What we’re about
About Us ... plus information on how to support us: (Expand to read more)
Melbourne Cycling was founded on Meetup in 2008 and still going strong. We organise recreational bike rides several times a week around Melbourne and beyond, thanks to our volunteer leaders, and all for free*
- *Members can voluntarily donate $5 annually if you wish to offset our expenses which are mostly the fee that Meetup charges to the Organiser. (That charge was $A550, including GST plus an Int'l Visa credit card fee, in January '25 )
- See down below how to pay, thanks.
We lead group rides along metropolitan roads and bike paths and sometimes travel further out of town for country road-rides, rail trails and weekends away.
Please scroll our Past Meetups page for an insight into what we've been doing lately or browse the Calendar for past and future events. New rides are announced to members by email and iPhone and Android apps and also show in the Notifications page so you can RSVP Yes to reserve a place . (No need to respond with "No" unless cancelling your attendance )
Rides do vary in speed, cycling fitness level, terrain and distance so there will be something for most. Anticipated ride speeds and distances will usually be in the meetup event title so you can choose to attend rides by matching your riding style and ability to the ride leader's event description.
Beginners / novices will find the slower and shorter rides more suitable and more advanced riders can find longer and hilly rides to go harder / longer / faster, etc.
Between all our ride leaders (ie Event Hosts) there are usually enough rides posted for each weekend to suit everyone if weather conditions permit.
If you would like to try leading any rides then let me (Neil Griffiths) know in person or contact me via Meetup secure messages, please.
IMPORTANTLY: If joining, please use a real name on your account. This is a matter of trust as you'll be meeting real people (so keep it real) and answer all five joining questions.
If you would like to add a short bio to the five membership answers it would the leaders quite a lot. (Edit that on your Melbourne Cycling Meetup Profile)
We do require a recognisable profile picture of yourself and Meetup has recently ceased supporting different member profile images for each group you join, so endeavour to upload a clear photo of yourself you think is suitable for all purposes.
Whenever you RSVP to our rides it is up to you to keep across any changes to the event by monitoring emails, comments (or push notifications on the Meetup App) for any changes or a cancellation. Eg, Bad weather, train cancellations and sometimes even a ride leader coming down with illness.
Should you realise you cannot make it to the ride, please change your RSVP to 'NO' immediately even if you are still on the Waitlist. That's being fair to others still queued.
You'll find Melbourne Cycling here on Facebook for discussions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/melbcycling...
*As mentioned above, there is an annual $5 voluntary subscription based on your membership date, should you wish to donate. Meetup charges the Organiser every six months or annually to keep a group active and there may have additional small expenses, so your donation is appreciated.
-Payment is accepted using: Cash or bank transfer. You can pay Neil on a ride or account BSB 814282 Acc 50572735 direct to Neil Griffiths. Use your name as reference so I can know which of our large membership sent me the donation, please.
-If you do direct deposit then let Neil know by a meetup private message as
sometimes your name is cut short by the banking transfer system and I need to record it against your Melbourne Cycling profile (not visible to anyone else).
--FastPay, if your bank app has it, is also available to PayID 0419560409 (Neil's phone number) and will transfer into our Special Account. Again, names can be cut short in the transfer notice so please send me a message so I can manage your donation properly.
--Importantly, I won't know who the donation came from if your bank knows you by a different name to the one I know, then message me privately there so there will be no confusion, thanks folks.
-Wanting to know when you last paid? eg when 12 months are up since last time?
Check your own Member Dues under Payments Made as Meetup helps the Organiser by recording it and members can check for themselves.
(Dues are actually Aus dollars not US dollars, by the way, despite what that page says)
Finally, "Welcome" to all new Melbourne Cycling members and we wish you many happy rides with us.
- Neil Griffiths
Organiser of Melbourne Cycling
(since 1st Jan, 2016)
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Catch a train to Craigieburn and ride back (41km) with a tailwindCraigieburn Railway Station, Craigieburn
A Sunday ride from Craigieburn to the City showcasing the beautiful Broadmeadows Valley and the vast network of bike paths up there.
Coffee stop after visiting the lookout at Mt Aitken.Forecast: 21°C. Mostly sunny. Low chance of rain (0-1mm), WNW winds.
http://www.bom.gov.au/places/vic/craigieburn/forecast/detailed/#d2025-04-06Distance: 42 km. Some local roads. Mostly on bikepaths
Getting there:
1) Catch a train from Flinders St (11:57am) or Southern Cross (12:01pm) to Craigieburn (arriving 12:40pm) where I'll meet you at the station and direct you to the station toilets 😄
Could be an idea to bring and eat lunch on the train. We generally travel in the last carriage.
