Welcome, Festival Program and Ride Guide 2020

Contents

  1. Welcome 

  2. Friday Night: Registration & Welcome Drinks at Bright Brewery

  3. Saturday: Mt Buffalo Women’s Ride & Ride to Rollasons

  4. Ride Checklist

  5. Saturday: Lycra Lunch Party @ Riverdeck Cafe

  6. Saturday: Dinner @ Dr Mauve

  7. Other Activities

  8. Merchandise

  9. Other Rides: 7 Peaks & WOR Cycling Tours

  10. Coronavirus considerations

  11. Sponsors & Partners

Welcome to the HCWCF

Thank you for registering for the 2020 High Country Women’s Cycling Festival!   Based out of Bright in Victoria’s High Country, this event is a celebration of women’s cycling with a focus on fun, fitness, friendship and of course, bike riding, in a unique alpine environment.    The Festival aims to bring women together to ride, eat, drink and party over 3 days.

The concept was developed by Michelle and Clare, two women with a passion for sharing their cycling experiences and bringing cyclists, and in particular women, together to ride.  The Festival is a natural extension of the 7 Peaks 100 Women’s Stories and we hope to inspire, encourage and support more women to ride and to experience the beauty of Victoria’s Alpine Region by bike.    

We thank all of our passionate local and government sponsors and partners who have helped us get this event up and running for the third year and hope you have a wonderful weekend, making new friends and enjoying this beautiful region on and off the bike!   

We look forward to meeting you in Bright on the 20th of March.  

Michelle and Clare

Friday 20th March:  Registration at the Bright Brewery

Date: Friday 20th March

Time: 3:30 - 9:00pm

Location: HCWCF Marquee - Located on the vacant block adjoining the Bright Brewery - 121 Great Alpine Rd, Bright VIC 3741

The Festival kicks off at Bright Brewery on Friday evening.  Come along and find our HCWCF Registration Tent in the vacant block beside the brewery where Michelle, Clare and a couple of our friendly volunteers will be located to complete your registration.  Registration is via First Name.

You will receive a Rider Registration Pack containing:

    • Rider Wrist Band with your individual Rider Number.  This must be worn throughout the Festival.  It helps us identify you in case of an accident and gains you entry to the Festival events.  It is waterproof and has your Registration Number on it.

    • Bike Band with your Rider Number on it.  This goes on the seat-post of your bike.

    • Token for Complimentary Brown Brothers Prosecco at Bright Brewery 

    • Token for Genovese Coffee at Genovese Pop-Up Coffee Cart (Sat from 0645 or post ride)

    • Winners Bar

    • Roadsafe North East Bidon

    • Dr Mauve Cocktail / Mr Pom Orange Juice Discount 50% off voucher

Dinner - for those that are attending the dinner, there will be a list at Dr Mauve in the evening. You do not need a ticket.

Once you’ve registered, head in to the bar at the Brewery to collect your free drink.

Relax, meet other riders…..chat to our Ride Leaders.  Bright Brewery has a seasonal menu with plenty of options - a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and mingle with the other riders.

In the evening at around 6pm there will be some complimentary produce platters circulated for you to enjoy.

6.30pm Buffalo Women’s Ride & Ride to Rollasons Ride Briefing

At 6.30pm there will be an optional ride briefing.  Michelle & Clare will talk you through some specifics of the ride and our Ride Leaders will be introduced so you can chat to them afterwards about the ride.

HCWCF Expo 

Located next to the Bright Brewery will be the HCWCF Expo Stalls - our partners from Regional Roads Victoria, RoadSafe NE, Fondo, Dink Designs and Ovens Valley Physio will set up during the afternoon with some of their products and info about their events.  Ovens Valley physio will also be offering massage/physio services for a fee for Friday afternoon and Saturday. Champion System Australia has provided us with some sample sizes so you can try on and order HCWCF cycle kit for delivery after the Festival.   

FAQ: I’m unable to attend registration during the specified time. When can I register?

If you are arriving later in Bright or are unable to attend registration, you can attend registration the following morning from 0630-0700 hrs back at the HCWCF popup tent in the vacant block next to the Brewery.

FAQ: I’m unable to attend the ride briefing at 6.30pm.  What should I do?

