dotheyarravalley.com.au

Seeing people recover from adversity has a tremendously uplifting affect.

The World’s Longest Lunch held at Maryton Park Bed & Breakfast Country Cottages was the culmination of a concept that began way back in 2002. Last years event was canceled due to the fires, so this years event was the Marysville communities way of saying, “we’re back!” Thanks to the support of Tony and Penni Thompson(Maryton Park), the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, sponsors, friends and neighbors, the event was a fantastic success.

They were so back in the action, that Internationally renowned chef Jamie Oliver interrupted his commitments to drop in for a glass of wine, nibble and a chat with the locals. See what Jamie had to say in our video coverage below.

The Premier of Victoria, John Brumby was also on hand to offer his encouragement and support for the day. Mr Brumby highlighted the importance of Yarra Valley tourism in the regions recovery.

We spoke to many of the locals including Wendy Oates, Treasurer of the organising committee who said, “the event was an opportunity for people in the area to continue to move forward and leave the tragedies of the past behind them.”

What was on the menu:

Canape’s – presented by Holmesglen Rural Learning Centre – Chef: Rolfh Ammann.

Entree’ – presented by Maryton Park B&B – Chef Tony Thompson assisted by Chef Steve Penalosa-Munoz from Lake Mountain Alpine Resort

Mains – presented by My Chef Mike – Chef: Michael Jaeger &
Ruffy Produce Store – Chef: Nigel Robinson

Dessert – presented by Marysville Patisserie – Chefs: Ashraf and Christine Doos

For listings of regional producers visit www.uge.asn.au

For listings of regional cool climate wines visit  www.uppergoulburnwine.org.au

For listings of Olive growers, Olive oil and products visit www.goulburnstrathbogieolives.com.au

If you love all things 4WD, then Wandin is the place to be!  Especially on the 21st of February!

The Victorian 4WD show is an annual event that has been running for 32 years.  According to Dennis, the shows Media Co-ordinator, “it is the largest outdoor 4WD show in Victoria and possibly Australia”. The show provides a great opportunity to experience the latest accessories, motor vehicles, campers and modifications available to 4WDrivers.  There’s a large contingent of local 4WD Clubs to answer questions and provide information about what the clubs have on offer.

Watch our Web Video to get a taste of this years show.

For those new to 4WDriving you can watch how expert drivers approach various 4WD situations/techniques as they use winches, cross ditches, ridges to show the audience the versatility of these great vehicles.

The kids have not been forgotten either with free train rides, a jumping castle, rock climbing wall all supervised and FREE!!

And of course there is the crowd favourite – the 4WD Adventure Track where you can see Standard and modified vehicles being used across a variety of terrain. Some of their antics are amazing!

Special thanks to:

Allan Spencer & Jade Olney from the Central Victoria Axemens Association.
Eddie, Nick and Lucy for appearing in the Web Video.

Just Cycle Yarra Valley is a new recreational cycling event which will take place in Victoria’s beautiful Yarra Valley on Sunday 11th April 2010.

The event features two courses, a 45km recreational ride highlighting the picturesque Yarra Valley and a 120km Nemisis challenge featuring Mount Donna Buang.

More than just another recreational ride, Just Cycle Yarra Valley offers a complete entertainment experience for cycling enthusiasts, friends and family with a day of fun activities and live music amongst the vines of Yarra Valley’s Rochford Wines.

The ride is expected to attract around 2000 riders, with an additional 2000 people expected for the post-ride festivities at Rochford Wines. Three times Olympic Gold Medalist, Drew Ginn the event Ambassador is looking forward to the event and is expecting to see a fantastic turnout.

For  more information visit justcycle.com.au

With the opening of Lake Mountain’s Granite Grind Loop the Resort is set to become Victoria’s New Mountain Biking destination of choice in 2010.

To celebrate the completion of the new 9km intermediate trail the Resort is hosting it’s first ever Mountain Biking event – The Granite Grind on February 20th 2010.

Download the 2010 results [here]

If you love mountain biking, road cycling or just want to show your support for the local community that was devastated by the 2009 fires, then I strongly recommend you head to Lake Mountain Resort on Saturday 20th February 2010.

Please check out the images taken at the trail building working bee held by the resort on the 30th January 2010.

If you are a bike rider you may also enjoy the following stories:

Warburton Rail TrailO’Shannassy TrailThe Cog Bike Cafe

If you are someone with a passion for all things Equestrian then you should circle February the 6th and 7th on your calendars. Every year for 107 years, riders have been loading up their floats and heading to Yarra Glen for this two day event. The event showcases some of the best horses and riders from around the country and is used as a qualifier for the Royal Melbourne Show.

The event is held at the Yarra Glen and Lilydale Hunt club which offers some of the most spectacular views of the Yarra Valley to be had anywhere. If you are a photographer or someone who just appreciates seeing immaculately groomed horses riding against the backdrop of the majestic Yarra Valley then you’ve just got to visit this event. For a taste of what it’s all about watch our video story below. We apologise for the audio quality in the interviews, the wind was extreme and our microphones were struggling to cope.

The focus of this show is definitely the horses, however they still run the traditional Rich Fruit Cake, Knitting and Quilting competitions. According to the President, Linda Brooks, they are “working at making the show larger and more diverse in terms of what’s on offer.”

Proceeds from this years show are being donated to Yering Primary School to help with the purchase of much needed school equipment.