The Rail Trail in Beechworth (Victoria, Au) runs along the previous path of the railroad through these parts. Not the most creative of names, but what a trail. In fact “trail” is a harsh description of a perfectly smooth tarred cycle track.  With short, perfectly manicured single track diversions looping off and back to the main path. The trail is part of a longer loop from Wangaratta through to Falls Creek. And only one of a number of cycle paths on the area including a dedicated Mountain bike park. Along the way we disturbed clouds of russet coloured butterflies which swarmed up around us and were lucky to spot a Koala scampering up a tree to breakfast on Eucalyptus leaves. Rare sighting apparently and quite something to see one actually on the move.

So here we are in Beechworth having our second coffee of the morning before heading off for the transfer to the start of the Terra Australis MTB Epic. 500km and 17400m of climbing over the next 7 days. But for now we are in a Disneyland theme park. or perhaps a movie set.  With it’s perfectly picturesque facade’s and quaint shops that’s how Beechworth feels. Think Pilgrims Rest meets Sabie. Established in 1839 as a gold mining centre it’s now a tourist stop and biking heaven. There is a horse and carriage ride, a painting class on the sidewalk and a ten year old (!) busking with his recorder.  The local bike shop has branched out and while shopping for your bikely needs you can also pick up a chainsaw. As you do!

Unfortunately we raised the ire of the proprietor of the Beechworth Carriage Inn where we stayed last night after the drive from Sydney (about 6h30, 2l of water and a Hungry Jacks’ burger, which despite the advertising claim is not bigger). Apparently checkout was 10am NOT 11.30am and we were to get-out sharpish.
Off we go then. 2 hours to Falls Creek