It’s been nothing if not eventful since 2 August. I thought I would give you an update as best I can.

1. This will be my last email re the weekend. If you are attending you will need to be on the What’s App group to find out what’s going on from now on. At the moment Nigel, Craig and Marcel I need you to download the app so I can add you! Let me know when youre on.
2. Depending on restrictions we may or may not have a weekend. If we meet the Nov 5 80% double vax target then I think we’ll be ok. That will place us under similar conditions to last year.
3. Assuming its a goer, there will then be the issue of accommodation levels at Willowdene. The 6 night option is booked out (5). Ive got 10 booked for the Thursday – Saturday with 2 waiting re final advice re restrictions. If restrictions are lifted we can accept 3 more. However I also have 2 who are doubtful. So, if youre interested let me know. I’m confident we’ll work it out. I also note some of you have booked elsewhere.
4. While not wanting to tell you how to suck eggs, I’d advise that you be double vaccinated. Accessing venues (cafes, dinner etc.) without it will be harder I’d expect based on everything we’re being told. Will also make accommodation allocation easier. Your fellow cyclists will appreciate it as well I’m sure. Of course the choice is yours.
5. Numbers are looking good. Around 20+ so far.

Hope you’re all staying well.
Graham

Morning all,

Hope you are all doing ok.

This is a friendly reminder that bookings at Willowdene are still open. We’re about half full so if you’re thinking about coming don’t wait too long.
Also, if you’re going please remember to set up What’s App on your phone so I can add you to the group. It’s easy and it’ll be the only way Ill communicate once bookings are full. Even if you’re not staying at Willowdene.

Hi all,

I’m now taking bookings for accommodation at Willowdene for this years Spring Roll Six Pack. I’ve assumed that there wont be Covid restrictions in place but of course we’ll monitor as we go and modify if required. If I have to cull numbers it will be on a last in first out basis.

Ive also group booked Sol e Luna for the Friday night and Bright Brewery for Saturday. All other nights are up for grabs. More details closer to the weekend.

Please read carefully including the earlier email below if you need a reminder.

I will be setting up a What’s App Group for the trip to keep you updated on things and allow us all to communicate. I’ll add anyone who’s already on it who’s coming along. If you havent got it download it now from the App Store. It will be the main means of communication once the formal info is done. Even if you’re not staying at Willowdene I’d like to add you.
If I don’t have it also send me your mobile number please.
As per previous years refunds will only be an option if we fill all spots to cover your withdrawal. I also over charge a bit in case we get a couple less than spots available so I don’t have to pursue you once we’re there. Much easier to hand out extra funds than chase it.
Keeping in mind there are up to 6 days of riding on offer this year, details for accommodation are slightly different:
Up to 5 spots for the first three nights (Mon – Wed).
Up to 15 spots for the last three nights (Thur-Sat).
Priority will be for riders in the first instance. I’d suggest at this stage if you’re wanting to bring partners then booking elsewhere might be easier (Sorry).
2 up front payment choices for you to consider. No variations! No part payments!
Monday – Saturday $520
Thursday – Saturday $250
First in first served.

Let me know if your interested along with your mobile number if I don’t have it and I’ll send you my bank details. If you’ve already got my details then go ahead and pay now.

Any queries let me know.

Regards

Graham Porteous
0411 251 216

Hi all,

Hope you’re all going ok. A bit of déjà vu.

This year the annual Spring Roll will offer a little extra while still retaining all the rides and mountains you enjoy.

The Six Pack will feature 6 rides starting on Monday 15 November and concluding on Saturday 20 November. The first 3 days will be off road and only suitable for gravel or mountain bikes. The rides will be doable if you just want to try the gravel experience. Nothing technical but not easy either. The second 3 days are road bike friendly.

Monday 45km Mt Porepunkah https://ridewithgps.com/trips/64779779
Tuesday 49km Tawonga Gap Track https://ridewithgps.com/routes/801638
Wednesday 45 km Clear Spot https://ridewithgps.com/trips/64976871

All 3 are solid rides with a fair bit of climbing. If you havent tackled gravel rides before don’t be fooled by the shorter distances. I’ve attached the rides so you can ponder.

Thursday Mt Buffalo to The Horn
Friday Falls Creek (or Mt Beauty)
Saturday Dinner Plain

Bookings for Monday to Wednesday will be in addition to the ‘normal’ booking. I’ve already booked a couple of units at Willowdene earlier in the week in anticipation that some of you may be keen.

At this stage it’ll be something like $450 for Monday to Sunday and $220 for Thursday to Sunday. Of course you’re free to make your own accommodation arrangements and just try one or two of the gravel rides.

I’ll be taking bookings in a couple of months and will let you all know details then. I’ll post this on the MDBC website as well and you’re welcome to pass on to anyone Ive missed.