We don’t normally associate the BVRT with emerald green – it’s more often a bit brown and dusty. An early start from Linville after the recent rains on Saturday was well rewarded. The air was cool, the trail was in tip top condition, and the country was just so green it was almost blinding. Terrific ride up to Blackbutt and back. The pies are better at Blackbutt Bakery when you’ve earned it with a long climb up the range.

We started at 6.00 am and finished at 10.00 am. Anything later then that would have been just too hot and humid.