Anyone can escape the city by bike with these easy, simple-to-navigate routes. They take quiet roads or off-road paths with good surfaces that should be appropriate for any bike (except Eagle Mountain Bike Park). All routes are within 45km of a city centre and many are accessible by local train.
Eagle Mountain Bike Park
Adelaide hills, 21km of easy trails
- Get a taste of mountain biking on well-signed, purpose-built trails
- Two to four hours worth of riding
- From the easy out-and-back trail, try some of the branching intermediate loops
Starting and finishing at Pastor Kavel lookout, 12km south-east of central Adelaide.
Open every day from sunrise to sunset except Christmas Day, total fire ban days and days of extreme weather. Check www.cfs.sa.gov.au for fire danger before visiting.
Botany Bay
Seaside Sydney, 47km one way
- Take in wonderful waterside views from an easy, mostly-path route
- Visit Cook’s landing place and Botany Bay National Park
- Numerous cafés and beaches along the way
Starting from Tempe station, 9km south of central Sydney, and finishing at Cronulla station.
Kalamundra circuit
Perth hills, 15km circuit
- Experience this hilly and picturesque region by the gentlest circuit
- Refuel at Le Paris Brest bike-themed café in Kalamundra
- Check the regions galleries, wineries, orchards and History Village
Starting and finishing at Kalamundra, 25km east of central Perth.
Check www.fesa.wa.gov.au for fire danger before setting out.
Lilydale–Warburton Rail Trail
Melbourne’s Yarra Valley, 38km one way
- Pedal the serenity accompanied only by the crunch of gravel under your tyres
- Visit wineries and the galleries and cafes of Warburton
- Make it a weekend away with Warburton cabins and B&Bs
Starting and finishing at Lilydale station, 41km east of central Melbourne. Car parking at numerous points along the trail can shorten the trip.
Check www.cfa.vic.gov.au for fire danger before setting out.
Shorncliffe to Scarborough
Bayside Brisbane, 42km return
- Visit Brisbane’s original bayside resort town of Redcliffe
- Seek the breezes and views of an absolute waterside route
- Enjoy entirely car-free crossing on the 2km old Hornibrook Highway bridge
Starting and finishing at Shorncliffe station, 28km north of central Brisbane.
Cygnet circuit
Huon valley escape, 29km loop
- Magic scenery, quiet roads and only one decent hill
- Harvest your own at Tassie Blue Blueberries in Jan and Feb
- Refresh in Yoyos bakery in Cygnet
Starting and finishing in Cygnet, 55km south-west of central Hobart
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve loop
Canberra’s bush fringe, 15km loop
- Quiet 35km/h limited roads through native bush
- Playground and facilities at Visitor Centre and more picnic tables in Reserve
- Stroll the boardwalk to spot wallabies, echidnas, koalas and birds
Starting and finishing at Tidbinbilla Regional Visitor Centre, 35km south-west of central Canberra
Tip – The pre-ride bike check
- Pump tyres to recommended pressure (written on the side wall of the tyre). Fully inflated tyres roll with less resistance and are more resistant to punctures.
- Check that your brakes are working before riding off, particularly if you live at the top of a hill! Are the pads worn down? Are both pads contacting at the same time?
- Check chain has enough lube.
- Check no bolts or parts are loose, including rack and/or basket if you have these.
- Make sure everyone has a full water bottle and sunscreen applied.
This post was for day 19 of Ride On‘s June riding challenge. Connect with Ride On on Facebook or Twitter.
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