Bike Commuting Melbourne

Eltham to Hurstbridge via the Flat Eric bike path

The Great Suburban Spin‑Off Bike Ride - Outer circle trail - 30 km

**🚴‍♂️ Eat Drink Dance Melbourne: The Great Suburban Spin‑Off (Cheeky Edition) 🚴‍♀️** **When** Friday 14 February 11:00am start . Please arrive at 10.45 am **Meet at:** Love Bar, South Wharf (next to the Skyline Ferris Wheel, opposite the Exhibition Centre) **Distance**: ~30km (plus optional coastal chaos) **Finish**:~ 2–3pm at Hughesdale Station Melbourne, it’s time to clip in, roll out, and flirt shamelessly with the middle suburbs. Join Eat Drink Dance Melbourne for a social bike ride with big personality — part scenic cruise, part snack‑hunting expedition, part rolling group chat. Zero Lycra‑snobbery, zero racing, maximum fun. **+++Ensure you read the rules at the end before joining. Registering = agreeing to them+++** **🌿 The Adventure** We launch from Love Bar (because of course we do) and glide along the river before sliding onto Swanston Street’s bike paths like a well‑oiled social machine. Then it’s up to Princes Park, onto the Capital City Trail, and across to the leafy charm of Fairfield Boathouse. **Expect**: - 30km of “I swear this is still leisurely” riding - 4–5 hours including snack‑based diplomacy - Café stops, ice‑cream stops, hydration stops, existential‑crisis stops - A pace that encourages conversation, not competition - Views that make you say “wow, Melbourne, you’re actually kinda hot” We then follow the Outer Circle Rail Trail to Hughesdale Station, where the official ride wraps up and the trains whisk you back to the city like the responsible adult you pretend to be. **🌊 Optional Coastal Extension** (For the Bold, the Beautiful, and the Mildly Delusional) If you’re still feeling spicy, you can continue from Hughesdale to Elwood Beach, then cruise the Bayside coastal path back into the city. **Perfect for**: - People who don’t melt in the heat - People who think “just a bit further” is a personality trait - People who want to brag later **✨ Vibe Check** This is classic Eat Drink Dance Melbourne energy: Playful, social, a little chaotic, and very snack‑positive. **Bring**: - A bike that won’t betray you - Water - Snacks - Bike Lock and helmet - Sunscreen - A sense of humour - Your best “I’m absolutely stopping for ice cream” attitude If you want to, you can hire a bike at l [Blue Tongue Bike Rental](https://bluetonguebikes.com.au/) just across the river from where we start. please allow 15 minutes or so to arrange this. Come roll with us, chat with strangers, and see Melbourne from angles you didn’t know existed. **⚠️ Group Rules & Event Etiquette ⚠️** These are basic, commonsense standards that keep events safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. **👟 Fitness Requirements** Riding: 10–15 km/hr We walk/ride at a relaxed pace. Please ensure you meet the fitness level for the event. If the group is forced to wait excessively, you may be asked to leave the event. **⛹️ Pace: Too Fast or Too Slow** Small social events rely on staying together. If you prefer a very different pace, consider going solo, joining a faster/slower group, or choosing events that match your fitness. **👩‍💼 Time Constraints** If you’re on a tight schedule, this may not be the right event. Social activities rarely run exactly on time. **⚠️ CRITICAL EXPECTATIONS ⚠️** **👻 No‑Shows** No‑shows block waitlisted people from attending and disrupt small-group events. - Remove yourself at least 24 hours before the event. - No‑shows will likely be removed and blocked from the group. - Last‑minute cancellations **(“flaking”)** may also result in group removal, especially when there is a waitlist. **👀 Attending Without Being on the Going List** This is a security issue. **Do NOT turn up unannounced**. If you’re not on the Going list and haven’t arranged it with the organiser beforehand, you will be asked to leave. Event check‑ins are performed. **⏰ Late Arrivals** If you’re late, the group will not wait. - You may be marked as a No‑Show and removed from the group. - It’s your responsibility to communicate and catch up—this may not be possible for some events. **🎲 Second Chances** If something goes wrong, communicate with the organiser. Silence + poor behaviour = removal. Communication + accountability = second chances. As the organiser is busy organising this may be impossible during the event. **🚩Disclaimer: No Liability & Organiser Indemnity** By participating in this event, you acknowledge and accept full personal responsibility for your own safety, wellbeing, and belongings. The organiser assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage incurred during the activity. Participation is entirely at your own risk.

