MBC revisits the “1 in 20” – Sunday, 23 September 2018

As the title suggests, we’ve done this ride before. 😉

BUT. Unlike most of our club rides, this one is for riders who are fairly confident riding on the road. The road from The Basin up to Sassafras is reasonably quiet, but there can be traffic, there is no bike lane, and sometimes no road shoulder.

Last time we didn’t stay as a group on the ride up (or down), but strung out quite a lot as everyone took the climb at their own pace. The route is very popular with road cyclists out to do a good Strava time on the climb (which is not really steep at 4-5%, but pretty steady over the ~7km length) and we’ll no doubt be passed by a number of them along the way.

If you aren’t familiar with this ride, have a read of this website: http://theclimbingcyclist.com/climbs/mt-dandenong/the-1-in-20/

We will regroup at a café at the top (Sassafras) for morning tea/brunch before heading back down the mountain.

Ride Details
Start location: The Basin Reserve, a triangular park opposite the shops (3km/5min drive east of Boronia). Off-street car parking is available; entrance on Forest Road.
Start time: 10:30am
Ride distance: ~7km at 4-5%
Elevation gain: 274m
Duration: Approx 2hrs (including café stop)

Please advise if you plan to join the ride, either by emailing me at melbournebromptonclub@gmail.com or indicating your interest here if you are a member of our Facebook group.

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Maribyrnong River Trail to Brimbank Park – Sunday, 16 September 2018

It’s a case of déjà vu for our next club ride. Just like last year we’re looking for a long-ish but not challenging ride because Around The Bay (ATB) has snuck up really quickly and is now only a couple of weeks away (Sunday, 7th October)!

Whether you’re registered to ride ATB or you’re just getting back into the saddle now that Spring has arrived, this will be a great ride to join.

Where: Cow Up A Tree, Docklands
When: 10:00am
Duration: 4+hrs (including a lunch stop at The Brownstone Cafe at Brimbank Park)
Distance: Approx 28km one way, 56km return
Bring: Weather appropriate clothing, cash for lunch, yourself and your Brompton!

The Maribyrnong River Trail is generally pretty flat although there are one or two climbs thrown in to keep us from getting complacent. If you don’t feel up to riding the whole way there are a few good options where you can easily join the group.

Nearly half of the route will be on unsealed track. We have ridden it twice previously (read more here) and our Bromptons handle the dirt/fine gravel tracks so don’t let that put you off.

As usual, this will be a “no-drop” ride – i.e. nobody gets left behind by themselves. The group may string out sometimes, but we always stop to re-group and an experienced rider will bring up the rear.

Please do not hesitate to email (melbournebromptonclub@gmail.com) or DM me via Facebook Messenger if you have any queries or concerns about the length or where to start/finish.

Reminders

• Springtime weather is notoriously changeable, so always check the forecast in the lead up AND on the day and come please prepared for the conditions.
• As well as checking the forecast, don’t forget to check the air pressure in your tyres and lube your chain before the ride, and take care of any other niggles that might be required.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Happy Bromptoneering! : )

(Another) Brompton Brewery Cruise – Saturday 25 August

Time for another brewery ride! If you think we do too much riding and not enough eating, (responsible) drinking and talking, this ride is definitely for you.

Kicking off from Velo Electric & Folding (753 Nicholson Street, Carlton North) at 4:30pm (or as close to as possible) we’ll largely take off-road shared path and some bike lanes and back streets.

We are looking to stop at:
– Bonehead Brewery, Kensington
– Hop Nation, Footscray
– Two Birds, Newport

The first two may have food trucks, but ‘The Nest’ at Two Birds always has great bar food (Mmmm… Mac & Cheese). We can also be responsible and fold and take the train home from Newport, so remember to bring your Myki just in case.