Tag Archive for Vaughan Springs

A Short Trip in the Hinterland Bush

26 May 2011 / Kenny / No comments

A few Sundays ago I had the opportunity to ride Dry Diggings Track from near Vaughan Springs towards Daylesford. This is one of my two favourite sections of Goldfields Track (GT), the other being Fryerstown – Castlemaine which I will cover in the next week or so.

I started from the junction of Porcupine Ridge Rd and Italian Track. This is on the lamentable mtb bypass of Vaughan Springs. Lamentable because the Vaughan Springs ascent/descent is highly enjoyable. Nevertheless the narrowness of the track along the bluff does pose risks both to riders and to walkers we encounter. The search for a better bypass than the tarmac road goes on but is not too promising.

Branch as a yardarm ovr tha trail

Yardarm

What a difference a few months makes. Last time I rode this section, I reported to Parks VIC many fallen trees that were difficult to get around and damaged stream crossing structures. Now the ride flowed again. The barrier trees were cut away with one at left, left intact to form a neat feature. The track out of Stones Gully seemed to have been cleared of detritus and realigned inn a few places to give a better ride and potential to ride all the way up (alas I failed). The washed away steps at Browns Gully crossing had been replaced with rocks and further on a spanking new bridge (photo).

Dry Diggings new bridge

New trail bridge

The track was firm and the ride just flowed. Thanks to Parks VIC and probably the Conservation Volunteers Australia workers. I exited the GT onto Porcupine Ridge Rd near the junction with Loop Track (photo below looks back at this great track segment) and headed S then onto Green Gully Track followed by Green Gully Rd south to Back Glenlyon Rd. Had the Old Glenlyon General Store finished its refurbishment I would have been off there for a coffee and cake but instead headed home very satisfied.

Goldfields Track post

Goldfields Track post

I sometimes extend this ride on the GT a few more clicks towards Daylesford. The junction of Sawpit Gully Rd and Sawpit Track (55S 249522E 5873178N) provides a great entry point for shorter rides as it avoids somewhat boring road sections.

NOTE: When heading south, the signs at the junction of Porcupine Ridge Rd and Italian Track (Dry Diggings 005w55S 252176E 5882889N), point you further down Porcupine Ridge Rd thence east (left) onto Gurrs Track to join up with Dry Diggings Track proper. The signs are wrong but have not yet been repositioned. For a better experience, head down Italian Track and when you next (ca. 900m) strike a Goldfields Track signpost (photo), turn south (right) onto Gurrs Track and thence follow the GT signs.

 

Category: Tracks and Trails / Tags: , , , , , ,

GDT News and Places that Rock

21 Jan 2011 / Kenny / No comments

Dry Diggings – Vaughan Springs bypass

The track S of Vaughan Springs to Italian Track has been permanently closed to mtn bikers. The recommended bypass is via Gurr Track – Italian Track – Porcupine Ridge Rd (from the S). While this is not as interesting as the original route, it avoids conflict and risk on the very narrow track with steep drop off that runs above Vaughan Springs.

Daylesford – Hepburn bypass

Dry Diggings Track between Daylesford and Hepburn has been clsoed to mtbers for some years. It is disappointing to see mtbers ignore the clear signs forbidding mtb. The bypass is designed to showcase Daylesford-Hepburn's social and history facets. It will run from the Daylesford track start via the Daylesford – Hepburn road cycle path into Hepburn's Tenth St, through the Mineral Springs reserve (top up with effervescent mineral water) and along to Golden Spring to rejoin the track.The GPX file will be available here soon along with an alternative route.

When Bryce's Flat reopens, I will publish an energetic informal western bypass via Bald Hill and Bryce's Flat.

Flood and Storm Damage

Sections of the GDT are closed due to storm and flood damage. Creswick, Daylesford-Hepburn, Vaughan Springs and sections of the Lerderderg Track have been particularly susceptible. Some alternative routes have been established. To avoid disappointment, please check the web sites of the GDTA, Parks Victoria and DSE before a long ride. As an example, last week on the Dry Diggings Track between Porcupine Ridge Rd and Italian Track, I encountered 13 newly fallen trees across the track, 3 of which were very difficult to get through or around. These were simple obstructions compared to other damage.

Places that Rock: Dry Diggings Track says MTB Magazine

The December issue of Australian Mountain Bike carried a 2 page spread on the GDTs' Dry Diggings Track in their Places that Rock feature. The section I mentioned above with the trees across is one of my favourite sections (sans fallen trees) and the writer agrees with "It's sheer bliss and perhaps the high-point of the entire ride". Shortly I will post a circuit that incorporates this section of the Dry Diggings Track.

Category: Tracks and Trails / Tags: , , ,
 
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