BIKE TRAILS SERIES: VICTORIA
11th October 2013
Whether you are keen on some blood pumping mountain bike trails or you are looking for a smoother professional cycling trail, Victoria has it covered. This state is home to a diverse range of bike trails ranging from rough off-road trails to sleek cycleways. This guide will talk you through some great bike trails to try out in Victoria.
Lysterfield Park
Where: 40km east of Melbourne
Difficulty level: Easy, Intermediate, Difficult, Very Difficult
Lysterfield Park is home to a variety of mountain bike tracks that range from family friendly to advanced levels. This Park hosted the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games cross-country race and has become a popular bike destination. The tracks on this course are creatively designed so that you can enjoy curvy downhill sections without the painful climb before it. There are approximately 20 km of Mountain Bike trails in the park that offer a range of short and longer tracks.
Forrest mtb Trails
Where: 85 km south west of Geelong
Difficulty: Easy, Intermediate, Difficult, Very Difficult
Forrest is said to be the most impressive mountain bike trail network in Australia. The trails are located around the small town of Forrest, meaning you can stay right in the middle of the network. Forrest has a range of tracks that provide an all-encompassing mountain bike experience to beginners through to technically experienced riders.
Lake Mountain
Where: Marysville, Melbourne
Difficulty: Difficult
For those looking for a great cycling hill climb, the 22 km climb from Marysville to Lake Mountain will have your heart pumping. This trail is a sealed and well-maintained road that offers spectacular views and lookouts as well as a good workout. The first four kilometres of this trail rise at an 8% gradient followed by a lighter gradient that takes you to the summit.
The Lake Mountain plateau also offers 15km of single track mountain bike trails at the resort. These range from easy skill levels to very difficult. So far one main fairly tricky 15km loop called the ‘Granite Grind’ has been completed as well as a smaller easy track called ‘Lenny’s Loop’. The Granite Grind is a cross country course that includes hairpins and fun obstacles that may intimidate beginners in some places while also keeping more experienced riders interested. Keep an eye on Lake Mountain Resort, as they are currently constructing more single trail tracks.
Alpine Tour de Suburbs
Where: Melbourne
Difficulty: Intermediate, Difficult
The Tour de Suburbs is a popular on road cycling trail completed by a group of cyclists on Thursday nights at 7 pm. Most riders start this route on Chandler highway, however some cyclists meet up with the group at various points on the trail. Cyclists travel towards Doncaster via Chandler Highway, Earl, Wilsmere, Kilby and Doncaster roads. They climb up Williamsons Road to Serpells Road, then along Foote Street and back south down Thompsons Road. From here riders cycle along Manningham Road, weaving to Burgundy to ascend the “Col du Burgundy”. From here it is an easy ride back down Heidelberg road to Chandler highway. This trail is approximately 25.9 km in length.
Cycling Profiles have put together a pretty detailed map of this route for your reference.
Capital City Trail
Where: Melbourne City
Difficulty: Easy
This trail is suitable for all fitness levels. It takes you past the main cultural, entertainment and sporting outdoor areas and facilities in Melbourne. The Capital City Trail is 29 km and can be done in 4 hours or less if you like to ride quicker. This path takes you along the grassy banks of the Yarra River, past the entertainment hub of Southbank, through the Royal Botanic Gardens and past the MCG and Melbourne Park, to name just a few attractions. The trail then follows the old Inner Circle Railway through Royal Park before taking you along Moonee Ponds Creek to the new Docklands Precinct, past the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and back to Southbank.