That’s OK! We understand people will be arriving at varying times.  This is an optional additional opportunity for people to learn more about the ride and meet the ride leaders.   We have covered essential information in this document and will have the compulsory final briefing at 7:15am the following morning immediately prior to the ride.  So don’t worry if you can’t make it!  

Saturday 21 March: Mt Buffalo Women’s Ride & Ride to Rollasons

Date: Saturday 21st March

Time: 7:15am sharp for Rider Briefing

Location: Howitt Park Carpark - below the Bright Brewery https://goo.gl/maps/amWqX76Jrhu

We meet back at the carpark next to the Brewery on the Saturday morning ready for the Mt Buffalo Women’s Ride!

  1. Be at Howitt Carpark no later than 7:15am for the Compulsory Rider Briefing.

  2. Ensure you are wearing your wristband & that your seatpost sticker is attached to your bike and that you have a rear flasher(fully charged).

  3. Alpine weather can change very quickly. The temperature and wind chill factor at the top of a mountain, can be very different to the mild, warmer conditions in the valley. You must carry adequate clothing for changing weather conditions: wind jacket; vest; arms, etc.

  4. The Rider Briefing will be led by Michelle & Clare at 7:15am

  5. Participants will self-organise into groups of 10-15 cyclists to depart at 3 minute intervals - with the faster riders first, followed by slower cyclists and finally those participating in the Ride to Rollasons Falls (mid-way turnaround point).  This staggered start is to ensure safety, particularly at the start of the ride.

  6. The first rider group will depart at 7:30am

  7. There will be 8 Ride Leaders, interspersed amongst the cyclists.  Ride Leaders will be introduced during the briefing and will be identifiable with HCWCF or Fondo kit.

  8. There will be separate Ride Leaders for RIDE TO ROLLASONS - if you have registered for this ride meet Jackie & team at a location pointed out during the briefing. 

  9. The final rider group will depart at approximately 7:50 am

  10. The Ride course from Bright to the base of Mt Buffalo (ticket box) is on public roads with reduced speed limits and traffic management safety protocols. All entrants must abide by the road rules (no more than two abreast) and obey police directions. There will be signage along the course to communicate that there is an event in progress.

  11. Mt Buffalo Road will be closed to vehicle traffic (0800-1100, uphill lane only) from the start of the climb (ticket box) to the Buffalo Gorge Lookout, just below Chalet (turnaround Rest Stop).  Please stay on left hand side of road, as downhill lane open. For anyone ascending/descending after 11am, please ensure you ride single file and keep to the left to ensure there is a safe passing distance.

  12. For further tips on cycle safety please go to: https://www.hcwcf.com.au/ride-safe

  13. There is a water-station at Rollasons Falls (approx. 8km after the start of climb) where there will be water, bananas, fruit cake & lollies.  Any rider reaching this Rest Stop after 11am, will be asked to descend.

  14. A tail Ride Leader and tail-car will be behind all cyclists.  There will also be a vehicle to assist with mechanical issues, if required. If you have a mechanical you cannot fix, please call HCWCF Emergency number (m: 0419264062)

  15. When you reach Mt Buffalo Gorge Lookout (Turnaround Rest Stop) - rug-up to keep warm (you can chill off very quickly at the top of a mountain) then check out the view, take a photo, high-five our Welcome Crew.

  16. There will be a mechanic (Glenn) at this Rest Stop, who can check brakes and assist with mechanical issues, where practical.

  17. When you are ready, commence the descent.

  18. We recommend those new to climbing/descending should STOP at the rest-stop at Rollasons Falls.  It is important to give your body a rest as descending can be hard work on the hands, shoulders and mind!   Talk to our volunteers / ride leaders if you need help and want to descend with a Ride Leader.

  19. The official finish line is back at HCWCF Pop Up Tent just beside the Brewery.  Bike racks will be provided at Bright Brewery Festival Area, adjacent to the Registration Tent.

  20. Returning Rider Check - In Once you have arrived, you MUST return to the Registration Tent to Check In.  This is important so we can ensure all riders have returned safely.  If unable to do this please phone or message Michelle on 0419 264062.  Otherwise we will be following up by phoning you and then your NOK to ensure you are safe.

  21. You will be given a Prosecco voucher to present with your lunch voucher.

  22. Lunch will be provided at the Riverdeck Cafe (see section below regarding Lunch) and will be followed by speeches and Fashions on the Field (see below).

