high country womens 3 peaks weekend
15 - 18 NOVEMBER 2024
Join us for a small-group, supportive and fun long-weekend of cycling in the Victorian High Country! An extension of the HCWCF and put together because you wanted to climb more peaks, together we will ride 3 of the most beautiful, scenic & challenging climbs of the region (Hotham, Falls Creek & Buffalo), share food, wine, laughs and support each other. As well as the rides, there will be a skills workshop, support vehicle, regional produce, local wines, afternoon teas, aperitif hour and group-dinners including a celebratory degustation at one of Bright’s best restaurants. We stay in country-style comfort - a recently refurbished motel in central Bright, set on the banks of the beautiful Ovens River and a 5 minute walk to Bright Brewery - perfect for post ride river swims and refreshments! Kick-start your summer of cycling with a long-weekend of mountains, camaraderie & women supporting women.
New for 2024 - We will be offering a concurrent “Intro to Mountains” ride program on the same weekend for those keen to ride in the Vic Alps but not quite up to conquering the 3 Peaks. This will be carefully curated rides, fully supported with experienced ride leaders including an additional skills clinic to further build your confidence riding in the mountains. In the afternoons, both groups come together for afternoon aperitivo and evening meals to share their experiences, laughs and great food.
We expect the 2024 weekend will sell out quickly.
friday 15 nov
meet & Greet, welcome drinks & Dinner
Check in from 2pm
6pm - Welcome prosecco & nibbles
7:30pm - A relaxed evening meal at our accommodation with some local beers and wines and a weekend introduction & briefing by Michelle and Clare.
Meals: Aperitif hour, Dinner
saturday 16 nov
skills session & falls creek!
Today we ride one of the most beautiful climbs in the region - Falls Creek. It’s just under 30kms from Mt Beauty to Falls Creek Village, taking you through winding mountain roads, towering gum trees and finally alpine views as you reach the village.
As part of this ride we will have an experienced cycle coach along to provide some climbing and descending skills session as part of the ride. Individualised tips, demonstrations & practice will get you set for the climbing and descending ahead.
We’ll have lunch in Falls Creek village and then it’s a sweeping descent to test out our new skills!
The Intro to Mountains group will take part in the skills session and then ride to Bogong Village return, to put the new skills in to practice. The ride will be supported by our Ride Leaders who will provide tips and encouragement along the way.
In the afternoon, relax at our accommodation with afternoon tea showcasing the delicious regional produce and swim in the pool.
In the evening we have booked a favourite restaurant for dinner (and will be throwing a few shared starters in to enjoy), or if you prefer you can do your own thing.
Distance: 60 km (30km Intro to Mtns)
Elevation Gain: ~1300 m (600m Intro to Mtn)
Meals: Breakfast, afternoon tea, shared starters at dinner.
SUNDAY 17 nov
MT HOTHAM
After a roll along the beautiful Ovens Valley to Harrietville to warm up our legs, we tackle Mt Hotham - a true mountain climb and a challenging 30kms from Harrietville. The climb is steady to begin with followed by a flat middle section and then a tough final 10kms with some steep pinches 9% and above. The ride offers superb views to Mt Feathertop and as we climb above the tree-line over the Victorian Alps. After lunch at the top we descend back to Harrietville and return to Bright for afternoon tea & relaxing at our accommodation. For those after a shorter ride you can drive to/from Harrietville.
The Intro to Mountains group will have a second skills clinic in the morning in Bright, followed by tackling the beautiful climb to Tawonga Gap - with superb views over the Kiewa valley.
Tonight we celebrate our achievement with a multi-course dinner at a top Bright Restaurant where we will taste the local tipples and enjoy a multi-course degustation!
Distance: 110kms (45km Intro to Mtns)
Elevation Gain: ~1550 m (600m Intro to Mtns)
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon tea, dinner
monday 18 nov
ride mt buffalo
Our final climb is a HCWCF favourite - Mt Buffalo! A morning ride, 65kms return from Bright. The official 7 Peaks climb itself is 20.4kms from the ticket box to the Chalet. A steady gradient through beautiful forest and exposed granite rocks before the snow-plains at the top open up for the final pinch to the Chalet, with spectacular views down to the Ovens valley below.
