Easy Riders E-bikes and the Gippsland Rail trails

They have enabled people to return to a pastime they may have enjoyed but were no longer physically able to participate in it. There has been an explosion of so many different bike options and choices that there is something available for every ability and budget. They’re an inexpensive, convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transport. In Gippsland, the extensive rail trail network also provides a safe and picturesque opportunity to travel between areas and enjoy the scenery. In Victoria, Electric (E) bikes don’t need to be registered, and riders don’t need a licence but must follow the bicycle road rules. They have an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. Riders must always wear a helmet, and the bike must have a bell or other audible warning device fitted. There are specific rules that apply when used on public roads, these are detailed on Transport Victoria’s website.

The most common comment about E bikes when speaking to riders is that they provide freedom when they would otherwise be unable to use a regular bike any longer.

Talking to Wellington Shire Councillor Carmel Ripper, an avid E biker, she says that the exercise component is a major benefit she finds in using her bike.

“I don’t feel comfortable in going to a gym but this way I still get access to exercise and be out in the fresh air.”

Carmel says that her physio approves of this, and it gives her an ability to travel across her council ward to see constituents as well. The rail trail network is an added bonus that we are fortunate to have across Gippsland.

She will often put the bike on the carrier on her car and drive to another location across the area to ride on a different rail trail.

“I get the flexibility of being able to enjoy the benefits of our fabulous region and exercise as well in a safe and enjoyable manner.”

Other E bike riders have commented that as seniors the use of the E bike has given them the ability to exercise more and enjoy the outdoors in a way that was no longer possible before. They appeal to a wide variety of users. Some mountain bike riders use them, especially as they age, to provide that extra bit they need so they can still enjoy their sport.

Talking to Amanda from Great Southern Ride at Meeniyan who sells and hires E bikes, she says the range of riders is diverse from the young to people in their 90s. Visitors will hire bikes for half a day or longer and make trips to nearby towns. They provide great flexibility for people. »

She says some customers have sold a second car and now used the E bike to go around locally. She has seen the use and demand for E bikes expand since she and Paul began their business several years ago.

“The popularity and acceptance of E bikes are increasing as the word spreads about them. Friends tell each other and then use them to ride together.”

I met Colin at Fish Creek who was on a regular bike and was just returning after a couple days riding on the Great Southern Rail Trail.

He had driven from Melbourne to Korumburra then began a ride to Welshpool camping along the way.

He was full of praise for the scenery and condition of the trail.

Gippsland is very fortunate to have a fantastic network of Rail Trails, so called because they are pathways made where railway lines used to run in the past. Utilising this public land has been a bonus for walkers and bike riders who are able to enjoy traversing across the countryside in a unique way where motorists are unable to. Much work has been performed by many to create, repair and maintain the infrastructure including fencing, gates, signage, bridges and good quality surfaces to enable them to be enjoyed by all.

The Great Southern Rail Trail begins in Nyora and continues its compacted gravel surface for 131km until it terminates in Yarram. This trail winds its way across South Gippsland through pockets of bushland, fern gullies, and open plains. The trail passes through the towns of Loch, Korumburra, Leongatha, Koonwarra, Meeniyan, Fish Creek, Foster, Toora, Welshpool (with detour to Port Welshpool), Alberton (with detour to Port Albert) and Yarram. There are so many sights to see and experience along the way.

The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail begins in Traralgon and is easily accessible by train from Melbourne. This trail’s gentle grade provides a perfect low-intensity experience for all ages and levels of experience. The 63km trail follows the old Traralgon to Maffra railway line and journeys through the towns of Glengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr, Heyfield and Maffra to finish at Stratford. This trail provides beautiful views of the Great Dividing Range, expansive farmland and welcoming hospitality in the towns along the way. A great option that some riders make is to take the train to Traralgon, ride the trail to Stratford then coordinate with the train from there to return.

The East Gippsland Rail Trail, with a mixture of gravelled and sealed sections, is 96km long and goes from Bairnsdale to Orbost. It too has access to train services at Bairnsdale with the ability to arrive there from Melbourne and across Gippsland. A variety of spectacular scenery from tall timbered forests, open pasture and views of the Gippsland Lakes is a delight. This trail follows the old line through Nicholson, Bruthen, Nowa Nowa, Tostaree, Newmerella to its destination 1km from Orbost at the old station site. The trail demonstrates its history with huge old bridges, embankments and rail cuttings and the long timber trestle bridge that crosses the expansive Snowy River floodplain. As with the other trails there are so many quaint towns with cafes, accommodation, and places of interest to be of appeal and delight.

The Grand Ridge Rail Trail is a shorter 13km trail from Boolarra to Mirboo North. This has a gradual incline from the Boolarra end so if you want it to be easier start at Mirboo North. It’s a 3 hour walking trip each way, much quicker with an E bike! The trail abounds in flora and fauna with manmade features such as embankments and steel arch bridges (replacing those destroyed in the 2009 fires). The trail passes through Darlimurla which has ‘The Big Tree’, an example of the large eucalypts that used to be in the area. There are many sights to see with lots of options at each end for food and interest.

The combination of E bikes and the rail network is a great one. Together they provide fantastic recreational options for many people. Gippsland shows itself, in the efforts many people have done to make these rail trails a reality, that they are a fantastic place to live and a wonderful destination to visit. gl