  23. Find your own way back to your accommodation / vehicle.  

You can read about the Mt Buffalo climb on the Ride High Country Website: https://www.ridehighcountry.com.au/listing/7-peaks-ride-mount-buffalo-mount-buffalo/

Q. If I’m a fast rider, what should I do between the ride and the lunch?

You could either relax at the top of the climb and cheer in the other riders, descend and relax at the Bright Brewery or Riverdeck Cafe or return to your accommodation and come back to Riverdeck Cafe later for lunch.  It may depend a bit on the weather! But don’t forget to wear lycra for a chance to win some great prizes at Fashions on the Field (See below)

Q. How do I know which way to go?

Check out the ride map plotted on Ride with GPS.  You can download this to a GPS enabled cycle computer (e.g. Garmin / Wahoo) if you choose.  

Buffalo Ride:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28684773

Ride to Rollasons: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32101509

From Bright to Porepunkah follow the Great Alpine Rd, until the Porepunkah roundabout, where you take the second exit onto Mt Buffalo Rd, signposted Mt Buffalo.  Follow the Mt Buffalo Rd to the Mt Buffalo Park entry, where the climb begins. After approx. 8km of climbing, where the road flattens (false flat for 2km) you will reach Rollasons Falls Picnic Area on right hand side.  There is a Rest Stop here and halfway turnaround point for those participating in the Ride to Rollasons.  

Buffalo riders will continue climbing for approx. 10km to The Gap (end of climb), a short downhill and then take the left signposted The Chalet.  Here you will find a Rest Stop, toilets, clothes drop and views that take your breath away!

Descent: follow the same route down back to the HCWCF Pop Up to Check back in!  Awesome effort!

Remember: Safety is our First Priority

  • Standard road rules apply at all times during the event. 

  • Ride as near as possible to the left side of the road.

  • On the ascent and descent, please single up, to ensure a safe passing distance for other riders and cars.

  • Make sure you signal with your arms/hands if turning, stopping or pulling off to the side of the road. Verbally communicate all changes in your direction, or moving state, to other cyclists.

  • There will be some signage to alert cars of the Event and reduce speed in certain sections, however the roads are not closed so there will still be cars and other vehicles.

  • We have Ride Leaders to help you, motivate & encourage.  They are locals and cycle cycle Mt Buffalo frequently, so can help you along the way.

  • Take care on the descent! Keep left for faster riders.  Always keep alert and scanning for wildlife.

  • The descent is a winding mountain road - cars sometimes creep very close to the centre white line. Make sure you keep well over to the left hand side.

  • Do not ride on the wrong side of the road.

In case of an Incident:

If you have an emergency (e.g. mechanical incident / crash / medical incident):

  • If appropriate, safely move yourself and your bike off the road

  • If you or another rider requires urgent medical attention, or a situation you feel requires emergency support Call Emergency Services on 000 (or 112).  Please also call our HCWCF Event Control Emergency Number: 0419 264062 or 0411362644 to advise of incident.

  • Make yourself known to one of our Ride Leaders or HCWCF Vehicles if nearby

If you don’t require emergency/medical attention, but there has been an incident requiring support phone our HCWCF Event Control Emergency Number: 0419 264062 or 0411362644

Ride Checklist

Here is a list of items that you will need for the ride as well as a few other things to consider.  We want to make sure you are fully prepared so that you can be safe and comfortable for the ride. Keep in mind that Mount Buffalo is at around 1700m altitude - the weather can be cold at the top and highly variable in the mountains.

Compulsory Items:

  • Ride ID Wristband on your wrist

  • Attach your Rider ID Bike Sticker to your seat post

  • Bike helmet

  • Rear red flasher light (fully charged)

  • Rain/Wind jacket

  • Puncture repair kit - spare tube and tyre levers (our Ride Leaders will be there to assist you if needed but you need to carry your own equipment)

  • 2 Water bottles filled

  • Spare food (Winners bar will be provided in your Rider Registration Pack)

  • Mobile Phone with HCWCF Emergency Number: 0419 264 062 (Michelle) and 0411 362 644 (Clare) in your contacts

  • Bright comfortable clothing for cycling - remember, there’s prizes for ‘Fashions on the Field’ awarded at the lunch!

