The draft itinerary to the right.
This is a start, all options open, will need tweaks.
Tour is currently 13 days (27th Dec – 8 Jan). This is one extra week on top of Xmas-New Year. People need to indicate how long they want to be on the tour, transport to rail/bus connections should be easy with the support vehicles.
The start is currently Ocean Grove, out of Melbourne. May save us some grief, although Beach road seems a cycling favourite (see http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com).
Daily distance very approximate & will depend on where we end up getting accommodation.
Trip could be done in a couple of less days (combine days 3&4, 12&13).
The route does not at this stage go through the Lake Alexandria, Hindmarsh Island etc, (turn off before Meningle). There is a road but suspect its sand/4WD.
Is Mal able and willing to supply a breakfast a la Bilbo Baggins (even if he’s still asleep)? You are fabulous in your organisation, Mark. The distances seem feasible for those of us who are now esteemed citizens of greyer dispositions. I have just bought a small ute, which may be useful if needed. Will ring you. Scott
Xmas Epic 2014 
Fish may fight but if you land ’em
The beach itself will lightly sand ’em.
Now for something half as random,
Twice as heavy: that’s the tandem.
Mal certainly able to provide a hearty breakfast fit for hobbits and others.
Suggest consider riding from Melbourne – mostly cycle paths from the Dandenongs and possibility of suburban train or V-line to cover more ground.
Also very good vineyards in the limestone country in the south of SA as an option to the Coast route.
I’ll follow up a possible place/backyard to stay in Port Fairy.
You will have heard of CheeseWorld. It’s on route near Warrnambool and shouldn’t be missed.
excellent.
If riding from Melb would you suggest clockwise around bay + ferry or anticlockwise?
Cheeseworld definitely worth a stop.
Perhaps into the city via bike trails (50k) – could keep going anticlockwise, or catch the train from Southern Cross to Geelong
Is Mal able and willing to supply a breakfast a la Bilbo Baggins (even if he’s still asleep)? You are fabulous in your organisation, Mark. The distances seem feasible for those of us who are now esteemed citizens of greyer dispositions. I have just bought a small ute, which may be useful if needed. Will ring you. Scott
Mums chasing up possible accommodation in Otways. Any other relative/friends with spare backyards en route?
‘I have emailed Sally Cleary’ Love Mum