Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail Ride: Ballarat to Linton Return (~80km)

Join me for a full-day rail trail ride on the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail. For this trip, I’m planning to ride the Ballarat to Linton section and then return the same way. The trail is a high-standard rail trail with a predominantly crushed granite surface, and the Ballarat to Smythesdale and Smythesdale to Linton sections are listed as 20km and 17km respectively, so this plan works out to roughly 75–80km return once station access is included.

We’ll meet at 6:45am at V/Line Tickets and Information, Southern Cross Station, then catch the 7:15am train from Southern Cross. For the return, there are multiple Sunday train options from Wendouree, including 6:37pm, 7:17pm, 8:12pm and 9:17pm, so we can decide on the day depending on pace, breaks, and how the group is feeling.

This ride is best suited to people with reasonable fitness who are comfortable riding at least 80km at around 15km/h. Please only RSVP if you are confident with that distance and pace. As this is an unsealed crushed-granite rail trail, a bike suitable for rail trail riding is recommended.

More information about the trail here: https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/ballarat-skipton-rail-trail/

Related YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5HYaaDir8M

What to bring
Helmet, front and rear lights, puncture repair kit, enough water, and lunch. Please also dress according to the forecast and expected conditions on the day.

Important notes
This event is weather dependent and will not go ahead if rain is forecast. It is also dependent on V/Line train availability and may need to be cancelled if there are coach replacements, major timetable changes, or other disruptions. . V/Line also notes that bicycles can be carried on trains only if space is available, and for Ballarat services bike space is generally limited and subject to conductor discretion.