What we’re about
Please expand this section and read through before joining, thanks.
MELBOURNE CYCLING is a meetup cycling group founded in 2008 and still going strong. We organise recreational bike rides several times a week around Melbourne and beyond, thanks to our volunteer leaders, and all for free. You can donate $5 annually if you wish to offset our expenses which are mostly the twice a year fee to Meetup that the Organiser pays. See down below how to pay, thanks.
We organise group rides along metropolitan roads and bike paths and sometimes we'll travel further out of town for country road-rides, rail trails and weekends away.
Please scroll our Past Meetups page for an insight into what we've been doing lately or browse the Calendar for past and future events. New rides are announced to members by email and appear in the Notifications page so you can RSVP to reserve a place. (No need to respond with "No" unless cancelling your attendance)
Rides do vary in speed, fitness level and distance so there will be something for most and ride speeds and distances will usually be in the meetup event title so you can choose to attend rides matching your riding style and ability.
Beginners / novices will find the slower and shorter rides more suitable and more advanced riders can find longer and hilly rides to go harder / longer / faster, etc. Between all our ride leaders (ie Event Hosts) there are usually enough rides posted for each weekend to suit everyone, weather permitting. If you would like to try leading any rides then tell me in person or message me via Meetup private messages, please.
IMPORTANTLY: If you are joining, please use a real name on your account (It's a matter of trust as you'll be meeting real people so keep it real) and answer all five questions. If you would like to add a short bio to the five membership answers, it would the leaders quite a lot.
We do require a recognisable profile picture of yourself and Meetup has recently ceased supporting different member profile images for each group you join so endeavour to upload a clear photo of yourself you think is suitable for all purposes.
Whenever you RSVP to our rides it is up to you to keep across any changes to the event by monitoring emails, comments (or push notifications on the Meetup App) for any changes or a cancellation. Eg, Bad weather, train cancellations and sometimes even a ride leader coming down with illness.
Should you realise you cannot make it to the ride, please change your RSVP to 'NO' immediately even if you are still on the Waitlist. That's being fair to others still queued.
You'll find Melbourne Cycling here on Facebook for discussions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/melbcycling...
As mentioned above, there is annual $5 voluntary subscription based on your membership date, should you wish to donate. Meetup charges the Organiser every six months to keep the group active plus we have some other small expenses so your donation is appreciated.
Payment is accepted using: Cash or bank transfer. You can pay Neil on a ride or into BSB 814282 Acc 50572735 direct to Neil Griffiths. Reference your name please so we know who sent the donation.
--If you direct deposit then let Neil know by a meetup private message as
sometimes your name is cut short by the banking transfer system and I need to record it against your Melbourne Cycling profile (not visible to anyone else).
--FastPay, if your bank app has it, is also available to PayID 0419560409 (Neil's phone number) and will transfer into our Special Account. Again, names can be cut short in the transfer notice so please send me a message so I can manage your donation properly.
--Importantly, I won't know who the donation came from if your bank knows you by another name to the one I know, so message me privately there and then and there will be no confusion, thanks folks.
Welcome to all joining Melbourne Cycling members and we wish you happy cycling with us!
Upcoming events (4)
See all- FRANKSTON - WARRINGINE PARK LOOP Intermediates 69km +538mJubilee Park, Frankston
The weather did the wrong thing by us last time, but looking great for Wednesday so let's give this one another crack. An interesting and varied ride mostly on bike paths and backroads with mixed surfaces including the long boardwalk in Warringine park. Lunch most likely at Bittern. Some more info here-
CONTACT: John Cafarella 0410480500 If you find you can't make it on the day, please ring or text me (Meetup messages can take a long time to arrive)
SPEED/FITNESS LEVEL: Low to mid 20's when flat/no wind. There's a few hills but not difficult. You need a reasonable level of fitness.
TYPE OF BIKE: Any bike in good condition will be ok. Ebikes are welcome on all my rides. Note that some parts could be a bit rough so wider tyres are preferable. Please check your bike beforehand.
GETTING THERE: Driving is the best option. The starting point is about 2km from Frankston station along the bike track.
DISCLAIMER:
Melbourne Cycling is a social riding group and not an incorporated company or cycling club. Participants of activities organised by Melbourne Cycling participate at their own risk. The participant acknowledges and accepts that the Organisers within the MeetUp Group Melbourne Cycling do not hold any professional qualifications relevant to the organised activities. By participating in such activities the participant indemnifies the MeetUp Group Melbourne Cycling and its ride organisers from any liability for any loss or accidents incurred during such activities.It is the participant's responsibility to adhere to all applicable road rules and cycle in a responsible and safe manner. Participants are encouraged to take out Bicycle Network membership or equivalent levels of insurance that covers third party and personal injuries.
