Castlemaine-Maldon-Maryborough, 58 kms, Intermediate/Hard

MBTC members only!

The Castlemaine to Maldon Trail has everything that you want on a bike ride: gravel; bitumen; climbs; bush; historical places; bakeries; etc.

Although we rode it a couple of months ago and found it to be a challenging trail with some surface rocks, a bit of mud and some puddles.

Maldon itself is notable for its historical architecture preserved from the days of the gold rush and its quaint shops and attractions.

Maryborough is a pretty town with notable architecture, starting with the railway station to the imposing hotels and other public places.

The terrain is mostly unsealed (52 %) so bring your, in good mechanical condition, bike.

You need good bicycling skills and a bike to go with it, a bit of endurance/stamina will also help.

NOT SUITABLE for road bikes with thin tires, we suggest 32 mm and over tires.

As you can appreciate from the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43383360

the terrain is constantly changing from peaks to troughs, so I reckon it's a difficult ride, but we'll make concessions by stopping often to catch our breadth. No one left behind policy applies.

Vline train departs Southern Cross station at 7.40 am, arriving at 9.26 am to Castlemaine, where we may have a coffee to get in the mood.

There is one afternoon service from Maryborough back to Melbourne leaving at 3.17 pm, so we need to get to destination before this time cut out, we'll be aiming to end the ride by 2.30 pm or earlier so we can explore Maryborough a bit.

Food wise, it's prudent to take your own food as there're very limited options along the way, although Maldon offers some places to eat.

Ride end time is a guesstimate only, so plan your day activities accordingly.

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.