Long weekend mtb at Yackendandah/Beechworth

We will meet at the Beechworth mtb Park ready to ride by 11:30 am. Easy pace will split off into groups pending on skill level and pace. A loop of the blue trails around 10 km then we will head down to the Epic trail head and do Beechworth side of the epic. Total around 27 km Sunday we will meet at the Yackendandah trail head and do the red or purple loop around 18 km. Meeting time 10:15 for 10:30 departure. Book your own accommodation.

Discover our Southern Ways, social 30 km

We will meet at Gardenvale Railway Station , near the walkway leading to the platforms. We will ride to my favorite Toastie and Deli shop in Moorabbin then head south to find our way to Mordialloc Station. Any type of bicycle will do as it is on roads and cycle paths. Bring water . Your bike needs to be in good order and wet weather gear if the forecast is for rain. Ride route [Gardenvale- Mordialloc ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54825377) RIDE REGISTRATION FORM The form should be available within a day or two of the ride announcement. The link to the form will be seen in the event messages when you RSVP. Please complete it when available. ESSENTIAL ITEMS Functioning headlight & tail light Spare tube and a puncture kit MYKI card, ATM card/cash, basic tools, rain gear, food/snacks, etc WATER It's your responsibility to check the temperature and distance for the day and carry an appropriate amount of water. When riding outside suburbia remember that carrying too much water is better than not enough as the distances between water availability may vary greatly from the planned route due to road closures or other unforeseen circumstances. Check Meetup for any changes the day before the ride, as the ride may be cancelled in the event of extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If you cannot make it to the ride please change your RSVP to 'NO' at least one day before the ride day. This ride is for MBTC club members, or those who have not yet done 3 days riding with us. To join our club check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) 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.

Great Victorian Rail Trail: Tallarook to Yea Return Ride (80km)

Join me for a full-day ride on the Great Victorian Rail Trail as we cycle from Tallarook to Yea and then return back to Tallarook. We’ll be riding around 80 km in total, so this ride is best suited to people with reasonable fitness who are comfortable riding longer distances at a steady pace. The trail is known for scenic countryside views, relaxed rail trail riding, and the beautiful Trawool Valley section. It should be a great full-day bike adventure for anyone who is comfortable with the distance. We’ll take the train from Southern Cross to Tallarook, start the ride from there, cycle to Yea, take breaks as needed, and then ride back to Tallarook for the return train to Melbourne. This is not a beginner ride. Please only RSVP if you are confident riding around 80 km at an average pace of around 15 km/h. **Links** Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/wqiZN7fa9f3AkPh67](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wqiZN7fa9f3AkPh67) Trail information: [https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/great-victorian-rail-trail/](https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/great-victorian-rail-trail/) Related video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm9LIX6vqOE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm9LIX6vqOE) **Rough timeline** * 6:45am — Meet at V/Line Tickets and Information, Southern Cross Station * 7:16am — Train departs Southern Cross for Tallarook * Morning — Arrive at Tallarook and start the ride * Ride Tallarook to Yea along the Great Victorian Rail Trail * Breaks as needed along the way * Afternoon — Ride from Yea back to Tallarook * Return train options from Tallarook include 5:22pm, 6:43pm and 8:33pm * Around 10:00pm — Meetup ends, depending on which return train we take The return time will depend on group pace, breaks, weather, and train availability. **Tickets** Attendees will need their own valid Myki / V/Line fare for the train travel. Please check your own fare and travel arrangements before the day. **What to bring** * A bicycle in good working condition * Helmet * Front and back lights * Puncture repair kit * Lunch * Enough water * Snacks * Weather-appropriate clothing * Myki / valid public transport fare * Any personal medication or items you need for a full-day ride **What to expect** * Distance: Around 80 km return * Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to distance * Pace: Steady average pace of around 15 km/h * Vibe: Scenic, practical, relaxed, but still a proper full-day ride We’ll take breaks as needed, but the group will need to keep moving at a reasonable pace so we can return to Tallarook in time for a suitable train. **Important notes** This event is weather dependent and will not go ahead if rain is forecast. This event is also dependent on V/Line train availability. It may need to be cancelled or changed if there are coach replacements, timetable changes, disruptions, or other major issues. V/Line currently notes that bicycles can be carried on trains only if space is available, so bike carriage is not guaranteed. Please be prepared for that possibility. Please make sure your bike is in good working condition before the day. You should be able to manage basic issues such as a puncture, or at least bring the tools and supplies needed. This ride is best suited to people who are already comfortable riding longer distances. If you are unsure whether 80 km at around 15 km/h is suitable for you, this may not be the right event. **Other info** Please check the weather forecast and V/Line service status closer to the day.

