- Marshall - Chocolaterie- Waurn Ponds, 54 kms, Intermediate/ExperiencedMarshall Station, Marshall, VI
Financial MBTC members welcome!
This is an exploratory ride and an extension of a ride we did a few weeks ago (that is, we may need to alter the route or walk, if we can't cycle in some sections due to bikes not allowed or terrain not suitable for riding).
As soon as we get to Torquay, we'll jump on the Surf-Coast Walk passing Jan Juc and Bells Beach trying to get to Point Addis road, then we start on the way back along quiet, mostly gravel roads.
Hopefully, this time we won't be challenged by the Scout leaders near Eumerella camp!
Food wise, we recommend that you bring your own food, drinks and plenty of water, although a reliable source tells us that the milkshakes at Chocolaterie are delicious.
Vline train leaves Southern Cross at 7.50 am
We'll stop for a coffee and a bite at Torquay (16 k mark) and lunch at Chocolaterie, we also have the option to stop for a bite at Freshwater Creek (46 k mark) on the way back
Ride end time is a guesstimate only, so plan your day activities accordingly.
Check route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46026141
The route is mostly sealed (61%) and the terrain, in some sections, present some challenges with soft sand; loose gravel, tree roots, wash-outs, etc.
So bring your in good condition bike, NOT SUITABLE for bikes with thin tires, we suggest 35+ mm tires.
We'll keep a steady pace (20-24 k/hr), with short stops to regroup.
No one left behind policy applies, but you need to keep yourself properly fueled and hydrated through the ride. A healthy breakfast will also help you to keep up with the riding group.RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
This is to be completed when you RSVP and can be found at:
www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider.ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Functioning front & tail light, spare tube and a puncture kit
MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, etc.
Suncream; sunglasses; lip balm; hat brim; etc.Check your app for any changes the day before a the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
If you can not make it to the ride, please change your RSVP to 'NO' at your earliest opportunity.When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.
- Warragul - Mt Worth Loop (65 km, 971 vm, intermediate / experienced)WARRAGUL RAILWAY STATION, Warragul
A scenic loop ride through the hill-country south of Warragul, visiting Seaview, Mt Worth, Allambee, and Yarragon.
Mt Worth is 507m above sea level, 15 km from Warragul about 105 km from Melbournes CBD.
Grade: Intermediate/Experienced
65 km distance, 971 vertical metres. All on road including 22 km unsealed road, namely Grand Ridge road & MacDonalds track. Sections of the C425 Warragul - Korumburra road may be busy.
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26812249
If time permits we may take a short side trip to look at Seaview Mechanics Institute and have a break in Yarragon for afternoon tea.
This ride is for MBTC club members. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership
Warragul is accessible by train on the Traralgon line. Trains run approximately hourly. The timetable is available from https://www.vline.com.au/Timetables/Train-coach-timetables
Meet in the carpark on the south side of Warragul railway station at 9:30 am to meet the 07:54 train from Southern Cross. We will then go to 'The Coffee Pod' about 600m to the south near the corner of Howitt and Burke Streets.
RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
This will be available within a day of the ride being announced. Preferably it is to be completed when you RSVP, but no later than the day before the ride. It can be found at
https://www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider.
RIDER COMPETENCIES
- While we aim to ride in areas of minimal traffic, you need to be competent riding a bicycle in traffic, following the road rules.
- Ride unsealed roads with a loose surface, pot holes, corrugations and ruts.
- Plan to be self-sufficient - there are no shops and limited services outside of Warragul and Yarragon. Yarragon has an hourly train service that allows you to bail out.
- Better than average fitness is required to ride a bicycle 65 km in an area of hilly terrain.
- Basic bicycle maintenance skills. You are expected to conduct routine pre-start safety checks, adjust the bicycle fit and repair punctures.
- The ability to navigate the route is desirable, alternatively you can follow the ride leader, we will re-group regulary to avoid people getting lost. Remember to bring your mobile phone.
EQUIPMENT
You need a road-worthy bicycle that fits you and is capable of riding up and down hills on unsealed surfaces.
Highly geared, narrow tyred road bikes are not suitable for this ride.