- Tour d'Altona - 50km evening ride - #9 for the seasonMelbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf
Our 9th Altona weekly evening ride for the current daylight saving season (Season #11)*
* I had been saying "10" seasons but I couldn't count correctly, oops.Td'A is a 50km evening ride intended for intermediates due to the speed and headwinds. We cycle on bike paths to Williamstown and Altona and do some riding on the roads coming back in the dark.
Thu Forecast: Melbourne area - 29°C
Sunny day. Slight chance of a shower late at night. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then tending northwesterly during the day.
Check this link on the day:
http://www.bom.gov.au/places/vic/altona/forecast/detailed/#d2024-12-05- Strong winds are the usual experience on this ride making it unsuitable for beginners whenever blowy, which is most of the time.
- Best for intermediate level cyclists to get there and back as scheduled, thanks
We meet in South Wharf at Jeff's Shed on Clarendon St and ride via Docklands to Williamstown for a short break and then continue onto the coastal path to the seaside suburb of Altona for a quick bite (fish & chips, etc, in the park) before returning to town by 9:30pm.
>> If you come late you will likely have to chase us <<
Bike:
Any mechanically sound bicycle. Check it and pump your tyres before coming. MTBs may struggle.Lights:
Excellent lights that illuminate the path are essential. We aim to get back by 9:30 when it will be very dark. Consider bringing spare lights.Speed:
25 kmh on paths where appropriate and faster on a few roads but it is mostly paths. You can be sure of headwinds by the coast.Distance:
50 km for the round tripMap:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6954193 *
*Actual route includes a detour to Millers Rd due to the Kororoit Ck ford crossing closure and expect to be detoured to Dynon Rd on the way back to town due to ongoing Footscray Rd works.Bring:
- Jacket, water, cash/card for food, Myki, tube, tools, bike lights,
your phone with my number.
-Emergency Contact Details *Contact: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409
Photo: Altona beach - Nov '24 (by Julia)
*EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS : Please ensure you carry these on you in case of a medical emergency. ie Family member's name, phone number and relationship (eg, Sister). Written down preferably and with your personal items so it can be found by emergency personnel. There is a link to a template in our Meetup homepage (browser) down in the discussion area. https://4142298.xyz/melbournecycling
"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"
- Maribyrnong River and Essendon Gelatery loop (30km social pace ride)Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Melbourne
Sunday forecast expecting 21°C and partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers (0-1mm) most likely during the morning. Winds southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h.
Ride: A social pace ride to a Gelati shop in Essendon and back to town.
We did this one last in Jan '23 so time to re-cycle this ride 😉Speed: 20 km/h max (easy)
Contact: Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409 (text or phone preferred on the day)
Route distance: Approx 30km returning to Jeff's Shed / Exhibition Centre
The route is on cycle paths with a few local streets
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41701228 *
* Route likely to vary on the dayDeparture time: 1:00 pm so plan to be early and we'll leave on time
Things to bring:- Water, sunscreen, spare tube, tools
* Photo: Augustus Gelatery in Essendon (Google photo)
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"
- Sunday before Christmas Picnic Ride to WilliamstownMelbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf
Who wants to join us for a Sunday Pre-Christmas Picnic Lunch ride to Williamstown?
Bring what you want to eat or purchase from the local shops (most should be open out there).
We'll have a cruisy ride from town and find some space in the park then ride back by mid afternoon. You could exit to the train if you like.
You're very welcome to pop over by car and join us without your bike if you'd like. Let me know by the day, ta.Bike: Any mechanically sound bicycle. Pump your tyres beforehand, please.
Speed: 22 kmh max (Easy).
Distance: 32 km or so. One or two stops on the way to make it interesting
Bring: Water, sunscreen, insect repllent, snacks, Myki, tube and tools. Food and drinks for yourself or wander over the street to the local shops
All trains should be running but do check PTV journey planner before the day for any unplanned outages affecting your trip into town: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey.
Contact - Neil Griffiths - 0419 560 409
Special thanks to Michael Roney, Jennifer and Fiona for hosting this ride last year when I was unable to lead for an extended period.
*Photo: Picnicking in the park - Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown
"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"