Day 2 Yea Ride

 Today we had an earlyish start to the day with everyone ready at about 8.00am for the ride. The weather was cold ... about 7 degrees and fog!

The day began for me with the car driving to Molesworth to meet the rest of the riders who made their way along the rail trail 

The trip for me included a coffee and coffee scroll.... very good!

After meeting the riders it was on to Alexandra along the rail trail... a great ride with an excellent surface and great views especially at the top of the ride overlooking Alexandra

Morning tea was in the Alexandra bakery which was ok .... just! Coffee was cold but the lamington was excellent!

After this it was off along roads back to Molesworth which was a good ride along well sealed roads and no traffic 

Lunch at the car park was good with rolls from the Yea Provendor bakery which were pre- ordered by us all

After lunch it back along the rail trail to Yea.... quite outstanding travel with an interesting outlook well away from the main roads and an interesting tunnel at the top of the ride.Cheviot tunnel is about 200 metres long and is quite a feat of engineering as it is made from hand made bricks!

The ride back home from the tunnel was exhilarating as it was a steady descent in to Yea. 

Arriving back we were met by Des who had earlier had an accident in the tunnel avoiding oncoming walkers and had hit the side of the tunnel... his hand was damaged quite badly so Ray and I took him to the hospital to get treatment.. in the end he required stitching and a real clean up but he says he should be ok to ride tomorrow?

Dinner tonight was again at the Country Club Hotel where most of us had the cheaper “seniors meal” which was quite enough for us even after a day of riding 

I am writing this at 9.30 am and am able to reflect on a good day of riding on a coolish day with 14 enjoying the wonderful scenery in the Yea region 

Before dinner we were able to have a Zoom with Ric who was unable to join the ride due to ill health and share our experiences with him.... good to see his smiling face!

Looking forward to the riding again tomorrow.....

Fixing Anthony’s flat tyre.... plea of advice!

A view at the top of the ride before heading on to Alexandra

Cheviot tunnel entrance

Some of the rail cutting along the trail... mostly hand dug!

A gentler view of the trail ... good surface!

Des’s injured hand after the visit to the hospital 

The story of the Cheviot tunnel.....

Lunch at Molesworth including a kick of the football 

A happy group of riders at the start of the ride

Alexandra station and the end of the trail

Yours truly at the entrance to the tunnel!