Be self-sufficient for the day, carry enough food, water (typically 1.5 L) and suitable clothes including wet weather gear.
Bring functional lights and basic tools. Don't forget your phone, sunglasses, helmet, gloves and sun cream.
FINALLY
Please check Meetup for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
This ride is for MBTC club members and those who have not yet completed 3 riding days with the club. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership
If you cannot attend the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' at least one day before the start of the day.
DISCLAIMER
When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.
- Warby trail in Autumn, 80 kms (Intermediate)Lilydale, Lilydale, VI
We expect to see more sun, due to forecast of warmer winters.
Ride the iconic Warburton Rail Trail. This is of medium difficulty (the full length has a steady incline) and approximately 80Km return to Lilydale Rail Station or it could be shorter, depending where one turns around to return to Lilydale. Compacted gravel all the way.
The train departing Richmond Station at 7.19am arrives at Lilydale at 8.15am.
We will be leaving Lilydale Station for the trail at 8.30am.
Several possibilities for morning tea and afternoon tea on the way.
Many possibilities for lunch at Warburton, but a picnic lunch by the river is refreshing.
This can be train or a car based ride, your choice.
Cars can be parked at Lilydale station, where we meet at8:30 for start. First stop for coffee would be Mt Evelyn Bakery, 7kms after steady incline.
Any well maintained bike would be OK.
There are ample parking spots near the station if you wish to drive to starting/finishing point.Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27889875
RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
Complete the form RSVP. It can be found at
https://www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider.ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Functioning headlight & tail light
Spare tube and a puncture kit
MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, etcWATER
It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances.Check your app for any changes two hours before a day ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
If you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' within a reasonable time.
This ride is for MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done 3 days riding with us. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership
When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC
- Gunbower Forest Tour - 220km; Grade - Beginner/IntermediateSwan Hill, Swan Hill
This mid-week tour is an extended camping tour, taking advantage of the warmer, drier days of the north-west of the state, to ride some very flat country following the Murray River, with 40% of the ride being through the reg-gum forests of Gunbower Island. We should see plenty of wildlife, pass a few lakes, and visit some lesser known small towns along the route. The roads are all generally low traffic with some long sections of gravel roads, generally in good condition.
Departure from Melbourne - 7.40am Swan Hill train. A paper ticket must be booked for this.
Day 1 - A half day ride (after the train journey) to Lake Boga camping at the caravan park. 21km.
Day 2 - Lake Boga to Fish Point, Murrabit then into Kerang. Caravan Park camping. 75km.
Day 3 - Kerang to Koondrook, then into the Gunbower Forest on gravel roads and tracks. Bush camp at a riverside hut. 82km.
Day 4 - On through forest to the Torumbarry Weir, then out of the forest in pasture-lands we cross the Murray Valley Highway and take a back-road route into Echuca via Wharparilla. 54km.
Return from Echuca on the afternoon train (3.15pm)
An alternative may be to stay the day in Echuca to visit the Pioneer Museum and take a train to Melbourne on the Thursday.The route for this tour is here.
RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
This will be available within a day of the ride being announced. Preferably it is to be completed when you RSVP, but no later than the day before the ride. It can be found at
https://www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider.ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Functioning headlight & tail light
Spare tube and a puncture kit
MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, etc
Camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, stove, cooking and eating utensils and even toilet paper for our bush camp.
WATERIt's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances.
Check Meetup for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
If you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' at least one day before the ride day.
This ride is for MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done 3 days riding with us. To join our club check out https://www.mbtc.org.au/membershipNo 'splitters' please. We expect to all ride together for the duration of the ride, in line with club riding policy. If you need to leave on Tuesday to attend your a family function on Wednesday, or get home early for a work function, perhaps this is not a ride for you. We shall see you on another ride that suits you better.
When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.
- Mernda - Darebin , 35 kms, Easy/BeginnersMernda Train Station, Mernda
Everybody's welcome!
Visitors can ride with us up to three times after that you need to join the club, ask the ride leader how.
Train leaves Flinders St. Station at 8.09 am arriving at 9.10 am, on arrival well go to the coffee shop adjacent to the train station to fuel up.
