Breeze Rides - these are "no-drop" rides for women, non-binary and gender diverse people, and their guests (participants identifying as male may participate as long as they acknowledge that they are participating as a "guest" only and do not set the pace). If you are unsure if this space is for you, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!
"No Drop" means that we only ride as fast as the slowest rider, so you will never get left behind!
What you can expect from a Bike It Better Breeze Ride:
Please note: If you are interested in any of the rides, but the timing is not quite right, please email and I may be able to adjust the start time; or run another ride in future at a time that will be suitable for you.
"No Drop" means that we only ride as fast as the slowest rider, so you will never get left behind!
What you can expect from a Bike It Better Breeze Ride:
- A pre-planned route so you can just come along and enjoy the ride
- Leadership and riding tips from an accredited AustCycle Coach
- Personal Injury Insurance cover while on the ride (provided as part of AustCycle)
- "No-drop" so you never get left behind, lost, or stranded
- Assistance with changing a flat or basic mechanical issues (you will need to supply a spare tube)
- A chance to connect with like-minded cycling folk
- Smaller group sizes - limited to maximise individual attention
- Where possible, an opportunity to chat over coffee/tea after the ride
- All the usual fitness & health benefits of riding a bike - but if you're here, you already know that!
- An opportunity to potentially hear some of Cazz's terrible jokes and puns
Please note: If you are interested in any of the rides, but the timing is not quite right, please email and I may be able to adjust the start time; or run another ride in future at a time that will be suitable for you.
Past Rides
While these rides are no longer running regularly or are not currently scheduled, they are listed here as a guide to the types of rides that I have made available in the past.
If there is something here that you would really like to participate in, please contact me and perhaps I can schedule a re-run!
If there is something here that you would really like to participate in, please contact me and perhaps I can schedule a re-run!
Past Road Rides:
The Ride Cycles Ladies Road Ride - Boroondara Loop
Suitable for beginner road riders, this is a no-drop ride, for road bikes (curly handlebars) only. The distance is approx 18km and will take 1 hours, followed by a free coffee at Cafe Bacino.
Bike Type: Road bikes only (curly handlebars)
Meeting Location: The Ride Cycles - 1351 Burke Road, Kew.
Terrain: On roads, most with bike lanes, and the Koonung Trail.
Duration: 1 hour + coffee time
Distance: 18km
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
PhysioHealth Breeze Road Ride - Northern Hills loop.
Suitable for intermediate riders, this is a no-drop ride, for road bikes (curly handlebars) only. The distance is approx 32km and will take approx 2 hours, followed by a coffee at Little Boy Blue.
Bike Type: Road bikes only (curly handlebars)
Meeting Location: PhysioHealth - 308 High Street, Kew.
Terrain: On roads, some with bike lanes. A bit hilly.
Duration: approx 2 hours + coffee time
Distance: 32km
Skill Level: Able to ride on roads with medium traffic. Intermediate fitness - hilly terrain.
Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6579642
The Ride Cycles Ladies Road Ride - Boroondara Loop
Suitable for beginner road riders, this is a no-drop ride, for road bikes (curly handlebars) only. The distance is approx 18km and will take 1 hours, followed by a free coffee at Cafe Bacino.
Bike Type: Road bikes only (curly handlebars)
Meeting Location: The Ride Cycles - 1351 Burke Road, Kew.
Terrain: On roads, most with bike lanes, and the Koonung Trail.
Duration: 1 hour + coffee time
Distance: 18km
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
PhysioHealth Breeze Road Ride - Northern Hills loop.
Suitable for intermediate riders, this is a no-drop ride, for road bikes (curly handlebars) only. The distance is approx 32km and will take approx 2 hours, followed by a coffee at Little Boy Blue.
Bike Type: Road bikes only (curly handlebars)
Meeting Location: PhysioHealth - 308 High Street, Kew.
Terrain: On roads, some with bike lanes. A bit hilly.
Duration: approx 2 hours + coffee time
Distance: 32km
Skill Level: Able to ride on roads with medium traffic. Intermediate fitness - hilly terrain.
Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6579642
Breeze Road Ride - Darebin loop.
Suitable for beginner to intermediate riders, this is a no-drop ride, for road bikes (curly handlebars) only. The distance is approx 22km and will take 1 hour, followed by a coffee at 15 Pounds Cafe.
