You don't have to go to the Himalayas or South America for a dose of adventure. Often there's some amazing stuff right under your nose. Did you know that you can start within 5 kilometres of Melbourne’s CBD and ride a 100 kilometre loop, mostly on single-track? There aren’t many cities I can think of with four million people where you can do that.
Joining up trails along the Kew Boulevard, the Yarra River, throughout Mullum Mullum, Warrandyte and more, this loop is sure to offer up all the best on offer in off road riding. The loop will include large chunks of single-track, some of it rocky, joined by sections of fire-track, dirt road and a little bit of bitumen. There will be sandy stretches, log hopping, even some grassy climbs to test your traction on a 15% incline.
You will get some exercise - there are a handful of steep climbs out there, most short and sharp. There is a small refuel option about 40 kilometres in, at Beasley's Nursery in Warrandyte. There is a cafe on site offering light food and coffee. If you are finding the course tough, the nursery is a good turnaround point where riders can just roll back on the bike paths to Melbourne avoiding further single track.
Water is easy to find on course, with plenty of water refill stations set up on the bike path sections.
A mountain bike is the perfect option for this course. CX bikes will be fine too for thrill-seekers who bring spare tubes, tough tyres and a sense of adventure. This loop is best ridden through the dry season. Heavy rain can make the trails muddy, and riding them may damage our wonderful single track network.
100 km option HERE
80 km option HERE
Bike Setup
Sarah and Jesse rode their Curve GMX+, paired with 29r Dirt Hoops. Jesse rode with the 60cm Walmer bar, whilst Sarah used the 55cm bar. Bike bags are custom made by Terra Rosa Gear.