MOUNTAIN BIKE

There are countless km of well-maintained cycle paths linking parks in and around Melbourne for you to explore. Here are some easier routes to start you off.

• The Main Yarra Trail passes through Westerfolds Park with views of River Red Gums and the manor house. Explore the 4.3 kilometre trail around the park or carry on to the city, passing ancient gums, billabongs and Yarra Bend Park, taking a quick de tour to the Studley Park Boathouse.
• The Maribyrnong River Trail extends 28km from Southbank through to Brimbank Park in Keilor where a 4.3km circuit takes in stately River Red Gums, open grasslands and res tored wetlands. Take a de tour across the river at Maribyrnong to explore the his toric buildings and wetlands at Pipemakers Park.
• The Dandenong Creek Trail connects a network of parklands including Jells Park, Bushy Park and Shepherds Bush. Complete the challenge of the 32 kilometre loop, connect with the Scotchmans Creek pathway and the Knox bike track, or simply stay in the parks and enjoy the wetlands and billabongs, the variety of native bird life, picnic areas and playgrounds.
• The Bay Trail begins at Cheetham Wetlands and spans 69km north to the City. Soak in Williams town’s rich local military and maritime his tory on the way including Point Gellibre and the Coastal Heritage Park on the waterfront.
• Braeside Park features 295ha of wetlands, heathlands and Red Gum woodlands. With more than 7km of bike trails crisscrossing the park, cycling with the family is the perfect way to explore this natural oasis in sand belt suburbia.

If you are looking for something a little more challenging there are many tracks and trails throughout Vic toria to suit the more adventurous:

• Lysterfield Park Mountain Bike Trails and the State Mountain Bike course, constructed for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, has 20 kilometres of exciting and environmentally sustainable trails that cater for riders of all ages and ability. Choose from easy family trails for all to enjoy around the lake and parkland, a range of flowing single trails through established plantations or steep and technical sections of trail through rocky landscapes. All trails are clearly sign posted with directional information and gradings. (Melway 108 D1). Maps can be download from the links below.

Click here for Lysterfield Park Mountian Bike Trail Map

Click here for Lysterfield Park Mountain Bike Riding Map

You Yangs Regional Park . The You Yangs has two designated mountain biking areas that contain over 50 kilometres of exciting and environmentally sustainable trails that cater for riders of all ages and ability. The easier and flatter Kurrajong Plantation weaves for 20 kilometres and consists of three loop tracks through established Eucalypt plantations. The Kurrajong Plantation is ideal for family groups, wanting to experience mountain biking for the first time right through to experienced riders wanting to test their endurance and speed. The more testing S tockyards area in the north of the park has a range of flowing single trails and steep technical sections through rocky landscapes totalling slightly less than 40 kilometres. This area contains two down hill tracks, a 4 cross track (under construction) and a range of cross country tracks that will test riders of all levels. All trails are clearly sign posted with directional information and gradings. A maps can be downloaded from the links below, detailing information on the trail.

Click here for You Yangs Regional Park Mountian Bike Riding Map

Click here for You Yangs Regional Park Mountain Biking Map

ROAD BIKE

North road ride

Leaves 6.00am Cnr North Rd + Nepean Hwy, Gardenvale. Travels along Nepean Hwy to Mordialloc roundabout and back up to Cafe Racer in St Kilda. The distance is approximately 40km with Monday, Wednesday, and Friday being ridden at a recovery/slower pace getting back to Racer around 7.20 am. Tuesday's and Thursday's are fast days, for experienced riders only as the average speed is 40-55km/ph, arriving back around 6.55am.

The MRR (Maling Room Ride)

Starts in camberwell, and does a loop of the eastern suburbs, nice undulating hills, and good company. For more information:  http://www.bv.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3696&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0