French Island Cycling Day Trip by Train + Ferry

Join me for a full-day cycling trip to French Island, travelling by PTV train and Western Port Ferry with our bikes. We’ll meet outside Arbory Bar & Eatery near Flinders Street Station at 5:45 am, then head to Platform 7 together. The plan is to catch the 6:09 am train, change at Frankston, continue to Stony Point, and then take the 8:15 am ferry to French Island. The ferry crossing is currently listed as about 15 minutes, so we should arrive at French Island around 8:30 am. Once on the island, we’ll spend the day cycling and exploring. There are several possible cycling routes on French Island, and the exact route or combination of routes will be decided closer to the event date based on weather, track conditions, ferry timing, and the group on the day. Parks Victoria lists several official ride options, from shorter rides such as the Redbill Manna Gum Woodland Ride, to longer options such as Link Road, Mount Wellington and Gartsides. French Island can have sandy and wet conditions, so a mountain bike is highly advised. A repair kit is essential. This is not a beginner ride. Reasonable fitness is required, and participants must be comfortable riding at least 50 km at around 15 km/h on mixed island conditions. We’ll take the 6:00 pm return ferry from French Island back to Stony Point, then travel back by train. We should arrive back at Flinders Street at around 9:00 pm, depending on connections and any delays. You’re welcome to come solo. This will be a practical, low-pressure day out, but please come prepared for a long day with early transport, ferry logistics, and off-road cycling conditions. **Links** * Meetup start point: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVuZ2fGtg799Uyk27](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVuZ2fGtg799Uyk27) * French Island visitor guide and route map: [https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/visitor-guides-and-publications/french-island/french-island-visitor-guide.pdf](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/visitor-guides-and-publications/french-island/french-island-visitor-guide.pdf) * Western Port Ferries timetable: [https://www.westernportferries.com.au/Prices-Timetable/Timetable](https://www.westernportferries.com.au/Prices-Timetable/Timetable) * Western Port Ferries fares: [https://www.westernportferries.com.au/Prices-Timetable/Fares](https://www.westernportferries.com.au/Prices-Timetable/Fares) * Related video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8XuwGPai0I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8XuwGPai0I) **Rough timeline** * 5:45 am — Meet outside Arbory Bar & Eatery near Flinders Street Station * Around 6:00 am — Head to Platform 7 together * 6:09 am — Catch the train from Flinders Street * Morning — Change at Frankston and continue to Stony Point * 8:15 am — Ferry from Stony Point to French Island * Around 8:30 am — Arrive at French Island * Morning to afternoon — Cycle and explore French Island * Lunch — BYO lunch break somewhere suitable on the island * Afternoon — Continue riding, route depending on conditions and group pace * 6:00 pm — Return ferry from French Island to Stony Point * Evening — Train back toward Melbourne * Around 9:00 pm — Expected return to Flinders Street Station **Tickets** Attendees must book their own ferry ticket online in advance, including bicycle fare. Due to limited storage for bicycles, Western Port Ferries recommends booking online if bringing a bike. Current listed return fares are $33.00 for an adult and $10.10 for a bicycle, but please check the official ferry fare page before booking because prices may change. The ferry is not a myki-ticketed service, so ferry tickets are separate from PTV train travel. **Note:** I haven’t booked my own ferry ticket yet. I’ll update this text once I’ve booked it. **What to bring** * Roadworthy mountain bike * Helmet * Front and back lights * Puncture repair kit * Spare tube or tubeless repair supplies * Lunch * Enough water for the day * Snacks * Weather-appropriate clothing * Any medication or personal first-aid items you may need * Myki or payment method for train travel * Pre-booked ferry ticket including bicycle fare **What to expect** * Distance: Around 50 km expected, depending on the final route * Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to distance, early start, transport logistics, and possible sandy or wet conditions * Pace: Around 15 km/h average riding pace * Vibe: Friendly, practical, adventurous, and low-pressure, but not a beginner ride **Important notes** This event is weather dependent and will not go ahead if rain is forecast. This event also depends on PTV train availability and may need to be cancelled if there are bus replacements, major timetable changes, or other disruptions. Transport Victoria allows bikes on trains, but only folding bikes are allowed on buses and metropolitan rail replacement buses. Please check transport and ferry updates before the event. Western Port Ferries notes that weather, sea conditions, and tidal variations can affect operations, and passengers are encouraged to check operation times on the day of travel. Medical assistance is limited on French Island, so please ride within your ability and come prepared. Please be ready for a long day out. The early start is important because we need to make the ferry connection. **Other info** The final route will be decided closer to the date based on weather, track conditions, and who is attending. If conditions are poor, the ride may be shortened or cancelled. Please only RSVP if you are confident with the distance, terrain, bike setup, and full-day timing.