Bike Type: Road bikes only (curly handlebars)
Meeting Location: 15 Pounds Cafe, 21 Railway Place Fairfield (opp Fairfield Station).
Terrain: Roads with medium traffic, and Darebin Creek Trail.
Duration: approx 1 hour + cafe time
Distance: 22km
Skill Level: Able to ride on roads with medium traffic. Beginner to intermediate.
Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7177062
Suitable for beginner to intermediate riders, this is a no-drop ride, for road bikes (curly handlebars) only. The distance is approx 22km and will take 1 hour, followed by a coffee at 15 Pounds Cafe.
Bike Type: Road bikes only (curly handlebars)
Meeting Location: 15 Pounds Cafe, 21 Railway Place Fairfield (opp Fairfield Station).
Terrain: Roads with medium traffic, and Darebin Creek Trail.
Duration: approx 1 hour + cafe time
Distance: 22km
Skill Level: Able to ride on roads with medium traffic. Beginner to intermediate.
Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7177062
Road Ride - Lumpy Northern Suburbs
I have mapped out a challenging little ride through some of Melbourne's more 'lumpy' suburbs.
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes. Fixie/hybrid and flatbar road bikes are OK too!
Meeting Location: Cnr Fulham Rd & Wingrove St Alphington
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance: 30km.
Duration: Approx 2-3hrs
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate.
I have mapped out a challenging little ride through some of Melbourne's more 'lumpy' suburbs.
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes. Fixie/hybrid and flatbar road bikes are OK too!
Meeting Location: Cnr Fulham Rd & Wingrove St Alphington
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance: 30km.
Duration: Approx 2-3hrs
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate.
Road Ride - The 1 in 20
This month we will have a crack at a cycling favourite - the "1 in 20"! Here is a profile of the climb - http://theclimbingcyclist.com/climbs/mt-dandenong/the-1-in-20/. As an optional extra, we can also include a climb up to SkyHigh Mt Dandenong for some stunning views! (if you don't want to do this, you can wait for us at the cafe)
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes.
Meeting Location: The Basin. There is a car park just along Forest Road from the main roundabout, we will meet there. Toilets available.
* If you need to take public transport, please contact me prior to the ride. We can meet a little earlier at Bayswater train station and ride out Mountain Hwy to the start point. Please note this is a busy road.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance Options: 20km for the "1 in 20" only (The Basin to Olinda). Add 8km to include SkyHigh loop.
Add 11km if starting from Bayswater Station. View the route here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4452198
Duration: Approx 1.5hrs plus cafe time
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Road Ride - Humevale Hill
Here is another opportunity to tackle Humevale Hill - great training for the Whittlesea Challenge! We will meet out the front of Bike'n'Bean, 797 Plenty Rd South Morang (plenty of parking available, or catch the train from the city to South Morang train station if you don't want to drive). The full ride is 60km - if you want a shorter ride, there are options to meet the group at Mernda, Yan Yean or Whittlesea.
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes.
Meeting Location: Out the front of Bike'n'Bean, 797 Plenty Rd South Morang. Car parking available. * If you need to take public transport, catch the train to South Morang station and ride a short distance to the start point.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance: 60km
Duration: Approx 4 hours.
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Road Ride: Saturday 9th August 8am - Easy Northern Hills
This will be a lovely road ride with a tour of the back roads of the north, with a few little hills thrown in.
View route profile: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4975084
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes, flat-bar roadies also welcome.
Meeting Location: Cnr Fulham Rd & Wingrove St Alphington.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance: 38km.
Duration: Approx 2.5hrs
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Road Ride: Two Boulies
We will visit the classic Melbourne cycling route - Kew Boulevard - and extend on through the lovely Yarra Boulevard as well! Hopefully avoiding the tacks on the road.
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes. Fixie/hybrid and flatbar road bikes are OK too!
Meeting Location: Cnr Yarra Boulevard & Chandler Highway, Kew. Opposite Guide Dogs Victoria.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance: 30km.
Duration: Approx 2hrs plus cafe time
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate.
Trail/Path Ride: Nite Rider!!
The first night-time training ride for Ride The Night. We will cruise along the Yarra Trail into Southbank, through the city and then back out the top, taking advantage of some of Melbourne's bike lanes.
Bike Type: Any bike type, lights required (front and back).
Meeting Location: Yarra Bend Road, opposite Fairfield NMIT
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic; bike lanes, bike paths.
