The Gold Rush Trail Ride took in the region of Ballarat and surrounds.  Three members made their properties available and as such the ride had 3 camps over the course of the 10 days.  

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After a soggy and cold start on the eve of the ride at Shane & Kelli Jewell's property in Smythesdale, the autumn sun arrived and we were treated to some great trails through the surrounding forest.  The irony being the day before the ride began bush fires beckoned close to the Jewell's property off the back of a very dry hot summer. The weather in Victoria can change very quickly.

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With some 170 people in attendance over the 10 days, it was a large gathering of horses, vehicles, and horse-drawn carts.  This year we saw the provisioning of showers, toilets, feed drops, raffles, dinners, musicians and bands all of which were exceptionally covered by the hard working committee and many additional volunteers.

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The second camp saw us move 20km to the south of Smythesdale where we set up camp at John Brady's farm at Enfield, where we were somewhat secluded in the Enfield Park.  The riding was steady and in parts very scenic.  The group managed to combine nightly drinking and socialising with ease as we took over the fire in the central camping pavilion - you'd think we've had years of experience of such behaviour!

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The last leg of the ride saw the group move camp to Michael and Naomi Bysouth's farm at Meridith 24km to the east.  It was a wagon train of vehicles, packing up camp together and heading off to the next destination in unison.  We then explored the trails of the Moorabool river and surrounding countryside.  Throw in a navigation ride, film nights, fully catered dinner, BBQ lunch and a band for dancing and you can appreciate the sense of fun had by all.

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Money raised over the course of this year's 10 Day Ride was for the benefit of the local CFA Brigades who do a great job each summer watching over our communities.

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Thanks for another great year.

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