This mostly flat course runs alongside the original railway route between Heathcote and Bendigo, which linked the two towns from 1888 until 1956. The path weaves past cellar doors, cafes, restaurants, natural bushland and waterways for 50 kilometres. It’ll take you about three or four hours on two wheels, depending on your pace and number of stops. For your first pause, take the “back door” entrance to the Meehan Vineyard cellar door, straight off the track. Next, continue on to Armstead Estate, a small minimal-intervention winery skirting Lake Eppalock. The halfway point on the map is Axedale Tavern, which offers a chance to refuel with a classic pub meal before the second leg of the journey. You can bring your own bike or hire one in Bendigo and drop it off in Heathcote.