THE March ride for the Tambo Upper Trail Riding Club was an overnight camp at the picturesque Avon-Mt Hedrick camping reserve near Valencia Creek.
Two rides have been offered in March due to re-scheduling because of weather.
A good number of riders turned up over the course of the two days and were treated to good riding and great camping weather.
The Saturday ride offered a variety of terrain and included a stop at the gravesite memorial of George Bowen who died in 1888. The site is hidden away in thick bush but made an interesting detour.
The group then rode on along single tracks negotiating thick sections of bush before stopping for lunch at Wombat Crossing on the Avon River.
After lunch, the group crossed the Avon River before heading back to the floats to settle in for a night around the campfire.
It was very much a family affair at camp. Among the first timers was Sarah Lonsdale’s partner, Matt and their 18-month-old toddler, James who made the trip down from Paynesville for the night. Likewise, Jenny Doran was joined by her partner Charley who took the opportunity to go fishing while the group were out riding.
Julie Reading from Briagolong bought her husband Len along on his lovely black stockhorse, and their son Matthew on his big gentle giant thoroughbred.
The Sunday ride was a half-day. The track gently climbed up along a switchback ridge with stunning views before looping back to return to the floats for lunch. All who attended agreed it was a wonderful weekend.
The next March ride is this Sunday (March 17). It will be led by Christa Treasure in the north Wuk Wuk area near Lindenow.
Unfortunately, the original planned ride to Roaring Mag Falls has become inaccessible due to recent weather events. A modified ride will be offered in the hope that next year mother nature is kinder than it has been this year.
The ride will be undertaken mainly on four-wheel-drive tracks. There will be open gravel road sections in the morning with a couple of trotting opportunities depending on the dynamic of the group. The afternoon will be on more enclosed and pretty four-wheel-drive track.
The riders will assemble at 9.45am and ride out at 10am sharp.
The starting point is the corner of Wattle Creek Road and Wattle Creek Track, accessed by the west branch of Weir Road off the Lindenow-Glenaladale Rd. Participants should check the directions on a map to be familiar with the route and leave early to allow sufficient time to travel safely on the gravel section.
Tambo Upper Trail Rides are held in different locations on the third Sunday of every month.
New members are always welcome and children are also welcome but must be able to ride independently.
Ride calendars are available on the club Facebook page or at your local saddler.
For further details, phone Caroline Driscoll on 0408 963 667 or Sue Cullinan (0412 526 121).
