We spent the Easter weekend at the Mudgee Bike Muster with a gaggle of friends and cyclists from many parts of NSW and further afield. The weather was rather inclement for either camping or cycling I'm sad to say with torrential rain, drizzle and mists, but our enthusiasm failed to be dampened and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Even four rear tyre flats on Saturday didn't stop the pleasure, well, perhaps temporarily. Thankfully the weather cleared on Sunday and we had a splendid and dry day in the saddle. 
Mudgee is fabulous for cycling, good roads, both dirt and bitumen, beautiful country side, wineries everywhere to rest the weary legs and taste the fruits of the vine, small historic villages with good pubs and cafes to lunch at, gold mining history, great artisans and crafts, farmers markets, very good coffee, lovely local cheeses, olives, hazelnuts, oh and did I mention wine at all?The Australian Rural Education Centre who organised the Muster for the second year in a row ensured that the weekend was very reasonably priced. They also ensured that the Muster was extremely well organised by enthusiastic, friendly, helpful staff and volunteers and the AREC grounds were a great camping area, the camp ground was good, nice and flat, with powered sites, good drainage (the torrential rain proved that) and plenty of toilets but there was a lack of showers, only seven in all and only three for women but the organisers are onto this and promised to rectify it for next year.
The day rides were paced for all level of riders from mums and dads and their kids, to those wanting to extend themselves and climb a few hills or two and then things for the middle of the roaders like the 'wife' and I. There was also a fun trivia hunt on Sunday afternoon that ensured we got to know the town of Mudgee, including the hard slog up to flirtation hill to count the logs in the protective barriers, we felt extremely pleased with ourselves for coming third in the competition.
We were a bit disappointed by the food provided, especially the dinner option which was an add-on to the cost, none of our group enjoyed it and as Mudgee is a cornucopia of good food and wine we cannot begin to comprehend it at all. Next year we will self-cater.
That aside, the weekend was fabulous, extremely well organised by AREC staff and volunteers, with great rides and like minded cyclist keen to enjoy ourselves regardless of the weather.
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doesn't sound like my sort of weekend at all...
ReplyDeleteah, it was full of all kinds of pleasures though and lots of lovely cycling :)
ReplyDeleteIt was an adventure, darling. Glad you madefun out of it. It's always more fun when you can share the pain with friends :-) It always rains at Easter on outdoor activities - it's in the constitution, as S would say :-)I can't believe the food, though and lack of free wine. You'd think they could help promote local wines with free samples. Their returns would be manyfold. Very shonky. At least when you go on Big Rides, they specifically cater for very hungry and healthy cyclists. They even had Quinoa for a meal or two for vegetarians. I was very impressed.
ReplyDeleteYes rain and Easter are synonymous :)
ReplyDeleteWe did enjoy ourselves greatly, the rides and company were great and I think we four should head to Mudgee for more cycling adventures, we have a great book of local cycling day trips included in our Muster pack.
I agree re the food, very foolish! The vegetarian option looked a bit better I have to say, but as I didn't eat an of it I can't be sure if it was any better.
Government Funded organisation???
ReplyDeleteAREC is a community owned, not-for-profit organisation that has it's roots in running a field days event. They receive no funding from Federal , State or Local government what so ever. Many of those helping at the event are volunteers.
Oh sorry about that, I didn't realise, I will change my post, thanks for letting me know.
ReplyDeleteI've been in email correspondence with the Muster organiser and Peter noted that AREC had many positive comments about the food. Peter also notes that AREC catered for the sausage sizzle and this also received compliments and requests for information on where to obtain the sausages.
ReplyDeleteEveryone's food tastes differ and the above are my thoughts and those of my groups.
AREC who did an absolutely sterling job at organising the Muster as my post indicates and we will be returning again next year.