Seeking mod hills, quiet roads

[AussieRider]

Hello all,

This may seem like an odd-ball post, but I have been out of the country for a quarter century, off bicycles the entire time, and I am here in Vic on an open ended trip. I have been entrusted with a mates' local road racing bike (way more advanced than my 80's era gear). I have weeks ahead of me where I may roam alone and seek out the best areas for recapturing some of my former fitness on the bike again.

So far I have visited :

Yarram region - excellent and quiet secondary roads. Some rolling hills, nice mix. This was a great location to simply pedal smooth circles, and be patient as the legs 'woke up'
Mallee - table-top flat, VERY quiet secondary roads, but was at times just scorching, and with some stiff winds. I eventually quit because of the amount of sun I was taking per day, with consistent mid-90 temps. (were I to go back, I would need bottles 3 and 4, as I could not last more than 50 km on two large bottles). But a great area to knock out my first 100 km ride - since, er, 1985? Yay!
Marysville area (Dandenongs) - cooler temps, here now. Beautiful area! Falling in love with Australia all over again. Having trouble finding routes that don't involve STRENUOUS climbs. And in this terrain, I don't think there's going to be any secondary sealed roads. There are also sections with almost hairpin turns and steep grades - not cool with cars coming up behind you.

If you can nominate some areas of the state that you know to have a mix of quiet roads, and 'moderate hills avail but not obligatory', I would be most appreciative. I am traveling with weights, bike, and my running gear. Oh, and cookware in order to make the best meals that I am capable of. I know... I'm avoiding reality, and the virus at the moment, but could not be happier (well, sometimes a bit lonely)!

Happy pedaling, see you out there,

Grant.

[slipsam]

Lots of options around King Valley through to Bright. And a few big hills if you want to have a crack!
Bernie

[onetwoorthree]

The Eildon - Jamieson Road isn't too strenuous or busy. Arthurs Creek Road, near Hurstbridge, is also a pleasant ride, and close to the Humevale climb.

After the school holidays the Grampians roads and Great Ocean Road should be fairly quiet.

[AussieRider]

slipsam and onetwoorthree, thank you both! Will scrutinize maps, put that against weather, and will post a follow up to let you know how I went with your tips.

[cyclotaur]

If you’re in Marysville you can always cruise up the Acheron Way until you’ve had enough, then turn around and roll back.

[P!N20]

If you’re in Marysville you can always cruise up the Acheron Way until you’ve had enough, then turn around and roll back.

Quoted for truth, magic bit of road.

[Cyclophiliac]

If you’re in Marysville you can always cruise up the Acheron Way until you’ve had enough, then turn around and roll back.

Quoted for truth, magic bit of road.

Yes, very peaceful, almost no traffic, and nice forest. The top half is unsealed, but the road surface is mostly OK for road bikes, except for some potholes to avoid. The only drawback to riding up there from Marysville is that you then have to ride back, which includes a 1.6km section of road averaging about 10% grade.

[cyclotaur]

If you’re in Marysville you can always cruise up the Acheron Way until you’ve had enough, then turn around and roll back.

Quoted for truth, magic bit of road.

Yes, very peaceful, almost no traffic, and nice forest. The top half is unsealed, but the road surface is mostly OK for road bikes, except for some potholes to avoid. The only drawback to riding up there from Marysville is that you then have to ride back, which includes a 1.6km section of road averaging about 10% grade.

Yeah. Purposely didn't mention that bit !

[P!N20]

In a similar vain, Turtons Track inland from Apollo Bay is a dream stretch of road. Just a lazy climb up Skenes Creek Rd to get there.

[cyclotaur]

In a similar vain, Turtons Track inland from Apollo Bay is a dream stretch of road. Just a lazy climb up Skenes Creek Rd to get there.

Agree - a lovely ride.

[wongaga]

Out the back of the Dandenongs there are lots of fairly quiet roads traversing rolling hills. Out through Monbulk through Yellingbo to Woori Yallock, where you could link up with the Warby rail trail. And lots more.

Cheers, Graeme

[warthog1]

If you’re in Marysville you can always cruise up the Acheron Way until you’ve had enough, then turn around and roll back.

Quoted for truth, magic bit of road.

Yes, very peaceful, almost no traffic, and nice forest. The top half is unsealed, but the road surface is mostly OK for road bikes, except for some potholes to avoid. The only drawback to riding up there from Marysville is that you then have to ride back, which includes a 1.6km section of road averaging about 10% grade.

Bit of a thread dredge sorry.
Id like to do the Warburton-Reefton spur-Marysville-Acheron way loop. On the gravelly with wide road tyres on most likely.
I am unsure if Acheron way is open however?
Does anyone know if it is?
I emailed Vicroads but no response.
Cheers

[P!N20]

I am unsure if Acheron way is open however?
Does anyone know if it is?

You may have already seen this, but sounds like part of is closed until mid-March:

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/plannin ... cheron-way

[warthog1]

I am unsure if Acheron way is open however?
Does anyone know if it is?

You may have already seen this, but sounds like part of is closed until mid-March:

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/plannin ... cheron-way

No I hadn't. Only an older notice.
Thanks.

[warthog1]

A work colleague has a lonely planet book; "Epic bike rides of the world" that is at work at the moment. A slightly longer version of that loop, with Acheron way included, is listed.
Sounds worth a go.

[P!N20]

Sounds worth a go.

It’s a magic bit of road. The Giro Della Donna gran fondo goes through there.

[warthog1]

Sounds worth a go.

It’s a magic bit of road. The Giro Della Donna gran fondo goes through there.

Cheers
Looking forward to it. Got leave from mid March.