Bikes, Bowls & Big Trees by the Birrarung Weekender

UPPER YARRA VALLEY SUMMER RIVERSIDE WEEKEND GETAWAY

FRI FEB 20 to SUN FEB 22

“Doon Reserve is one of the locals’ best kept secrets. The organic flow of the river is shady, gentle and mostly shallow making it a fantastic natural lazy river.”

FRIDAY

Metro train to, or park car at, Lilydale Station.

Catch the 10:41 am LILYDALE train from FLINDERS STREET, arriving Lilydale at 11:33. We will have pre-ride fuel at the nearby Yarra Valley Smokery (96 Main Street), before pedalling off around NOON

A leisurely WARBY TRAIL ride from Lilydale to Yarra Junction (30kms):

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53909466

ALTERNATIVELY, if you can’t make the early Friday afternoon start, you could always ride up from Lilydale later on Friday afternoon or evening, or catch a 683 Warburton bus WITH your bike (see pic). The LAST bus from Lilydale on Fridays departs at 9:45pm. You are also welcome to come up on the Saturday.

I have booked two large, shady, adjoining RIVERFRONT campsites, close to amenities, for two nights at Doon Reserve Caravan Park on the Yarra. Maximum 6 people per site:

https://www.doonreserve.com.au

Cost will be about $60 per person for the TWO nights. If we get the maximum of 12 people, this will bring the two night fee down to around $50 each. I will organise a pop-up gazebo for the site for extra shelter, if space permits.

I have booked a bowling rink from 5:30PM for FRIDAY EVENING BAREFOOT BOWLS at the nearby Yarra Junction Bowling Club, complete with affordable bar, food truck, bbq, and free live music!

SATURDAY

48 km loop ride to the stunning REDWOOD FOREST (with recent amenity upgrades) via the rail trail, Millgrove Market, shady Warburton riverside trails and quiet back roads. Return via O’SHANNASSY AQUEDUCT TRAIL and quiet back roads and trails (70% unsealed):

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53909582

Alternatively, you are welcome to pursue other activities in the area:

https://www.doonreserve.com.au/attractions

or just hang out by the river!

DINNER at a local pub, take away or eatery, or cook up your own in the camp kitchen or bbq.

SUNDAY

Casual return to Lilydale on the rail trail (30 kms)

On the way back to Lilydale, riders might be interested in short side trips to:

https://www.yarravalleywineries.com.au/listing/wineries/seville,seville-east

https://warratinalavender.com.au/visit/ or

https://montdelancey.org.au/event/draught-horse-festival/

You will need to bring tent, sleeping bag and mat, toiletries, swim gear etc. all carried on your suitable bicycle. Caravan park has toilets, showers, and basic camp kitchen, and some basic snack and grocery supplies, etc. BYO breakfasts, camp cooking, camp furniture etc. if you so desire. A couple of floatation devices will be provided for river activities at camp. Plenty of food, beverage, grocery and cafe shop options in the area over the weekend.

Photos and Ride with GPS route maps form part of the ride description.

RIDE REGISTRATION FORM
The form should be available within a day or two of the ride announcement. The link to the form will be seen in the event messages when you RSVP. Please complete it when available.
​
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 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/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.