Day 1 : Wangaratta to Gapsted Winery and return

A cool cloudy morning saw us assemble outside Wangaratta Anglican Cathedral, ready to be farewelled by PDG Anderson,  a year to the day since we finished the 2011 ride at the same place.  There were three new riders who joined us for the day, Narelle Mann, Michelle Mariot and Mathew Piercey plus eight cycling stalwarts and our swimmer, Eileen Gatt. Wendy Smith took on the role of "angel" to assist Margaret Brown in team support.

We headed off to the start of the rail trail and were fortunate that little evidence remained of the recent floods. On past Bowser, and Londrigan stations to inspect the Eldorado Dredge in its final resting place.  We enjoyed  "morning tea" plus usual accompaniments in Eldorado, in bright sunshine at Gunhouse Park Reserve.

Bruce found the rail trail to Gapsted Winery surprisingly familiar and now knows what the turnoff to Beechworth looks like!  A sumptuous lunch was served at Gapsted on a deck with stunning views.  Next stop was at Whorouly (how do you pronounce that?) pub where were treated to refreshing lemon squash.

Next stop Milawa Cheese Factory where we sat down to a cheese tasting of a wide range of local cheeses followed by tea and coffee.  The final leg of our 104km day was an easy 15km ride back to Wang where we farewelled the day riders before settling into the Ryley Motor Inn. 

After a tidy up and a beer or two we retired to the Pinsent Hotel for our evening meal and selection of "libations", which for some was a Guiness in recognition of St. Patrick's Day .