Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club

 
 
 

MBTC members only!
A ride to rediscover Hartcourt and the Bendigo regional Park. We climb around 200 m on the first 16 k's, after that the terrain undulates a bit, nothing major.
The terrain is mostly sealed (80 %) or good compacted gravel, so bring your in good condition bike, NOT SUITABLE for road bikes with thin tyres, we suggest 30+ mm tyres.
Vline train departs Southern Cross station at 7.01 am, arriving at 8.30 am to Castlemaine, where we may have a coffee to get in the mood.
Trains from Bendigo back to Melbourne ran on the hour or so.
Both journeys require Myki card.
Food wise, it's prudent to take your own food as there're very limited options along the way.
Ride end time is a guesstimate only, so plan your day activities accordingly.
Check route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42301712
We'll keep a steady pace, stopping often to regroup.
No one left behind policy applies.

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, food/snacks, etc.
Suncream; sunglasses; lip balm; hat brim; etc.

Please carry an appropriate amount of water and fill your bidons regularly.

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 MBTC cannot guarantee that my photo will not be published and will promptly honour requests to be removed from MBTC controlled sites.

 
 
 

60km. 900vm. 70% gravel; 15% sealed; 15% rougher tracks. Medium-intermediate. Car based. Pictures form part of the description.

Suitable for most off-road bikes with tyres minimum 1.6”/ 40c with at least some tread or semi-knobby on front. Some short sections of rutted tracks and coarser gravel to deal with. Good fitness, some off-road experience, and the ability to assist in lifting your own bike over some obstacles, gates etc. essential.

Car parking / meeting at the Yellingbo Public Hall / CFA at 9.00am, we’ll head over to the Yellingbo Roadhouse for pre-ride refreshments, then pedal off at 9.30am.

We follow a pipeline track and cross a narrow, 100m long footbridge / gangway into the Yellingbo Conservation Reserve, where we’ll enjoy 6 kms of peaceful bush tracks, before traversing Macclesfield valley and gently climbing quiet back roads and paths to Emerald for a late morning break at a small roadside cafe.

Next, we’ll hopefully liaise to ride alongside Puffing Billy, descending through the beautiful Emerald Lake Park, before joining the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, which we follow all the way through Wrights Forest, Cockatoo, and on to Gembrook, where I’ll book a table for a late lunch at Spencers Store.

Leaving Gembrook, we follow the stunning Ure Road with fantastic ridge-line views, before skirting the western edge of Kurth Kiln Regional Park, then the always scenic, undulating Old Beenak Road back to the Yellingbo Roadhouse for well deserved, post-ride refreshments!

Route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40969412

RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
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.
WATER
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 the day before a 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/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 controlled sites.

 
 
 

There are a whole selection of wineries that we rarely have the opportunity to visit, in the Pyrenee Ranges out in NW Victoria. This is a moderately-paced tour to ensure the chance to visit 2-3 wineries* each day. It covers Easter, but the full-length tour will be a day extra either side of the long-weekend. The land should be gold & green, with scenic blue hills, and lovely autumn weather. The towns are small and iconic with a great deal of historic charm. We will need to carry a fair bit of our supplies for meals each day as supermarkets are pretty scarce, but there are a couple of towns with nice pubs for dinner. The last two night's camps at Elmhurst and Chinaman's Creek are basic camping areas with toilets but no showers.

* Non-wine-fans are still welcome as there are many good reasons to tour this region.

There will be the option for a shorter loop for just Easter long-weekend, commencing from Avoca and returning there, for those who have less time-off-work for the tour. This option would need to be car-based.

This is the planned route.

As this is camping ride plan to carry all suitable gear (tent, sleeping bag, mattress etc) and carry necessary foods, snacks etc.

Note: this ride will be conducted in line with the MBTC Ride Leader Guidelines which can be found here. In particular we will be 'traveling at the pace of the slowest rider' ie. regrouping at junctions and appropriate times. We do not leave riders behind.

RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
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
WATER
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 the day before a 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. 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 controlled sites.

 
 
 

D1: Bairnsdale-Bruthen(34kms) D2:Bruthen-Orbost (65kms) D3: Orbost-Nowa Nowa(38kms) D4: Nowa Nowa -Bairnsdale(53kms) Total for 4 days 190kms
Day 1: Sat 22/4 Depart Southern Cross 7.54am arr. Bairnsdale 11.39am Coffee or early lunch in Bairnsdale, see famous St Mary's church painting, ride rail trail to Bruthen, dinner at pub, overnight at Bruthen camp ground (phone or message Colin[masked]) Greg Ridsdale Memorial caravan park on Tambo river $20-$25 p.p. unpowered site, camp kitchen and shared showers/toilets, also possible indoor accom at Bruthen Inn. Visit Bullant brewery for afternoon refreshment or Cottage Tea rooms for cake or Devonshire teas. Also a bakery and general store.

