Hogans Road Fire

Hogans Road Fire

Like many other families who live in the Victorian bush we left home several times due to bushfire during summer 2009.  The most significant in our region was the Muskvale Hogans Road fire which was spotting only a short distance from home prior to a wind change.

I took this photo on a hill near our place, just after the fire had started. It burnt for a number of weeks.

Hogans Road Fire from hill near our place

Hogans Road Fire from hill near our place

Nine months on and with summer not that far off again I thought it was about time to head back into the area effected by the Hogans Road ride, which was also used in last year’s 6 hour Cyclic Navigator.

Hogans Road Fire, 9 months later

Hogans Road Fire, 9 months later

As far as fires go it burnt relatively cool, but surprisingly visible regrowth after all that time (and rain) is minimal.

Hogans Road Fire, 9 months later

Hogans Road Fire, 9 months later

The fire has exposed many old mine shafts, which I guess is good and bad!

Exposed mines

Exposed mines

What were once trails winding through thick forest…

Hogans Road Fire, 9 months later

Hogans Road Fire, 9 months later

dddd

Hogans Road Fire, 9 months later

Riding out through the blackened fire perimeter into the nearby super fresh greens of the unburnt forest is surreal and intense.

Straight into lush green!

Straight into lush green!

There are a number of interesting structures left over from the mining days including an old two level wooden bridge – footbridge, rail bridge across the top, water below.

Old two level (foot and rail) wooden bridge

Old two level (foot and rail) wooden bridge

And fun single track right along the lake’s edge.

Single track by the lake

Single track by the lake's edge

End of the ride for today at the lake viewing platform.

Lake viewing platform

End of the ride, lake viewing platform

It won’t be too long and it’ll be hot enough to swim!

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2 Responses to “Hogans Road Fire”

  1. Agnes says:

    Wow, I was looking through your pictures — you have some great places to ride! The 36er guni looks sweet.

  2. admin says:

    Agnes the 36′er GUni was a sweet thing for sure, but TBH for my riding which is all off road I’m enjoying the 24 Guni much more… LOVE IT!

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