sadsacnews2014: TRAMPS: Traralgon - Toongabbie (via Cowwarr ) 08 June. Note. Route change.

Twenty riders assembled in Traralgon for a day of trail blazing. After a briefing from Jan on what to expect from the day we were on our way. The day was fine but cool as we made our way out of town by a complex but interesting route. Once on the trail it was a case of follow the Richard to our first point of interest. The major development on the trail of recent times was the crossing of the Latrobe River and associated flood plain. With this final hurdle the trail was deemed to be complete, hence the recent opening. Unlike most other rail trails I have been on this trail managed to use the original bridges. Had this not been the case I suspect the Latrobe crossing would have been delayed, possibly indefinitely. This feature was highlighted at the official opening. The revamped bridges look very nice but are a bit on the narrow side, passing not recommended. They also had a loose surface of blue metal which could have used a seal. Despite these minor grumbles I thought they were great. After crossing the main bridge the group took the time to walk down underneath to marvel at the original construction.

Once back on the bikes it was off again towards our lunch spot. We did encounter the odd obstacle with the gates/restricted access devises causing the group to bunch up considerably. Their design ranged from not too bad to completely unrideable. They were tested by the group’s top bike handlers and fortunately only one fell into the later category. On the Glengarry/ Toongabbie leg there was one creek crossing that had become somewhat distorted due, no doubt, to some high water event. Despite its unusual shape the bridge was most rideable. Approaching the turnaround we stopped again to inspect an old railway carriage? That had only recently been put on display. At Cowwarr we continued to the north side of the town to inspect the most impressive bridge over Rainbow Creek. Along the handrail local schoolchildren had added their thoughts in the form of poetry. A nice touch it was reported from those in the group who cared.

Lunch was enjoyed behind the town hall/beside the tennis court. The Richard/ Lorraine support team provided highly edible cakes/slices for all in attendance. We noticed, whilst having lunch, that the adjoining paddock contained a significant collection of slowly decaying classic British cars. I was asked as to the identity of the part aircraft fuselage in the collection. I had to admit that it was indeed a Canberra Bomber, the things you find in Cowwarr. The return journey was slightly quicker as we did not want to be caught in Traralgon after dark. At Glengarry some of the younger members of the group managed a few laps of the local BMX track. It was a pity that Vance did not bring his BMX bike along. We ended up back by about four so no worries with the light. Off to battle the crowds at McDonalds. This was indeed a good way to spend a Sunday and no traffic to worry us.