MORE than 1500 bike riders, who survived a deluge of biblical proportions between Paynesville and Sale in East Gippsland have been the beneficiaries this time of another biblical event - the parting of the waters 

After surviving such heavy rain, across three days, from Paynesville to Sale, that police had to ban young riders under 18 years from even riding on one of the days, due to the potentially dangerous conditions on the road, the biggest disruption loomed on Saturday 

With the huge bunch of riders finally starting to dry out as they crossed the flooded Tarra River on one side of Yarram, before enjoying that town’s hospitality overnight on Friday night, unbeknown to many, the bulging Albert River on the other side of town, at Alberton, was already over the South Gippsland Highway and rising fast on an incoming tide.

In excess of 300mm of rain had fallen in the Strzelecki rangers above Yarram in the previous days, and while a steady stream of riders arrived in Yarram, the stream of water  out of the hills were forcing flood waters higher.

Some locals said the South Gippsland Highway could easily be open however by early Saturday morning and that’s how it has turned out with the Albert River falling enough on the tide to allow organisers of the GVBR to announce at breakfast today Saturday that Fish Creek was back on the menu - the road was open.

It was a far cry from the contingency announced at dinner time at the Yarram Recreation Reserve on Friday evening.

“Due to the continual heavy rain, the road to Fish Creek is currently flooded and has been temporarily closed. As a result, we have two options for Saturday and Sunday December 2 and 3,” said organisers.

“Plan A, if the flood subsides overnight and the road is re-opened, the event will continue as planned with a delayed start time of 8.30 - 9.30am.

“Plan B: We stay in Yarram and do a loop ride (Yarram to Won Wron to Port Albert and back to Yarram) with a delayed start time of 8.30 - 9.30am. “This will also mean that there will be no riding on Sunday, December 3 and transport options will depart from Yarram, including free-of-charge transport for riders who have cars in the long-term carpark.

“We appreciate all the incredible support and understanding of the Fish Creek community, in addition to the continued hospitality of the Yarram community.

“Thank you so much for sticking with us and for your understanding and willingness to adapt to these changes. Riders will receive an SMS and the event website will be updated by 8am on Saturday with the finalised plan.”

So, while the organisers had to scramble again to get the ride back on track, with unseasonal rainfall playing havoc, the news is good for business operators along the road between Yarram, Fish Creek and finally Wonthaggi with the riders cleared to finish the ride with a two day run through South Gippsland and Bass Coast 

Alls well that ends well