Corryong’. Unfortunately Ross misread it and thought it said ‘The fancy dress hotel in Corryong’.
Were the only occupants of the Jardine Lodge where we put the washing machine through its paces before showering and heading back to the pub for a meal.
It was a great day of riding!
Today's ride: 92 km (57 miles)
Total: 747 km (464 miles)
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