Recommended Items:

  • Get your bike serviced prior to the ride - pay attention to gears and brakes

  • Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated

  • White front light (fully charged)

  • Gloves - short &/or long

  • Arm warmers, leg warmers in cold weather

  • headband/beanie in cold weather

  • Base layer of clothing

  • Multi-tool or allen key

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Money / eftpos or credit card (the coffee cart at Buffalo Gorge, should be operating!)

  • Pocket / cafe style lock 

  • Smartphone or GPS cycle-computer to log your ride for the 7 Peaks Ride (see below)

  • Ensure your ambulance cover is up to date 

  • Items for clothes drop (see below)

Clothes Drop Facility We will have rudimentary clothes drop tubs at the start labelled “Buffalo” “Rollasons Falls”. Your clothes will be available for collection at the top of Buffalo and Rollasons Falls (halfway up the climb), depending which tub you place them in.  We cannot guarantee security of your items & suggest you label them. 
It is compulsory  that you carry a lightweight windproof/waterproof jacket in your back pocket for the duration of the ride, as weather can change very quickly.

WASTE DISPOSAL

The Women’s Buffalo Ride, takes you into one of the most beautiful National Parks in Australia.  We ask you to respect this pristine environment, and help us pedal gently on this fragile environment.   We understand that you will, at times, be feeling tired during the Ride. However, being too tired is not an excuse for disposing of any rubbish incorrectly.  There will be large rubbish bins at the Rest Stops - Rollasons Falls and Buffalo Gorge, where you can dispose of any wrappers/ banana peels, etc.

If you find yourself with rubbish whilst on the road, please hang onto it by tucking securely into back pockets or into leg of knicks, until you reach the Rest Stops.  Your cooperation and respect of this national park, is essential to reducing any impact on the environment, and to ensure the event continues in subsequent years. Thankyou!

Saturday 21 March: Lycra Lunch Party at Riverdeck Cafe

Date: Saturday 21 March

Time: 12 - 2pm for Lunch, ~1:30pm for Speeches & Fashions on the Field Prizes & Presentation 

Location: Riverdeck Cafe, located beside the Brewery in the same building next to Tourist Info. The deck overlooks Howitt Carpark. 119 Gavan St, Bright.

https://www.theriverdeck.com.au

The official finish line for the Buffalo Women’s Ride is Howitt Park Carpark - back where you started!

Bike parking will be available on the bike racks and also adjoining the Brewery.  If you are concerned about security, consider a pocket/cafe style lock for your bike.

Make sure you check-back-in at the HCWCF Registration Tent.  

    • Volunteers will mark your name off - this is important for safety

    • Token for lunch at Riverdeck cafe

    • Post Ride Prosecco Voucher

If you do not sign-in our emergency processes will be activated after 3:30pm.

Lunch will be available from 12-2pm and will be provided at Riverdeck Cafe.   Exchange your lunch voucher & Prosecco voucher for a main meal and receive a glass of Brown Brothers Prosecco.   Other drinks are at restaurant prices.

Speeches, Thanks & Lycra “Fashions on the Field” ~1:30pm

At ~1:30pm (or a little later depending on arriving cyclists) we will have the official speeches and thanks as well as the highly anticipated “Lycra Fashions on the Field” presentation!  We have some fabulous prizes with thanks to our sponsors and partners. So this is event is not to be missed!   

At ~1:15pm, our Judges will ask for anyone who wishes to be involved to come forward.  Judging will be based on 3 categories: Visibility + Safety, Coordination + Style and X-Factor!! There will be a major prize for “Group” and “Individual” as well as runners up. Be in it to win it - think bright, think coordinated, think crazy, think matchy-matchy, think ‘groups’, think fun!  We look forward to seeing you there in your best lycra!

Saturday 21th March: Celebration Dinner - Optional

Date: Saturday 21 March

Time: 7pm

Location: Dr Mauve Bar & Lounge

Please note this event is optional and requires an additional ticket to be purchased via our website. https://www.hcwcf.com.au/tickets

Get your apres velo fashion on and kick back at Dr Mauve with a celebratory glass of something delicious, an asian inspired share menu, and enjoy some ‘bike-yarns’ from guest speakers.

The event is at Dr Mauve Bar and Lounge https://www.drmauve.com.au - 100 Gavan St Bright (basically over the road from the Brewery)!

Seating will be on a first-in basis - due to the nature of the event we cannot ‘reserve’ seats for groups of friends so we suggest you get there early to save yourself a seat.

