Bike Commuting Melbourne

Train to Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and ride back to Melbourne (100km)

Weather forecast for Geelong for Saturday: * 16°C. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers (0 - 1mm). Winds westerly - southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h. https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/geelong/forecast/detailed/#d2026-06-06 **Ride**: This is a one-way ride of 103 kms from Geelong to Melbourne. We take a Vline train to Waurn Ponds (Myki required) and ride back on a mixture of paths, streets and country back roads. A few hills in Geelong's suburbs will warm us up and we will keep a reasonable pace up for the same reason. **Meet**: On the platform or on the train for the **9:10 Southern Cross to Waurn Ponds**, arriving 10:30 Please be early so we can get our bikes on the train in the same carriage. **Riders**: Suits Upper Intermediate riders or above, capable of 25 - 30 kmh typical speeds on conventional lightweight road bikes only. **Lunch**: Lara - inside the shopping centre / bakery cafe **Map & GPX files**: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39750119](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39750119) \*Actual route may vary on the day **Bring**: -Snacks & energy bars, water, tools, tube, phone, money for lunch and emergencies, Myki. Warm cycling kit (need I mention?) -Fit and use a bright flashing tail light and wear a bright coloured (ie Not black) jersey top or gilet, please. Headlights may be required, too. -Please carry your emergency contact information on you (eg in your wallet), just in case. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 **Note**: Finish time is a guesstimate **\*Photo**: The You Yangs and Golden Canola fields near Lara - (Sept '14) "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"

Rushall - Brimbank Park (62km including 9km gravel)

* Forecast for Monday (King's Birthday Holiday): 16°C and dry. Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 20 km/h during the day. *This Bureau site will be more accurate closer to the day:* https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/keilor/forecast/detailed/#d2026-06-08 * A ride on trails and a few roads to beautiful Brimbank Park in Melbourne's northwest. We start at Rushall and join the Merri Ck trail linking to the Ring Rd trail. Then it's west we go to the park for lunch at the park cafe in an outside setting. (I reccomend the toasties). We return from the Brimbank Park to town via the Maribyrnong River trail with approximately 9km of gravel (it’s that easy, yellow compacted Lilydale gravel) and finish at Melbourne Exhibition Centre in South Wharf. **Getting there**: Ride 5km from the CBD or catch a train out. 9:49 Flinders St platform 1 Sth Morang train arrives Rushall 10:11 or take an earlier Greensborough / Hurstbridge one to Clifton Hill and cycle 500 metres from there to Rushall. Best to be early, please. Check the Metro disruptions site in case there's any outage on your line: https://www.metrotrains.com.au/planned-works/ **Map & GPS files** : https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15183233 \* * Route may vary on the day **Total distance**: About 60 km **Pace:** about 20-25 kmh (typical speeds not average) on sealed paths and slower on unsealed or uphill **What to bring**: Water, spare tube and any specialist tools, snacks, Myki. Your phone with my number in the contacts, thanks **Bike**: Suits hybrid or gravel bike best. Road bikes will be okay if you have hard-wearing tyres. Panniers not recommended as they'll catch the wind. **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 \***Photo**: A ford crossing on the Maribyrnong River within Brimbank Park - July 2016 "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"

City to Canterbury loop - anti-clockwise this time (38 km social ride for lunch)

**Ride**: Anti-Clockwise in a loop: A Sunday social pace ride from town taking in parts of Main Yarra Trail, Gardiners Ck Trail, Anniversary Trail and Darebin Ck Trail. We'll have our lunch break halfway in popular Maling Road, Canterbury. Choose any cafe to eat or visit the Xocolatl chocolate shop while we're there. **Route**: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30173483](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30173483) \* \* I didn't reverse the map but that probably won't affect anyone 🙂 **Forecast**: Melbourne area - 17°C (cooler when we start) Partly cloudy. Not expecting rain. Light winds.: https://reg.bom.gov.au/places/vic/canterbury/forecast/detailed/#d2026-06-07 **Bike**: Any mechanically sound bicycle. Do check your bike beforehand, please **Speed**: Social pace (about 20-22 km/h max) **Distance**: 38 km or get the train back if you wish. As always, you are welcome to head home in your own direction at any point. **Bring**: \- Water\, spray jacket\, MYKI\, tube\, tools\, your phone with my number\. \- Please carry details of your emergency contacts \(just in case\)\. **Coming in by train?** Check your line for any trains replaced with buses https://www.metrotrains.com.au/planned-works/ (Sunbury line seems to be the only one with bus replacements) **Contact**: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 **Photo**: Xocolatl chocolate shop in Canterbury (Jun '19) "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"

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.

Melbourne TED Talk Community Event

Join the Melbourne TED Talk Community for an engaging session and meet people who like being an ideator, who want to bring their voice to a larger community. In contrast to a typical public speaking training event, where you receive feedback on your amms and aas and the way you present, this goes beyond that. **The objective of this community is to get inspired by some of the best ideas serving humanity, find your own calling and voice, be an ideator, and share your ideas clearly and persuasively.** The talk we will play is one of the amazing talks from the TED Library. In this session, we will delve deeper into the topic and gain perspective, and learn from each other. Be prepared to network, engage in meaningful conversations, and embark on a journey of professional development and leadership growth. **Mark your calendars and don't miss this opportunity to refine your public speaking abilities with the Melbourne TED Talk Community!** **TED Talk link to watch together:** **TBA** **Agenda (as a guide)** 6.00 PM Registration 6.10 PM Introduction by Attendees 6.20 PM 10 min talk on screen (optional) 6.30 PM Breakout session (Group / Individual) based on topic 6.45 PM Individual / Group shares their takeaways 7.00 PM Practice the Art of Public Speaking - 2-3 talks of 2.5 minutes 7.10 PM Feedback to the Presenters and overall session 7.20 PM Event Concludes & floor opens for Networking **Fees: The event has a $5 contribution towards hiring the hall and Audiovisual. This can be paid through PayPal at the time of registration.** Looking forward to seeing you there. The Organizers Raj

Rushall, Preston Market, La Sirene Rezza Brewery Social Ride Easy 34 km.

Rushall, Preston Market, La Sirene Rezza Brewery Social Ride Easy 34 km. Depart Rushall station, up Merri Creek to Ceres Bridge. A few streets to South Morang line. Shimmy route and trail to Preston Market for yummy stuff. Continue on trail to Tyler street shimmy route, Darebin Trail, Crookston Shimmy route, La Sirene Brewery, Rezza for lunch of sorts. A few streets to Merri Trail then back to Rushall Station. Ride can be viewed on Ride with GPS. [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55324266](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55324266) This ride is for people who are as good at quietly listening to others opinions as they are at expressing their own opinions. This ride is for financial MBTC members, or those who have not yet done three single day rides with us. To join our club check out [https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership](https://www.mbtc.org.au/membership) 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' as soon as you know but no later than the day before ride day. The MBTC Refund & Cancellation Policy can be found [here](https://www.mbtc.org.au/refund-cancellation-policy/). 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.

Eltham to Park Orchards Market

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.

Sunday Morning Training Ride

V-Line Train Trip to Castlemaine - meet at Boost Juice @ Southern Cross Station

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).