Starting in the city, this social ride heads north following the Upfield share path to Coburg, then loops east to Merri Creek shared path. We’ll follow it back south to stop for lunch in one of the most cool neighbourhoods in the whole world – Brunswick East. Not because of that recent endowment, but because (although I admit the two are probably related in some manner) our lunch stop is going to be Temple Brewing.
Ride Details
- Meeting Point: Federation Square
- Meeting Time: **11:00am** or we’ll be too early for lunch
- Ride Distance: ~25km return to Fed Square. We will take a pit stop at Coburg Lake Reserve ~11km, then it’s another 8.5km to Temple Brewing.
- Ride Duration: 2-2.5hrs riding plus lunch stop.
- Average pace: 15km/hr
- Route Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Rider Skill Level: Moderate – see below
- RSVP: Required by this WEDNESDAY please. I’ll reserved a table for 12 just incase, but if we don’t get 12, it’s not polite to take up more space than required.
Should I Join This Ride?
On this ride it will be important for the group to stay as a cohesive unit (i.e. stay together). If you haven’t yet, or if it’s been a while, please brush up on your hand signalling technique for riding with a group. This GCN video is great:
Leaving the city we will utilise painted bike lanes; there will be plenty of other bike riders and pedestrians around, and plenty of street crossings. Follow the road rules and be observant.
Once we’re on the Upfield share path we’ll need to ride in single file as it’s very narrow for most of the way. There are numerous road and street crossings; always cross safely.
The short traverse from Upfield Path to Merri Creek Path is the least protected (even by magic paint) and here we will need to bunch up and ride as a group. It’s a short distance (~350m), crossing one busy road – but again – safety first!
Once we’re at Coburg Lake Reserve we’ll pick up Merri Creek Trail. Generally wider and much better maintained, but can also be much busier, particularly if the weather is fine and warm. We’ll leave this and navigate a couple of suburban streets to get to Temple Brewing.
Riding back to the city from lunch follows a mix of quiet street and painted bike lanes. Bike riders are very common in the inner north, but being aware of your surroundings, and obeying road rules is always super important all the same.
What Should I Bring?
- Your Brompton, in good working condition
- Clothing you’re comfortable riding in, appropriate for the weather
- Sunglasses / riding glasses – particularly if it’s windy
- Myki
- Spare tube and toolkit
- Helmet (obvious for locals, might not be for visitors)
Extra Guests
If you wish to bring a curious friend, you’re welcome to do so; as long as they’re polite and friendly and happy to be around the rest of us – sure. They do not have to be riding a Brompton. They/you are welcome to hire a Brompton from Brompton Junction if you don’t have another means of loaning them one if they want that experience.
Questions
If you have any questions please:
- Comment below if you are happy for your question/comment to be made public; OR
- Email me (Dayna) if you do not want your details/question/comment to be made public: melbournebromptonclub@gmail.com
More event details coming soon – Sunday 26 Nov (end of month ride) and Sunday 10 December (end of year ride).
: ) Dayna
MELBOURNE BROMPTON CLUB 
Have a good ride. I’ll miss this as I will be doing a climate stall at CB Smith Reserve in Fawkner at the Fawkner Festa. Merribek BUG has a stall too.
Take note: Loquats and Mulberries are ripening at Rani’s garden on the Upfield Path between O’Hea st and Gaffney Street. There is a bench table and a little library at Rani’s garden next to the Mulberry tree. (The secrets of a local)
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Thanks John. I saw your recent post about these delights the other day. Yum!!
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