You don’t need to present a ticket, we’ll have a names list at the venue.

Other Events

A detailed list and more information on the other events & activities is located on the Program page of our HCWCF website: www.hcwcf.com.au/itinerary-1

Let’s get social

We would love it if you could share the HCWCF weekend across your social media platforms.  

Facebook: @highcountrywomenscyclingfestival

Instagram: @highcountrywomenscyclefest    #hcwcf2020 #buffalowomensride 

And don’t forget to reach out to our HCWCF partners & supporters:  #regionalroadsvictoria #lovebright #brightbrewery #roadsafecycling #bicyclenetwork #fondocycling #fallscreek #ridehighcountry #dinkdesign #cyclepathbright #genovesecoffee #brightbootcamp #winnersbars #champsyaus #fallscreek #brownbrothers #ovariancanceraustralia #rollonback

Merchandise

We’ve worked with Champion System Australia to develop HCWCF Rider Jerseys that come in a orange and teal base colour. Jerseys can be purchased online via the following link: https://www.hcwcf.com.au/cyclekit

OTHER CYCLING EVENTS THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU:

High Country Women’s Cycling - 3 Peaks Weekend

Loving Buffalo and want more?  Join us this November for the High Country Women’s Cycling 3 Peaks in 3 Days Long - Weekend!  After a hugely successful event in 2019 we’re heading back to the high country for a long-weekend of riding, camaraderie, support, food, wine and laughs! Details here: https://www.hcwcf.com.au/womens-cycle-weekend Bookings opening after the Festival.

7 Peaks Ride

Victoria’s 7 Peaks Ride is an at-your-own pace cycling challenge which runs from October 2019 to April 2020, taking you up winding mountain roads, around steep turns and past spectacular views right to the top of seven Victorian Alpine Resorts.

Mount Buffalo is one of the 7 Peaks, and by completing the Mt Buffalo Women’s Ride on Saturday 21st of March, you will tick off 1 of the 7 Peaks.

Wide Open Road Cycling Tours

Clare, co-organiser of the HCWCF, also runs Wide Open Road Cycling Tours (WOR).  Run by women and proud to have a greater proportion of women on our tours than many other companies, we run tours in Europe, Japan & Australia.  There’s still some places on our 2020 Sardinia, Corsica & the Tour de France tour as well as our Northern Italy Milan-Venice Lakes, Alps, Dolomites, Prosecco Tour.  If you’re after the next challenge…!!! Details www.wideopenroad.net.au or chat to Clare at the Festival.

COVID-19 Coronavirus

We want to ensure the health and safety of our HCWCF participants and volunteers as well as the general public in the north east region of Victoria.  

In accordance with the current Department of Health recommendations, we kindly ask everyone to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and anyone who is feeling unwell to stay at home and seek medical attention if they have any further concerns.    We will also provide increased hand washing / sanitising facilities during the Festival.

Also in accordance with the government's travel restrictions and self-isolation advice, we kindly ask anyone who has been to China, Iran, South Korea, and/or Italy in the past 14 days to please stay away from the HCWCF - please contact us if this is the case to let us know and we will happily organise a refund for your HCWCF pass.  

Further info: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19 

With regards to social distancing, while some large scale events have been cancelled recently in Victoria and there are current discussions around minimising attendance at mass participation events / gatherings, there are currently no Government recommendations to cancel small scale events.  Our 2020 HCWCF is expecting a maximum of 100 people total (participants and volunteers). We will be monitoring and taking advice from Visit Victoria and other relevant government agencies however at this stage the 2020 HCWCF is well and truly going ahead and we look forward to seeing you there! 

We will contact all participants and post on our social media accounts should the situation change.

Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners

Festival Partner Regional Roads Victoria has offered invaluable financial support and advice to deliver a safe Mt Buffalo ride.

Bright Brewery, Alpine Shire, RoadSafe NE, Dink Designs, Brown Brothers, Bicycle Network, Falls Creek, Cycling Australia, Fondo, CyclePath Bright, Wide Open Road Cycling Tours, Michelle Armstrong Communications, Ride High Country, Bright & Surrounds,  Champion System Australia, Winners Sports Nutrition, Domestique Cycling, RiverDeck Cafe, Dr Mauve, Genovese Coffee & Ovarian Cancer Australia.