Intro to Mountains riders will be supported to ride Mt Buffalo - with the skills, the experience and support - we know you can do it!! There’s always the optional half-way turn-aroud point at Rollasons Falls for those with weary legs.
It’s a wonderful, sweeping descent back to Bright for a shower at our motel and final celebration lunch together before saying our farewells.
Distance: 65kms (both groups)
Elevation Gain: ~1200 m (both groups)
Meals: Breakfast
A few other things…
You must read and agree to the 3 Peaks Weekend Terms and Conditions as part of participation in this Event.
Once you sign up for the Weekend, we will send you a detailed 3 Peaks Weekend Guide with more information on arrival/accommodation, a suggested packing list, each days itinerary and GPS cycle routes.
You must ensure your bike is in good working order - get it checked by a qualified mechanic prior to attending if you need.
In case of extreme weather we may need to alter the itinerary for everyones comfort and safety.
$1500 (Twin share)
$400 deposit (non refundable) to secure your spot!
$1500 per person (twin share)
$220 single room supplement (limited availability - book early)
your 2024 women’s cycling weekend includes:
3 days, 3 nights supported cycling weekend based out of Bright in Victoria’s High Country
Camaraderie, fun & support: women supporting women!
Designed and run by Michelle Armstrong & Clare Holdsworth with extensive knowledge of the region, the rides, the local food & wine and in delivering high quality supported cycling events and tours
Conquer 3 of the 7 Peaks Climbs - Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo in a supportive, friendly environment
Climbing & descending skills workshop run by an accredited cycling coach
Ride with GPS route uploads for your GPS cycle computers
3 nights twin share accommodation in a central motel in Bright located right beside the Ovens River water park and Bright Brewery - perfect for post ride swims and refreshments!
Single rooms available for $220 extra per person (book early to secure a single room)
Relaxed Welcome Drinks and antipasto at our Motel followed by a group dinner to discuss the rides & weekend ahead!
Sag wagon / support vehicle for all the rides - it’s OK if you only want to ride part of each ride!
3 healthy cyclist friendly breakfasts each morning - continental and cooked options to perfect for the day ahead
Two post-ride chill-out session afternoon teas to showcase local produce & re-fuel our hungry cycling bodies including a glass or two of local Prosecco!
Nutritious on-road snacks for while you’re riding
Celebratory final multi-course dinner at one of Bright’s best restaurants including drinks!
Shared snacks/starters at Bright Brewery on the Saturday night
We’ve organised with our hotel so you can shower back at the hotel after the Monday Buffalo ride before lunch / heading off
For further
information
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Cycling Australia Monthly Ride Membership - If you are not already a CA member, we recommend taking this out or similar insurance to cover yourself and others in case of accident.
Your bike, spares etc.
Travel to/from Bright
Lunch each day & dinner on Saturday night
Additional drinks to those not included in group meals
Specialized sports drinks/nutrition for on the road
Cycle mechanic - for any bike maintenance/repairs we will use our friends at the bike shops in Bright at the end of each days ride.
who is the ride for / how fit do i need to be?
This ride is for women who want to challenge themselves to ride 3 mountain climbs in 3 days with the support and camaraderie of an organised tour.
You need to be able to ride in hilly/mountainous terrain however can be gaining confidence in this area as we will be there to support you.
If you have never cycled a mountain peak before, you should be confident in rolling/hilly terrain. Intro to mountains riders may be building skills in rolling/hilly terrain.
You should be able to comfortably ride for 3 to 4 hours on 3 consecutive days. NB for the Intro to Mountains group, 2-3 hours is sufficient.
We do have a support vehicle if required - so if you get tired we can help you out!
The weather can be changeable in the mountains so you should also be prepared with cycling clothing for all conditions.
This ride is not suitable for beginner road cyclists as some technical skills are required as is bike fitness.
Note that if group sizes in the Intro to Mountains group are <5 the course may be modified slightly to enable us to provide adequate and feasible support for a small group.
Unsure? Contact us and ask!
