Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cycling
Just about anywhere in Victoria can be good for cycling, whether you prefer long, flat
tracks or winding mountain trails. The network of rail trails (
www.railtrails.org
) is brilliant,
ranging from 134km from Tallarook to Mansfield or 116km from the Murray to the moun-
tains, down to single-kilometre trundles around Melbourne.
Melbourne has an excellent 45km network of long urban bike trails, and scant hills. City
riders take advantage of this to commute during the week, or relax on weekends - it's hard
to miss the lycra-clad cafe breakfasts of the club scene. The city's Melbourne Bike Share
system has just the blue beast for you to get around town on. You'll also find a huge num-
ber of shops selling bikes and accessories, as well as volunteer repair workshops at city
parks such as Carlton Gardens and Ceres (
Click here
).
Disused railway lines and riverside industrial sites have been gradually turned over to
cyclists, with a number of bike paths in greater Melbourne providing excellent touring.
Out in the country the state's spectacular landscapes are the perfect backdrop for moun-
tain bikers and road riders alike. Check Mountain Bike Victoria
(
www.mountainbikevictoria.com
)
for a list of trails and events. You'll find thousands of
kilometres of diverse cycling terrain, much of it readily accessible by public transport.
The Great Ocean Road has mighty fine mountain tracks hidden in the hinterlands. Dur-
ing the 'green' season, there are exhilarating climbs and descents for mountain bikers in the
various ski resorts and the mountains around Bright.
Events
»
Great Victorian Bike Ride
(
www.bv.com.au
;
adult $895, child 13-17yr/6-12yr/under 5yr $655/330/free) A nine-day
annual ride attracting more than 5000 cyclists of all ages and fitness levels. Payment for this fully supported ride includes
meals, mechanical support and access to camping grounds. Hosted in different parts of the state each year - 2013 took in
the Great Ocean Road.
»
Around the Bay in a Day
(
www.bv.com.au
;
entry fee $180) This 250km ride attracts around 20,000 keen cyclists each
year. It covers the length of Port Phillip Bay from Melbourne to Sorrento, crosses on the ferry to Queenscliff and heads
back to Melbourne (or vice versa). Children over 12 years can participate in the shorter legs.
