On Thursday, January 9th, at 10 AM, Steve Blenkinsop, Phil Shroder,
and I started pedaling our push bikes (as they say here)  from Mount Beauty
up to the Fall Creek ski area, thirty one kilometers and a moderately difficult
to steep climb in places.  I was hurting by the time we got to the ski
area. After a light lunch Phil headed back down and Steve and I continued on our
way up to the crest of the Great Dividing Range.

After climbing quite a bit out of Fall Creek, we found mostly down or flat areas
to Fisherman's Rest at seventy eight kilometers and the Blue Duck Inn and pub,
thirty kilometers from the town of Omeo. we had crossed the Great Dividing Range
and come down out of the high Alpine plains and were staying along the river at:
http://blueduckinn.com.au.

On Friday rode to Omeo then up to Dinner Plain behind Mount Hothem. Riders who
are enthusiastic do the route that we are doing in three days, in one day (235 kilometers and three peaks). Lots of them were out today practicing for
the big race or ride which we think happens on Australia Day and rides in March. More bikes than cars near
the top.

http://3peakschallenge.com.au

http://www.7peaks.com.au/

http://theclimbingcyclist.com/climbs/alpine-national-park/dinner-plain/

At more than 40km in length, the ‘climb’ from Omeo to Dinner Plain
is a real test of physical and mental toughness. While it’s not uphill all the
way — there are several long descents and flat sections throughout — there is
enough tough climbing to make this a very challenging ride.

I don't know if I'm mentally tough enough or not, but I got here.
I passed by Steve who was taking a break and was distracted killing a pile of
twenty horse flies. Then he went back three kilometers in the flatter area
trying to find me. Had a nice lunch at Dinner Plain before he showed up. We're
at the Hotel High Plains (4.5 stars) in Dinner Plain on Friday afternoon
($130/night). It started raining at 4 PM.

http://www.visitdinnerplain.com/Pages/Our_Village/Business_Directory/Details/Hotel_High_Plains.aspx

http://www.alpineclassic.com.au/

1552 nutritional calories from Omeo to Dinner Plain. The ride to Mount Hothem
from Dinner Plain is 14 kilometers on Saturday and then down to Bright. Two
category 1 climbs in two days. The climb from Bright to Hothem in beyond
category, but we are doing it the opposite direction, so hopefully it won't be
as bad.

Steve is carrying very little in the pack I lent to him. The bag on the back of
my bike (which contains the Oz Report World Headquarters) weighs way more
than the bike.

Half way up from Mount Beauty to Fall Creek ski area and Bogong Village on
Thursday with Steve Blenkinsop (Photo by Phil Shroder):

The bottom of Falls Creek ski area (Steve's photo):

Omeo for breakfast after staying at the Blue Duck, with an internet connection
for Oz Report publishing (Steve's):

Two UA tee-shirts only, both red.