Melbourne terrain is pretty flat but there are some vantages points where one can look at the city from above.
Some of those are located in the Northern suburbs and this route covers most of them.
Just to mention a few: Granite Hills Park; Eagle Lookout; Soaring Shelter; Landing Shelter; Darebin Creek Lookout and Mount Cooper Lookout
Food wise, we strongly recommend that you bring your own food, drinks and plenty of water, but our lunch stop at Latrobe University has many cheap and healthy eateries to choose from.Check route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46321758
The route is mostly on bike paths, but you need to be confident to ride on most surfaces/situations.
So, bring your in good condition bike, NOT SUITABLE for bikes with thin tires, we suggest 30+ mm wide tires.We'll keep a sedate pace (20-22 k/hr), stopping often to regroup.
No one left behind policy applies, but you need to keep yourself properly fueled and hydrated through the ride and be considerate of the group by not taking unnecessary phone calls or engage in other disruptive activities. A healthy breakfast will also help you to keep up with the riding group.RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
This is to be completed when you RSVP and can be found at:
www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider.ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Functioning front & taillight, spare tube and a puncture kit
MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, etc.
Suncream; sunglasses; lip balm; hat brim; etc.Check your app for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
If you cannot make it to the ride, please change your RSVP to 'NO' at your earliest opportunity.When I RSVP for this event/activity I acknowledge that the activity of bicycle riding can be dangerous and that I may suffer loss or injury or death and I agree that in consideration of my participation in any event conducted by the MBTC that I will absolve from liability the MBTC, its officers, and any event organiser from all claims, demands, or suits whether for personal injury or property loss suffered whether by negligence or breach of contract or otherwise, save for any right I may have pursuant to the Australian Consumer law. I acknowledge that photos may be taken of me during MBTC rides and social events, and that it is club practice that these photos will be published on Meetup, Facebook, and the club website. I will notify the ride leader and other riders if I wish to not be photographed. MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.
- 2024 AGM, Faith Hunter guest Speaker, Live Music, Exciting Door Prize.Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, Fitzroy North, VI
2024 Bike Club AGM.
A day to celebrate this great bike club as we select and declare a new committee.
Faith Hunter, Live music, exciting door prize.
BYO cup, the venue doesn't supply cups to go with the drinks and yummy food that is provided.
New venue: North Fitzroy Library Community Room. Bargoonga Njangin.
Inspirational Guest Speaker, Faith Hunter will be Guest Speaker.
Faith will talk about 'Warm Showers', about joining Warm Showers while arriving in Merton on the Mansfield rail trail, too tired to put up a tent at the end of a long day of cycling.
About the 'truth is stranger than fiction' circumstances that catapulted the family into cycle touring in the Netherlands.
About becoming a Warm Showers host during her son's teenage years.
About a program with Yarra BUG that includes Muslim women who see cycling as an essential part of Ramadan.
Also the amazing story of women cycling, starting with the crazy brave women cyclists of the 1890's, one of whom carried a gun.... only in America of course.
Following the talk by Faith Hunter AGM business will be conducted with all committee positions being declared open and new committee members nominated, and a vote for any contested positions.
Could things get exciting this year?
*BYO cup*.
Yummy food and drink.
Following the AGM business your favourite live muso's Andy Colville, formerly of the Bushwackers on guitar and Phil Corser also on guitar will jam Folk and Rock Classics.
Join their superb harmonies and sing along with them.
Plenty of nearby Fitzroy cafes where you can grab a coffee or warming glass of wine, such as Piccante.
https://www.instagram.com/cafe_piccante/?hl=en
Alternately, arrive early before the event and have a picnic at the Edinburgh Gardens BBQ's, 20 metres from the venue.
If you are going to have a lunch BBQ before hand bring a camp chair because the Edinburgh Gardens picnic area is very popular.
The North Fitzroy Community Room is an amazing new venue, the same place as the 'BYO favourite camping stuff Summer Meeting' a month or so ago.
Big window's facing north and a protected roof top garden.
Please don't hesitate to leave leave a comment if you have any questions, queries or issues...... or if I've forgotten any important detail.