From the Australian Cyclist (very informative article)

http://www.australiancyclist.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=3675

"It's lucky that cyclists are not as territorial as surfers because we're about to give away something of a secret spot. As unlikely as it seems to a population addicted to coastal living, there's a little piece of cycling heaven in the mountains of northern Victoria. Centred around the mountain town of Bright, riders who know regularly escape the summer heat for a week of high altitude training on cool deserted roads, lazy afternoons by the river and evenings of delicious wine and food.

There are short rides suitable for families and beginners on the Murray to Mountain rail trails such as Bright to Porepunkah (10km return). Starting behind the Bright Museum in Railway Ave, this track is sealed and flat, and a brochure on the full extent of the rail trail is available from the Bright Visitors Centre.

For more experienced riders there's a ranges of rides from scenic to hellish. From Bright to the Buckland Valley (32km return, turning back at end of the sealed road at Buckland Bridge) is an easy tempo ride without any major climbs on a near deserted road past expansive vineyards and with great views up to Mt Buffalo. It's a good ride to shake the car trip out of your legs before you choose some of the tougher routes.

The ride to Myrtleford (60km return) via the Great Alpine Road offers a sealed shoulder most of the way, but go right at Happy Valley Road and you'll find a quiet road that will lead you up and over the tough Tawonga Range. Don't spend all your pennies on the climb because after turning right at the Kiewa Valley Hwy after the decent you're going to have to climb back over the gap to get home. The loop is just over 100km and plan on it taking at least four hours. Be prepared with lots of water on hot days: the climb back over the gap bakes in the midday sun.

For more serious suffering you can head back over the gap the next day, cruise through Mt Beauty and climb all the way up to the ski resort of Falls Creek. It's high altitude and even if the notorious mountain weather doesn't change, it will still be cool at the top and you'll freeze on the long descent if you haven't carried some warmer clothing. Set off early and you'll be home just after lunch to lie by the Bright swimming hole or visit the wineries.

If you still have any legs, the climb up Mt Buffalo will take the spring out of your step. After an easy start it's a tough 60km one way climb that offers stunning scenery if you lift your chin off the headstem. Don't stress, the view back over the valley from the summit is almost worth the effort alone, but it's much better if your entourage has lunch waiting for you at the chalet. And we haven't even touched on the toughest route up to Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain and over to Omeo.

For mountain bike riders there are more trails than can be counted, and that'll have to wait for the next issue, but the locals regularly meet over the summer months to ride together. Wednesdays at 6pm is the usual start time, but contact one of the team on (03) 5750 1442 for more info or pick up the next issue of AC."

SPECIALS: third week night a flat $100 and third weekend night 50% off in most off-peak times, Stay 5/Pay 4 arriving on any Sunday (except July) and Stay 7/Pay 6 at any time incvluding long weekends.