Part 1 - Bendigo to Castlemaine
LeanGanook Track - 58kms
Track Notes
An epic start to an awesome track! A couple of the ascents are long and quite steep, a couple of others are shorter, pinchier, rockier and more technical. There's not a lot single-track but there are plenty of challenges - and plenty of satisfaction in meeting them successfully.
You will see dramatic track changes once up and over Mt Alexander. One moment you are following a section of the 70km Coliban water system, which supplies Bendigo with drinking water from the Great Dividing Range, and next minute you are on forest trail..
There's a couple of hefty efforts where the water race goes through hills and you go over them, intermingling single- and double- track with a pinch climb or 2.
An epic start to an awesome track! A couple of the ascents are long and quite steep, a couple of others are shorter, pinchier, rockier and more technical. There's not a lot single-track but there are plenty of challenges - and plenty of satisfaction in meeting them successfully.
You will see dramatic track changes once up and over Mt Alexander. One moment you are following a section of the 70km Coliban water system, which supplies Bendigo with drinking water from the Great Dividing Range, and next minute you are on forest trail..
There's a couple of hefty efforts where the water race goes through hills and you go over them, intermingling single- and double- track with a pinch climb or 2.
Friday night – Transport from Melbourne city to Bendigo (if required), comfortable accommodation in a house in Bendigo (twin/triple share). Own dinner at the pub. You can also catch the V/Line train direct from Melbourne to Bendigo.
Saturday – Get up bright and early, enjoy a fully catered continental breaky, and hit the trail - approx. 30km run from Bendigo to near the top of Mt Alexander. From there we will give you a lift back to our house in Bendigo. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Bendigo, warming yourself in a cosy cafe, or even taking a nap! Dinner tonight is Richelle's home cooked deliciousness in our house. Accommodation is twin/triple share.
Sunday – Another early start, with breaky included. We will shuttle you back to Mt Alexander to continue your run. Today is approx 28km run from Mt Alexander, to the Castlemaine town centre. Again, a light lunch will be provided. After finishing, its time to kick back in Castlemaine with a coffee and scones, or even a big fat greasy burger, and reflect on your achievement – 60km in 2 days! Transport back to Melbourne city (if required), or jump on the V/Line train back to Melbourne.
Saturday – Get up bright and early, enjoy a fully catered continental breaky, and hit the trail - approx. 30km run from Bendigo to near the top of Mt Alexander. From there we will give you a lift back to our house in Bendigo. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Bendigo, warming yourself in a cosy cafe, or even taking a nap! Dinner tonight is Richelle's home cooked deliciousness in our house. Accommodation is twin/triple share.
Sunday – Another early start, with breaky included. We will shuttle you back to Mt Alexander to continue your run. Today is approx 28km run from Mt Alexander, to the Castlemaine town centre. Again, a light lunch will be provided. After finishing, its time to kick back in Castlemaine with a coffee and scones, or even a big fat greasy burger, and reflect on your achievement – 60km in 2 days! Transport back to Melbourne city (if required), or jump on the V/Line train back to Melbourne.
Please note: You will need to be fully self sufficient on the trail. We will provide you with a map, and Shane will be out running on the trail at the same time. Conditions can change quickly, so you are expected to carry wet weather gear, thermals, head torch and space blanket. You will need the ability to carry at least 1.5L of water. You need to provide your own nutrition outside of main meals. There will be a support car at various points along the trail, however be aware it will be providing emergency support for all runners, so it may take some time to access if you need it.