(I won't be on the train as I live out north so will ride there)or 2) Meet us out there before a quarter to one.
Daylight Saving finishes 3am Sunday, btw.
Route map & GPS files: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50151699 *
* Actual route may vary on the dayNote: We climb a little from Craigieburn railway station to Mt Aitken to see the view. The ride to town is mostly a gradual descent with some climbs on the trails. As usual, we will wait to regroup at the top of any hills however please don't dawdle :)
Bike: Suitable for nearly all types of bike / e-bikes
Speed: 22-25 kmh typically. Not too fast and not too slow, thanks
What to Bring: Tube, tools, pump, water, Myki, your phone with my number.
Ensure your bike and tyres are in good order, please.Contact: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 (If you text me include your name)
*Photo: Mt Aitken Lookout - July '24
"All riders are riding at their own risk and Melbourne Cycling does not take any responsibility for any injuries or accidents you may have on any of our rides"
- ANZAC Day Lilydale - Warburton Memorial RideLilydale, Lilydale
Melbourne Cycling's traditional ANZAC Day event
- Please make sure you read all the details including the details about the Mt Evelyn stop.
Ride Description: Starting from Lilydale, we head to Mt Evelyn where we will stop for a minute of silence, a short speech and lay our wreath at the Mt Evelyn RSL Memorial. I will also let you know more details about lunch and return times, etc, and then we'll head off at our own pace.
You can join us in Mt Evelyn if you'd like one less hill, a shorter ride and have your bike on your car. See below for more details*
Back on the trail we head to Yarra Junction for a short stop and drink and not far then to Warburton for lunch. You will be able to ride at your own comfortable pace and so we won't be in any large groups or bunched up. It's safer for all that way and more enjoyable, too. You're sure to find someone to ride with on the day.
On the return, there is an optional stop at Seville at the Red Carriage Cafe, right next to the trail, for coffee / cake or keep going to Mt Evelyn and Lilydale.
Meeting spot: We meet at the start of the trail which is at the end of the east side carpark.
Getting there:
-Check any train times (https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey) closer to the day.
8:26 Flinders St train arrives Lilydale 9:35, 15 mins prior to the ride start- Driving? There should be adequate parking at the station. Allow extra time not to be late, please.
Map link & GPS files: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/13083658
About The Trail:
The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is an iconic trail following the path of the historical railway line with gentle gradients. Going through vineyards, beautiful mountain scenery, farmlands and forests. Cross the many restored bridges, meander past remnants of the former station platforms and the original 1882 railway station in Yarra Junction, aka the Upper Yarra Museum.Ride distance:
80 km round trip* Alternative Start Point:
Not sure you can make the full ride of 80 kms? Then you can start at Mt Evelyn which will reduce the ride to 65 kms. A shorter ride and cutting out the first hill. Car parking is available near the RSL Memorial and be ready for the first riders to arrive about 10.15 am. RSL Memorial is on the corner of Birmingham Road and Wray Crescent near Mt Evelyn Library. Please advise Neil if you will be starting here.
This link below will open Google maps with a pin drop at Mt Evelyn Memorial should you need it. It is only 10 metres off the trail at Birmingham Rd. https://goo.gl/maps/uDj8XMQdhAC2 Dropped pin
near Mount Evelyn VIC 3796Contact: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409. If you text me, please include your name. SMS is preferred on the day to asking questions in the comments, please.
Bike to bring:
Any bike in good working order will be suited for this ride, however road bikes with thin tyres may not be the best bike. It's up to you.There are a mixture of surfaces - Lilydale packed gravel mostly and bitumen. The trail is maintained on a regular basis and currently in good condition.
Please pump your tyres up to recommended pressure before the ride.
Things to bring: Water bottle or two, wet weather clothing or sunscreen, a spare tube, pump, any bike tools, money and your MYKI card for rail travel. Also have your emergency contact details on you (just in case).
Disclaimer:
Participants of activities organised by the Meetup Group Melbourne Cycling participate at their own risk. The participant acknowledges and accepts that the Organisers within the Meetup Group Melbourne Cycling do not hold any professional qualifications relevant to the organised activities. By participating in such activities the participant indemnifies the Meetup Group Melbourne Cycling from any liability for any loss or accidents incurred during such activities. Each participant is responsible for their own well being and safety. Participants should take care, wear suitable clothing and act appropriately in their surroundings.
