Thornbury - Hurstbridge Loop (93km, +1078vm)

*Rolling hills and some steeper ones *
A ride we did with a former leader, Mark, some years ago.

Ride: Starting at Thornbury we roll along through Ivanhoe and Heidelberg into a few short climbs of Lower Plenty before continuing along to Eltham. From here we head north via the suburban back roads to Diamond Creek where we take the beautiful Broad Gully Rd into Hurstbridge for a tasty lunch. After the break we climb up and over Panton Hill into Watsons Creek for some country laneways before heading back towards Eltham and returning to Thornbury via Watsonia.
Suitable for competent road riders with good climbing legs.

Map, Profile & GPS files: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20926475 *
* Actual route may vary on the day.
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/4/0/b/600_460713803.jpeg

Getting there: The 8:52 am Mernda train from Flinders St (Plat 1) arrives at Thornbury at 9:22 am. If driving, allow time for congestion on High St, for example.
If everyone is there early, we can leave early.
Finish time is a guess.

Target Group: Suits Upper Intermediates and above.
Conventional road bikes only. You should enjoy a bit of climbing and be capable of riding up extended hills without stopping. Some steep gradients >10% are along this ride. Nothing extreme, though.

If you only have time for half the ride then you are welcome to catch the train back from Hurstbridge (depart every 40 minutes)

Speed: 25-30 on the flat. (Typical speeds not average)

Etiquette: We wait for each other at the top of the main climbs and at major way points. Nobody gets left behind with a puncture.

Bring: Spare tube(s), tools, water, sunscreen, Myki, snacks and energy bars, cash/card for coffee/lunch and emergencies. Emergency contact details with you. See below. (Just in case)

Contact: Neil on 0419 560 409, please place my number into your phone

*Photo: Carters Lane (steeper than it looks) - by Lee (March '21)

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS : Please ensure you have these on you in case of a medical emergency. ie Family member's name, phone number and relationship (eg, Sister). Written down preferably and with your personal items that you carry so it can be found by emergency personnel. You'll find a link to a template in our Meetup homepage (browser) down in the discussion area.

"All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"