THE joy of cycling with friends has prompted a group of zealous senior cyclists to develop a website showcasing Melbourne’s extensive network of bike paths.
Best Bike Rides in Melbourne describes 39 rides around the city and 10 rides in regional Victoria.
The cyclists are members of the U3A Yarra City On Yer Bike cycling group, which has been cycling Melbourne’s bike paths for the past five years.
The website is a compilation of their rides over that period.
Most of the Melbourne rides start or finish at a railway station and each has detailed information on the route, terrain, toilets and coffee shops.
Most rides are also shown on Google Maps. Those on Melbourne bike paths range from 14-30km.
The website has been designed for use on mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
Rides include the Great Mediterranean Cake Shop Ride in the north, the Solar System Ride in the south, the Urban Forest Ride in the east and The Old Saleyards Ride in the west.
“The website is our gift to the community,” says Ross Armstrong, the group leader. “We have had a lot of fun riding Melbourne’s bike paths and we wanted others to share our enjoyment.”
Ross says the emphasis of the website is on recreational riding that avoids busy roads.
“On Yer Bike is not a group for people interested in speed, time splits or competition. Our priorities are friendliness, helpfulness and fun,” he said. “I think the website reflects this philosophy.”
In addition to providing information on rides, the website also provides specific information for over-50s who may be returning to cycling. There is information finding or setting up a group, safety and etiquette, and using public transport.
The website also contains information on day and overnight cycle rides in regional Victoria.
For more, contact Peter Rankin, 0419-105-846. oybyarra@gmail.com
Details – onyerbike-u3a.org.au
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