Great Ocean Rd & Great Alpine Way

[jamesallan]

That's a good ride you've just done, and the pics are pretty cool.

Would you recommend the Alpine Way to take an overseas rider through?

I have a friend coming over from Brazil in a few months (1st time in Oz) and we are doing a weeks ride around Victoria. That area was originaly in our plans but I am currently considering ditching it to spend more time in areas that I know are good for riding, great scenery and some local attractions.

Would you rate it as a 'great place to ride for a day' or 'not a bad place to just pass through'?

Cheers, Paul

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your questions, to be honest if you do tackle the Great Alpine Way I would do it from the Northern end down into Vic - as the Hotham to Harrietville leg was tough on a big busa and on me, you could attack it better going up the mountain.
Parts of the road are fantastic but once you are on it you are pretty much in for the long haul and the weather can get a little extreme. I rode it through the middle of a sunny summers day and could see the lingering indications of ice on the roadways.
Be careful too as their is a 10-15 Klm area North of Omeo that has cattle wandering as it is a fenceless region of farming. It was an exeprience that I will treasure and very scarey at Hotham with no guard rails and the odd nutty car driver.
I personally would stick to the old favourites sometimes long and new territory can be disappointing at times.
It is truely a great adventure but also great for a pass through day trip with a car, some iced donuts and a coffee flask.

PS hope this helps, please let me know where you ride too, how it is and stay safe.

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hey james,

nice pics m8.....looks like u had a lot of fun !!!

thanks for sharing,
bazman.

Thanks Bazman,

I had a ball and my lower back certainly knows about it, perhaps as I get older I should consider the kidney belt or less Jack Daniels at the pub stays. I appreciate your reply - cheers and I will post my pre xmas trip through NSW shortly, it too was an adventure.
We certainly live in a great country and "bloody oath" its big.

Have a great Aussie day mate!