Ballan to Geelong via Meredith & Steiglitz (~87km)

Ride: A weekday ride we last did in Sept '24 that should have good tailwinds for much of it.

We catch the Southern Cross 9:16 Wendouree Vline train arriving Ballan 10:20 then cycle 36km to Meredith for lunch and 50km after lunch, via historic gold mining town of Steiglitz, to Geelong and probably arriving mid afternoon for another Vline trip back to Melbourne. Geelong trains will be 20 minutes apart then.

More information on Steiglitz :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steiglitz,_Victoria

The 5:20 pm finish time assumes we get the 4:15 train from Geelong but it could be the 4:35 (arrives SC 5:40)

If people wish, we can do some extra kms in Geelong to bring our total up to 100km. Or go for coffee instead.

Both Vline morning and afternoon train journeys take only 1 hour, so not a long train trip.

Map, Profile and GPX files:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40226400 *
* Actual route may vary on the day

Speed:
~30 kmh on flat ground. (It will vary)
We'll regroup at the top of significant hills.

Forecast: Ballan - 16°C and dry. Warmer as we approach Geelong.
Central Area: Partly cloudy. Winds northerly 20 to 30 km/h increasing to 25 to 35 km/h during the evening.
https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/ballan/forecast/detailed/#d2026-06-12

Suits:
Upper Intermediates and Experienced road riders with conventional lightweight road-bikes only. Surface is all sealed and we keep off the major roads on minor ones.

Check your bike's mechanical condition including tyres beforehand, please.

Travel light as there are some climbs on this route.

Bring:
Spare tube(s), tools, jacket, Myki, water, energy snacks/gels, phone with my number (cellular coverage not guaranteed) & money/card for emergencies. Meredith is the only town along the way on this ride, btw.

Please fit and use a bright flashing tail-light. Coloured jersey / jacket advisable for safety, ie, no black tops, please.

This ride is being organised by Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409

*Photo: Wide open road (Feb '16): (Photo from a Ballarat - Geelong ride)

"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"