Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail (79km 770m Intermediate) + easier option

Hi,

I am looking to finally knock over the full Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and back. This is approx. 79Km and 770m of climbing! So it's at least an intermediate level. We are not aiming to set any speed records, but regardless it is not one of our typical cruisy sat morning ride! It'll be a big, but thoroughly enjoyable day out!

We will kick off from Lilydale station and follow the trail around to the bus depot where the rail trail properly starts. After a near U turn behind the school, we tackle the worst climb of the trail - approx. 5km of moderate climbing up to Mt Evelyn. It won't be a race, everyone can do their own thing up the climb and we will wait and regroup at the top!

From here there is some downhill respite (ish!) for about 13km as we hit the halfway mark to Warburton where its a gradual incline up to Warby!

Here we will stop for lunch, possibly at the bakery but the choice is yours, and head down to the river to eat and rest. After a break we will start out return journey. Probably stop for a quick refreshment if people need it at the Seville Carriage Cafe before starting the climb to Mt Evelyn before cruising down the other side back into Lilydale!

See the RWGPS map here:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53922740

See pin here:

Meet just outside Lilydale station in the East side carpark.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5b4fS1bZvDDJjuKQ6

There is a train from the CBD that arrives at 8.15am (departs 7.06am from Flinders on the Lilydale line) providing there are no disruptions nearer the time!

• SHORTER VERSION:

For those keen to do this ride, but feel they are not quite up to it, I will be meeting Dave on route at Wandin North. This will shorten the ride to approx. 55Km and 485m of climbing, most importantly, avoiding the climb to Mt Evelyn in both directions. If wanting to do this version, please state it in a comment below.

Wandin Nth is just under 12km from Lilydale, so I'm thinking circa 45-60 mins ride. Meet Dave about 9.15am, aiming for a 9.30am kick off from Wandin. (If we get there sooner than this and everyone is ready we will kick on!)

Another option is starting at Lilydale and ride to Warburton, and catch the bus back. The buses have a bike rack for 2 bikes at a time. I (assume) its an ever hour service so it's at your own risk as to whether there will be room on the bus if its busy!

See RWGPS map here:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50072730

Start location - Wandin North Trail Info Hub. See pin here:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/N4cCDxbnejmSvr6P8

At the moment the forecast looks TBC

Hopefully see you all there for a lovely day out!

Dave will be on a black/grey Merida hybrid with rear pannier, Harvey will be on a black Giant gravel bike

YOUR BIKE

Suitable for most well maintained bike. It will be almost all good quality gravel, so pretty much any bike that isn't a full skinny slick road ride!

Note: End time is a guesstimate only

ESSENTIAL ITEMS

Spare tube, puncture kit, pump, basic tools - good to have with you.
Rain & warm gear (according to conditions)
Plenty of water for the distance especially if it's going to be hot! Always better to have too much than enough!
Check your app for any changes the night before, and on the day of the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

If you realise you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' immediately even if you are still on the Waitlist.

"Liability Waiver:
The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being. By joining this event, you agree to this liability waiver."
Please just ride with some courtesy, use your bell/call out when required passing people, single file on narrow sections, blind corners etc just common sense.