What we’re about
We ride all over Victoria and sometimes beyond, on trips ranging from a few hours to multiple days and covering all kinds of surfaces, levels and places.
Our club has a proud fifty year history.
You can take part in three riding days (RSVP via MeetUp) before deciding to become a full member for $25 per year.
- Read more on our website: www.mbtc.org.au
- Follow us on Facebook or Instagram
What is the Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club?
MBTC brings together like-minded people keen to share their experience. We’re a great club for anyone interested in exploring longer-distance bike travel, including camping and overnighters.
What is bicycle touring?
Bicycle touring (some might call it bikepacking) is all about experiencing the world on two wheels. Scenery, sightseeing and socialising are an integral part of our rides, and we love a good bakery (or cafe or market or pub).
Please be aware that everyone is riding at their own risk and the club does not take responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Solstice, Cider, & Gravel. East Kilmore to Craigieburn. 67km, 760vm. Med/Hard.Kilmore East Railway Station, Kilmore East
WINTER solstice day ride. Point to Point TRAIN or CAR SHUTTLE based. East Kilmore > Darraweit Guim > Craigieburn.
67km, 760vm. 50% sealed, 45% unsealed back roads & laneways, 5% rougher tracks. HILLY, scenic, intermediate, hard.
A good, gravel-worthy geared bike with tyres suited to a wide mix of smooth and rough surfaces (recommended minimum 40mm semi-knobby). Rider skills, experience and fitness to match.
NOT for novices or beginners.Via Monument Hill, past olive plantations, Pretty Sally Hill, Darraweit Valley Cider, Old Sydney Road, Caffe Vista @ Marnong Estate, Mt Ridley Conservation Reserve, Malcolm Creek Linear Park.
TRAIN based: Catch the 7:16 am SEYMOUR interurban service from SOUTHERN CROSS. Myki fare - no reservations. Get in early - bike spaces are usually limited to 5 or 6 on these trains, at conductors discretion:
https://www.vline.com.au/Fares-general-info/Bikes-Luggage-Animals
(If you get enough EARLY notice that there is no room for your bike on the Seymour service, you could catch the 7:00am Craigieburn metro service, and try and get a lift to Kilmore East with car shuttlers)
Alternatively, drive and park at either Kilmore East (ride start) or Craigieburn (ride end) and catch a train to or from.
Another alternative will be to organise car shuttling between the start and finish points (a 39 km, 25 minute drive). As I will be driving from the Yarra Valley, I’ll be looking to do this.
This is the shortest day of the year, hence the early start. Bring lights and suitable seasonal clothing.
With a few stops planned for food, drinks and sightseeing, a fairly swift moving pace will need to be maintained during ride.
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Kilmore Brunch ~ 8:45am @ 3.5km
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Darraweit Lunch ~ Noon @ 34km
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Mickleham Tea ~ 2:30pm @ 53km
Bring water and other food and snacks as required.
We start at 8:15am from the train station straight in to Kilmore for brekky/brunch at the Kilmore Bakery & Cafe.
We wind and weave our way along quiet back roads and laneways; view scenic vistas from Monument & Pretty Sally Hills; descend on winding gravel to Darraweit Guim for LUNCH at the Cidery.
https://dvcider.com.au
After lunch, the ridgeline Old Sydney Road takes us to the outer fringes of Mickleham & Donnybrook, with afternoon TEA at Caffe Vista @ Marnong Estate.
Urban streets, conservation reserves, & lineal creek trails take us through to the end at Craigieburn station, where you can catch a metro train back to Melbourne.
If you need to get back to your car at the start from Craigieburn by train, interurban Seymour trains depart at 2:24, 3:44, 5:04 and 6:04pm and take about 30 minutes to get to Kilmore East.
Photos and RidewithGPS route form part of ride description.
Ride route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51032664
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, 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 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.
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- Rushall-Eiffel Tower-Southern Cross, 44 kms, Easy/BeginnersRushall Railway Station, Melbourne
Everybody's welcome! Non MBTC members need to join club at third ride with us, ask us how!
An easy ride aimed to leisure cyclists with a stop at the famous cake shop "Eiffel Tower", where you can order your cake for your incoming birthday!
Please bring your own food, drinks and plenty of water for the day.
Ride end time is a guesstimate only.
Check route here (give or take a couple of wrong turns): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51272539
The route is 98% sealed, mostly on bike paths, and the terrain is pretty easy to navigate with no climbs.
So bring your, in good condition, bike, we suggest 32+ mm tires.
We'll keep a steady pace, stopping often 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.
- Seymour, to Murchison Riverside CP base camp.Baracca Lane, Seymour
If you are planning on staying in accommodation at Murchison Riverside CP it would be wise to book a cabin now as I would expect the Grand Final weekend to be very busy.
If you are not wanting a tent site because you booked accommodation could you please communicate this to Liz.
We will do 2 nights in Murchison then return to Seymour.
We will be staying at the Murchison Riverside CP.
https://www.murchcaravanpark.com.au/
On the Friday morning we'll depart Baracca Lane Café opposite Seymour Station, 9am-ish.
Apparently train timetables for the Friday public holiday will be available by August 1.
We’ll follow the Yellow Belly Trail to Murchison Riverside camping ground with a short diversion just before Murch to Longleat Estate winery.
Dinner at Railway Hotel.
Route can be viewed on Ride with GPS.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50946913
On the Saturday we'll take the brand new rail trail to picture post card Rushworth.
There is a camp kitchen at the CP or you can visit Murchison Bakery for brekky.
We'll have an early lunch at Gus and Ollies cafe, Rushworth.
https://www.facebook.com/gusandollies/
Then we'll head south to explore historic Whroo then a circuit back to Murch.
The route can be viewed on ride With GPS:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51045928
On the Sunday we'll do the murch Seymour route in reverse.
The route can be viewed on Ride With GPS:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51045956