Nomads Friday Cycling - (almost) every Friday

Sunday Morning Training Ride

Walk & Lunch : Burnley to Molly Rose Brewery | 7.5km @ 5.5km/h

Starting from 'Friends of Mine' cafe in Burnley, we walk along the Yarra Trail for a short 6.6km walk to the Molly Rose Brewery for some lunch. If you like a morning coffee, arrive earlier to grab a coffee ***before*** the meeting time. We meet at 10:20am for a 10:30am start. If you arrive late or you're waiting for your coffee order, you can catch up on the trail or meet at the destination. We leave on time to ensure we get to the venue as it opens at 12pm. Winter hiking season starts very soon. If you're new to the group, come along and meet some of the regular hikers and suggest your favorite hiking locations for the coming months. The pace will be a moderate pace (\~5.5km/h). We will not be stopping often to regroup. I will pause at the turns to help ensure no one misses them. **By attending, you agree to match the pace and stay in sight of the group or be comfortable navigating your own way to the destination.** With the variability of this kind of event I will book a best guess close to the event and we will find extra tables or seats on the day if needed. We arrive just as the venue opens. **This is a one way hike and you make your own way home.** It's recommended you take public transport. The finish location is a short walk from Victoria Park train station, or to nearby 86 trams on Smith St. By attending, you agree to drink responsibly and take public transport if you're drinking. **What to bring:** * Water bottle * Appropriate clothing if it's windy or possibility of rain * Hats/Sunglasses/Sun protection if it's sunny **MEETING LOCATION** Friends of Mine Cafe https://maps.app.goo.gl/VLwPK9HXLkB4E8o78 Tap on the map below to get the pin location for the exact meeting spot. **LIABILITY WAVER** The organiser of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury or accidents to participants or their property on this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By joining this event you agree to these terms.

Sunday Morning Fitness Ride

Active Sunday’s! (Walking)

Start point: WE HAVE A NEW CAFE! **Truffles Patisserie** **192/194 Carlisle St, St Kilda, 3182** It's at the corner of Carlisle and Chapel St's. End point: Who knows? Distance: Approx 4 to 6km (each way) Estimated time: 60 to 90 minutes (stopping and starting).

Brisk Walk around Ashburton and Glen Iris (8km)