RwGPS route coming soon

Day2: Sun 23/4 Ride Bruthen rail trail to Orbost caravan camp ground, overnight, camp kitchen, phone[masked] unpowered tent site or maybe cabin accom. Camp ground states that there are no facilities there to re-charge e-bikes.
In Orbost, visit Sailors grave brewery, Forest gallery 2 dinner places, Orbost Club Hotel or The Orbost Club, 2 bakeries, Foodworks supermarket
Extension, early riders might want to do 15kms road ride to Marlo, could also find a spot on the banks of the Snowy River to do stealth, free self-contained camping (no facilities though) If staying at Marlo, various camp options, for you to book your own.

RwGPS route coming soon

Day 3 Mon 24/4 Orbost rail trail to Nowa Nowa. There's a general store, closes 5pm, carry food for dinner, Overnight at Nowa Nowa Caravan Park. https://nowanowacampark.com.au/ at 7 Bridge St (Hall Rd) Nowa Nowa
Stephen Stewart will take individual's bookings via email, for indoor accom, as per caravan, check website nowanowacaravanpark.com.au or will book unpowered tent sites ($27.50 each) when numbers are known. Shared showers and toilets, fully equipped camp kitchen.
Day 4: Tues (25/4) Nowa Nowa to Bairnsdale, cafe open at Mingle Waters for breakfast on Tues am. Early start leaving 7 or 7.30am Tues to arrive in Bairnsdale for the 12.50pm train to SC. Or at a slower, later pace, it's possible to get the 6pm train from Bairnsdale to SC that gets in at 10pm

RwGPS route coming soon

Will book tent sites for group when numbers are clear, or if you prefer indoor accom, then arrange your own or let us know.

Train fare SC to Bairnsdale is a paper ticket A: $39.40 each way C: $19.70
Alternatively one could drive to Bairnsdale for 3 and half hours each way, for a car-based ride.
(myself, maybe others, will book a night in Bairnsdale for Friday night, 21/4)

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
Paper V-line ticket, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, etc

WATER
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 the day before a 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/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 controlled sites.

 
 
 

A base-camp ride, staying in excellent group accommodation done last Queen's Birthday. It was a ride worth repeating. The King's Birthday Weekend this year.

This will be a winter long weekend tour, staying in accommodation at Avenel. We will tour some of the Goulburn Valley wineries, possibly do a loop tour to Hughes Creek, and travel along Upton Rd to Euroa. Distances will be medium, about 50-60km each day, but wine-tasting and short daylight hours may make a slightly speedier riding pace necessary.

Note: this ride will be conducted in line with the MBTC Ride Leader Guidelines which can be found here. In particular we will be 'traveling at the pace of the slowest rider' ie. regrouping at junctions and appropriate times. We do not leave riders behind.

Ride routes may be modified subject to feedback and possibilities. These are routes from 2022.
The initial route plan is here:
Saturday loop tour to Tahbilk: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39189634
Sunday loop tour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39058663
Monday loop tour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39189935

The accommodation is still to be confirmed, but is delightful for winter. It will require a prior commitment paying monies beforehand for about 50% of the cost. I will confirm the accommodation cost later but it was about $60 per person per night last year if I recall. Most rooms are double, some are twin, all with en-suite. A HUGE living space and smallish kitchen (for 20).

Video of the weekend last year is here.

RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
This is to be completed by the day before the ride and can be found at:
www.mbtc.org.au/registration-forms-rider, preferably when you RSVP.

Etiquette: Social pace. We wait for each other to regroup at key navigational points. No one is left behind with a puncture. On the day, if you cannot make the ride please change your RSVP. Recommend bring pump, tools, spare tube, money, phone with my number in it if we get separated, MYKI, and a bike lock. This is an accommodated tour so only light loads need be carried; extra clothing, lunch & snacks, rain gear and personal items. Check your app on the day for any changes. Do bring lights in case we get delayed.

Our club policy is that visitors may do three riding days with us before making the decision to join our club for an annual fee of $25. You can join Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club Inc. at http://www.mbtc.org.au/membership/
Benefits include other rides not listed on Meetup, special event meetings, social events, RWGPS club subscription, etc.

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.