114km Lake Hume Hustle

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Start Location: Ebden Reserve, Murray Valley Hwy, Ebden, Victoria

Ride Description

The Hustle, a gruelling trek with the same DNA as the old Granya Grind. Not for the faint hearted; this ride is as challenging as it is picturesque. Riders climb 1,816m over 114km, nailing the four main “Gaps” around Lake Hume. The ride heads to Tangambalanga then over to Old Tallangatta/Georges Creek then to Talgarno then into Bethanga where there is an optional 13km loop then up and over Kurrajong Gap and over the Hume Dam wall and to the finish at Ebden.

Starting at Ebden Reserve, riders head west along the rail trail then turn left onto Mahers Road to head for Tangambalanga. Taking you through lush dairy country and alongside steep hills , roll into “Tangam” and turn left at the sportsground / swimming pool complex (toilets available here) and continue along Lockhart’s Gap Road to the small settlement of Sandy Creek. Here, take a break with your fellow riders at the Rider/Reviver at the Lockhart’s Gap Road/Bryant’s Gap Road intersection (25Km mark).

After recharging and a chat, …. now the leg work really starts! Turn left onto Bryant’s Gap Road and climb up and over the Gap. The views will be worth it. Enjoy the wind in your face as you descend to the Murray Valley Highway, slowing on the way down to the T intersection where you will need to stop and follow the instructions of the traffic marshall before turning right. Continue on past Tallangatta and over the Lake Hume Mitta Mitta River Arm bridge turning left to go towards Old Tallangatta. Stop at the Georges Creek tennis courts for the Rider/Revivor and toilets at the 44km mark. Turn right onto Georges Creek Road and climb over the gap, 437m at the 59km mark. Go down for about 5km to the T intersection with the River Road where you turn left and continue to Talgarno for a couple of km and turn left onto Talgarno Gap Road. There is long climb over Talgarno Gap then continue to Bethanga. A Rider Revivor and toilet stop will be at the Bethanga Public School just out of Bethanga on the left hand side heading towards Kurrajong Gap.

There is an optional 13 km loop turning left onto Springdale Road then turning right onto Lake Road then taking the Bethanga Bay Road back into Bethanga. Turn left at the Bethanga Pub head to the Rider Revivor and toilet stop then warm up the muscles for the climb up Kurrajong Gap. This section ascends 140m in 2km with grades of up to 10%. Once you reach the top, celebrate and catch your breath at the Kurrajong Gap Lookout. Take a few pictures of the amazing panoramic views across Lake Hume, the Dam wall and down the Murray River towards Albury/Wodonga. Over the Gap there is a steep descent for your legs to enjoy but riders beware there is a tight left hairpin corner at the bottom. Turn right onto Lake Road and continue on to the town of Bellbridge. Continue on and roll across the majestic Bethanga Bridge, built in the 1930s, over the Murray River arm of Lake Hume, entering into NSW with views back across the Lake with the Victorian Alps in the background.

Not far to go now. Turn left again, and roll through the tourist precinct of Lake Hume Village for more excitement.  Ride across the impressive art deco Hume Dam wall and across the 1 km long earth wall with more spectacular views.

Back in Victoria; turn left onto the Bonegilla Rd, and finally turn left with care onto the Murray Valley Highway. Only a couple of kilometres back to Ebden so treat it as a cool down and roll through the finish arch knowing you’ve just had a great ride!

Nothing left to do but park your bike and enjoy a free soft drink and sausage sandwich, with a cool off in Lake Hume if you choose!

The Lake Hume Hustle is a challenging ride and riders choosing to participate should be confident in their ability to complete the ride by 12:30pm, when traffic management and the ride ends.