Cycling circuit Tallarook to Alexandra - 2 overnights in Yea

A three day cycling circuit of part of the Great Victorian Rail Trail, incorporating the Cheviot Tunnel and lunch in Alexandra, with both nights spent in the picturesque town of Yea.
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium grade 154km cycling with public transport access.  Friday and Sunday will be quite easy days.  Saturday will be more difficult, due to both the distance (74km) and some hills, though the hills are relatively small, you’ll only be carrying what’s needed during the day and the whole day will be available for the cycling. 
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: Before 8am for an 8:25am departure from Southern Cross Station.  The Seymour train that departs Southern Cross at 8:25am arrives in Tallarook at 9:51am. 
MAP REFERENCE: Southern Cross Station: Melway map 2E grid K6, or Google map goo.gl/maps/ekQKfLrhCcy.
DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: 1 hour 24 minute train journey from Southern Cross Station.
FOOD: Bring snacks if required and a water bottle - there are some water refill points along the way.  We will be utilising modest eating cafes, bakeries or pubs for meals when and where possible.  You will need money for this.
APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Bring suitable bike attire to match the weather forecast, and to cater for all possible contingencies.  Be sure to bring at least one spare tube and ensure your bike is in good working order.  Bring something suitable to wear in the evenings, and perhaps for the return train trip (for the wellbeing of your fellow travellers)!  Bring minimal personal effects for the trip as you will have to carry everything with you on your bike.
ACCOMMODATION: A well appointed 2-bedroom villa at Yea Riverside Caravan Park at 1 Court St, Yea, has been reserved by Kevin K.  This can accommodate six persons with one room having four bunk beds and the other room with one queen bed.  Check it out at yeariverside.com.au/accommodation/2-bedroom-villas.  Cost is only $38 per night per person or $76 per person for the 2 nights with 6 persons (2 persons in queen bed - whoever).  First in first served - contact Kevin K. asap to secure.  Additional accommodation could be arranged by you directly contacting Yea Riverside Caravan Park Ph 5797 2972 - they have queen bed studio suites at $125 per night or close by at Tartan Motel Ph 5797 2202 for a one or two bedroom at $120 per night or at Yea Motel Ph 5797 2660 for a one or two bed room at $140 per night.  These places are not far from Yea Riverside Caravan Park.  There are other places too, and most also offer “family rooms”, but it would be wise to book asap.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION: This is a three day cycling circuit of part of the Great Victorian Rail Trail, with both nights spent in the picturesque town of Yea. It will not be a race or a test of endurance. We will look after each other and stick together.  Saturday’s ride is particularly picturesque, with lunch in the beautiful town of Alexandra.

• Friday: 40km: train to Tallarook departing 8:25am + cycle Tallarook to Yea (Friday night in Yea)
• Saturday: 74km: cycle from Yea to Alexandra via Cathkin, and back to Yea (Saturday night in Yea)
• Sunday: 40km: cycle from Yea to Tallarook + 4:15pm depart by train back to Melbourne arriving 5:27pm.  

FURTHER INFORMATION: Great Victorian Rail Trail: www.greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au.

LEADER | BOOKING: Kevin K. | by Friday 7th September. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under Members->Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.