Did the Dry Diggings track last weekend and I really enjoyed it so I' like to try something similar closer to Melbourne. Lerderderg track looks interesting as well but I haven't been able to find any MTB map for the whole route Bacchus Marsh to Daylesford... Any ideas?
I don't think there are any 'MTB' maps as such. I believe it's part of the Goldfields trail which was, last I knew, still in development for shared use - but I haven't heard of any plans to extend the rideable track from Blackwood to Bacchus Marsh. There are a few hardened riders about who I know have done from Daylesford to Castlemaine - part of which I believe is the route from Hepburn Springs to Vaughan Springs.
The Lerderderg trails are great. Byers Back Track is often used by MTBers, and most of the walkers I've encountered there have been friendly enough, especially when you're polite and friendly with them first.
The part of the same trail known as Riverside Walk or River Walk, which begins near the Garden of St Erth (that's how they spell it), is also good, but less used, and considerably more difficult in spots. The main loop heads upstream, then away from the river up some very step stairs, and on to some more great water-race trails which flow beautifully along the contours. I always enjoy this loop in the opposite direction, starting with Whipstick Loop. Not sure on whether bikes are actually allowed here, but again, being polite to other users always helps. About 30km all, up, from memory.
The MTB trails are heavily focused around Woodend. The main Wombat loop is always a great start - catch up with some locals to see if there's anything else around - after all, they do hold the Wombat 100 there every year!
