What an epic week!
We should be exhausted after 6 days, ~500km and ~10,000 meters exploring the Otways in the inaugural Great Ocean Road Gravel Tour…
But instead, the Rapid Ascent office (and trip Whatsapp chat) is buzzing with stories and memories of an incredible journey.
It all started on Tuesday, as 11 guests and 4 guides hit the dirt and headed over the foothills, into the heart of the Great Otway National Park.
We could write an entire book on the 6 days that followed, but here is a little summary:
THE ROUTE:
The route was tough but tickled all the senses. We were treated to a traffic free riding on the pristine gravel roads that weave through the Otways, ocean views, lighthouses, the Redwood Forest, water falls, remote accommodation on the beach (surrounded by Alpacas and highland cows!) and even short sections of single track snaking through untouched fern-forests.
THE WILDLIFE:
The wildlife was… well, wild (we saw plenty of feathered, furred and scaled creatures and were treated to a few private Koala sightings – without bus loads of tourists gathered around!).
THE BANTER:
The banter was top shelf (ask Mick why he’s now nicknamed “Fabian Hulkellara”).
THE ACCOMMODATION:
We stayed in some extremely unique places – including a seaside monastery surrounded by nothing but ocean, rolling hills and a herd of friendly Alpaca; a modern farmhouse basically ON Johanna beach (with huge indoor pool & private vistas from most bedrooms); and glamping in style under a star-studded sky in Forrest.
THE FOOD:
The food was nourishing and plentiful – ranging from hot breakfasts to family-style lunches to cheese boards and local sensations cooked up by Wildlife Wonders. (We’ve had a few guests comment that they’ll be coming back heavier than when they left even after riding 500km - sorry about that!)
So, yes, all the “details” of the trip were great.
But, truth be told, it was the PEOPLE who really made this inaugural trip something we’ll think back on fondly forever.
We had 11 legends from WA, QLD, NSW and VIC – ranging from 42-72 years of age. Every one of them brought a unique flavour to the trip – whether it was their impressive riding, their quick wit or their deep thought and engaging conversation. Some rode ~100km a day whilst others picked and pursued the easier options and rode 40-50km a day – either way everyone enjoyed the journey.
THANK YOU all for being so positive, adventurous and fun throughout this “hardship holiday”. After 6 days living, riding and dining in close quarters we can genuinely say we consider you all good friends.
We cannot wait to share another trip with you soon.
Speaking of…
We are already excitedly planning a similar trip through the Otways this November. If you’re interested, please get in touch and we’ll put your name on the list to be notified once we have all the details.
Here’s to many more adventures to come 🥂
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