A cursory look at the number of pro riders in the World Tour peloton who call Melbourne home should be proof enough that this is a town with a great bunch riding culture.
Most pro's return home during the November - January period and are frequent spotted holding court (or a table) post-ride at Beach Road's iconic Cafe Racer.
The good news for those travelling to Melbourne is that the group riding scene is just as dynamic 365 days of the year.
So if you are visiting Melbourne and wish to get out for a great bunch ride experience just rent a bike from Livelo, because there is a great bunch ride every day of the week.
Here are our recommendations.
Monday
When – 5.45am, or 6am
Where - BP service station.
Address – Corner of North Road and Nepean Hwy, Brighton North
Pace – Easy – 30km/hr
Distance – 40km
Terrain - Flat
Weather Permitting – All weather – numbers vary, may ride in one group rather than two.
No drop - Yes
Arrive at 5.40 for the first group
Details – A recovery ride from the weekend. A social ride with dozens of riders in the summer. The 6am group are more advanced but are taking it easy.
Tuesday
When – 5.45am, or 6am
Where - BP service station.
Address – Corner of North Road and Nepean Hwy, Brighton North
Pace – Fast – up to 45km/hr
Distance – 40km
Terrain - Flat
Weather Permitting – All weather – slower when wet.
No drop – Yes, until the end
Arrive at 5.40 for the first group
Details – A fast ride with an optional bunch sprint to the St Kilda BP station at the end. Caution is recommended with the sprint.
Tuesday evening
When – 6.30 pm, (summer months)
Where - Corner of Barkly St and Carlisle St, .
Address – Barkly St, St Kilda
Pace – slow out, faster back. 30 - 40km/hr
Distance – 40km
Terrain - Flat
Weather Permitting – All weather – slower when wet.
No drop – Yes
Arrive at 5.40 for the first group
Details – A slow and social ride down New Street to avoid traffic and then back along Beach Road. Occasional bunch sprint to the BP in St Kilda on return.
Wednesday
When – 5.45am, or 6am
Where - BP service station.
Address – Corner of North Road and Nepean Hwy, Brighton North
Pace – Slow out, fast back. 30-40km/hr
Distance – 40km, or 90km (to Mt Eliza)
Terrain – Flat (lumpy for longer route)
Weather Permitting – All weather – slower when wet.
No drop – Yes
Arrive at 5.40 for the first group
Details – A nice ride. Turn at Mordialloc roundabout for the short route or continue to Mt Eliza. Later return will be 8.30 am approx.
Thursday
When – 5.45am, or 6am
Where - BP service station.
Address – Corner of North Road and Nepean Hwy, Brighton North
Pace – Fast – up to 45km/hr
Distance – 40km
Terrain - Flat
Weather Permitting – All weather – slower when wet.
No drop – Yes, until the end
Arrive at 5.40 for the first group
Details – A fast ride similar to Tuesdays. Can split at the half way mark and some return slower.
Thursday evening
When – 7pm (summer months)
Where – Corner of Chandler Hwy and Yarra Blvd.
Address – Chandler Hwy, Abbotsford, finish at Alphington
Pace – steady, 20-25km/hr
Distance – 40 – 60km
Terrain – hilly, some decent short climbs
Weather Permitting – Yes, if mainly dry they will ride, some will go regardless.
No drop – Yes, wait at the top of the climbs and refill water.
Arrive at 6.50pm
Details – ‘Tour of the suburbs’. Takes in east Melbourne and 2 longer climbs. Makes a nice change to the beach road. Good for a windier evening.
Friday
When – 5.45am, or 6am
Where - BP service station.
Address – Corner of North Road and Nepean Hwy, Brighton North
Pace – Easy – 30km/hr
Distance – 40km
Terrain - Flat
Weather Permitting – All weather – numbers vary, may ride in one group rather than two.
No drop - Yes
Arrive at 5.40 for the first group
Details – A recovery ride from the weekend. A social ride with dozens of riders in the summer. The 6am group are more advanced but are taking it easy.