If cycling on flat, open roads and paths with incredible views of lakes, rivers and stunning beaches is what you’re after, then Melbourne is just about perfect.
There are over 135 km of dedicated on- and off-road cycle paths and routes throughout the city area. Leaving the city, the Beach Road stretches as far you could hope for. It rolls beside the beaches from Port Melbourne all the way to Frankston and beyond, down the Mornington Peninsula. You will be spoilt for choice of cafés, restaurants and bars all the way along and at weekends you will be free to join pelotons with hundreds of like-minded cyclists heading south and back, as far as your legs can take you. It doesn’t matter if you’re here for a weekend, or a regular rider in the area; you simply cannot get bored of the beautiful bayside riding.From the city centre to the beach road is less than 5 km. Along the way you pass many famous city landmarks such as the Eureka Tower, the Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance.
If you're after a short circuit ride you will do no better than Albert Park- home to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix. Take the circuit in a ant-clockwise direction to minimise interactions with turning traffic. If your lucky you'll hit the main straight with the wind on your back and for just a moment you're Fernando Alonso.... then the dream is all over - shut-up legs.
For more adventurous cyclists the city is set within a few hours ride of the Dandenong Ranges, which will test the lactic acid and lung capacity of the fittest of riders! Head west towards the quaint and idyllic beachside towns of Yarraville and Williamstown, all serviced by quiet roads and cycle paths.
Again, if longer rides are your thing then you are within driving distance of the spectacular Great Ocean Road – popular with riders and events. It’s a must-see by car, but it’s even better by bike!
Melbourne sports a vast number of cycling events. These are almost weekly in the summer months and are headed by famous events such as the Round the Bay, Cadel Evans Ocean Road Race, Otway Classic and many triathlons – not least the Ironman. The city is rapidly growing in numbers of cyclists, which in turn is increasing the number of cycle lanes, safety and interest in the sport. All good news for riders heading this way!
Visit this link for free GPS routes and maps of Melbourne's best rides.