Distance: 38km.
Duration: Approx 2hrs.
Skill Level: Beginner
Christmas Lights Tour
Bike Type: Any bike type, lights required (front and back). Decorations encouraged.
Meeting Location: Cnr of High Street and Harp Road, Kew East.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic; bike lanes, bike paths.
Distance: 14km.
Duration: Approx 1.5-2hrs.
Skill Level: All welcome!
This month we will have a crack at a cycling favourite - the "1 in 20"! Here is a profile of the climb - http://theclimbingcyclist.com/climbs/mt-dandenong/the-1-in-20/. As an optional extra, we can also include a climb up to SkyHigh Mt Dandenong for some stunning views! (if you don't want to do this, you can wait for us at the cafe)
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes.
Meeting Location: The Basin. There is a car park just along Forest Road from the main roundabout, we will meet there. Toilets available.
* If you need to take public transport, please contact me prior to the ride. We can meet a little earlier at Bayswater train station and ride out Mountain Hwy to the start point. Please note this is a busy road.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance Options: 20km for the "1 in 20" only (The Basin to Olinda). Add 8km to include SkyHigh loop.
Add 11km if starting from Bayswater Station. View the route here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4452198
Duration: Approx 1.5hrs plus cafe time
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Road Ride - Humevale Hill
Here is another opportunity to tackle Humevale Hill - great training for the Whittlesea Challenge! We will meet out the front of Bike'n'Bean, 797 Plenty Rd South Morang (plenty of parking available, or catch the train from the city to South Morang train station if you don't want to drive). The full ride is 60km - if you want a shorter ride, there are options to meet the group at Mernda, Yan Yean or Whittlesea.
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes.
Meeting Location: Out the front of Bike'n'Bean, 797 Plenty Rd South Morang. Car parking available. * If you need to take public transport, catch the train to South Morang station and ride a short distance to the start point.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance: 60km
Duration: Approx 4 hours.
Skill Level: Intermediate.
Road Ride: Saturday 9th August 8am - Easy Northern Hills
This will be a lovely road ride with a tour of the back roads of the north, with a few little hills thrown in.
View route profile: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4975084
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes, flat-bar roadies also welcome.
Meeting Location: Cnr Fulham Rd & Wingrove St Alphington.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance: 38km.
Duration: Approx 2.5hrs
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Road Ride: Two Boulies
We will visit the classic Melbourne cycling route - Kew Boulevard - and extend on through the lovely Yarra Boulevard as well! Hopefully avoiding the tacks on the road.
Bike Type: Best suited to Racing or Road bikes. Fixie/hybrid and flatbar road bikes are OK too!
Meeting Location: Cnr Yarra Boulevard & Chandler Highway, Kew. Opposite Guide Dogs Victoria.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic.
Distance: 30km.
Duration: Approx 2hrs plus cafe time
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate.
Trail/Path Ride: Nite Rider!!
The first night-time training ride for Ride The Night. We will cruise along the Yarra Trail into Southbank, through the city and then back out the top, taking advantage of some of Melbourne's bike lanes.
Bike Type: Any bike type, lights required (front and back).
Meeting Location: Yarra Bend Road, opposite Fairfield NMIT
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic; bike lanes, bike paths.
Distance: 38km.
Duration: Approx 2hrs.
Skill Level: Beginner
Christmas Lights Tour
Bike Type: Any bike type, lights required (front and back). Decorations encouraged.
Meeting Location: Cnr of High Street and Harp Road, Kew East.
Terrain: On public roads sharing with cars; medium traffic; bike lanes, bike paths.
Distance: 14km.
Duration: Approx 1.5-2hrs.
Skill Level: All welcome!
Past Trail/Path Rides:
Trail / Path Ride: Gardiners / Anniversary Trail
This is a ride format designed for riders who have commuter or hybrid style bikes, and don't feel quite up to coming on the road ride, but don't want to ride on the dirt or gravel either. All other bike types are also welcome. Over the course of the rides we will explore some of the many trails and paths around Melbourne. On this ride we will explore the Gardiner's Creek and Anniversary Trails, forming a loop.
Bike Type: Any.
Meeting Location: Cnr Yarra Boulevard & Chandler Highway, Kew. Opposite Guide Dogs Victoria.
Terrain: Paved paths and trails. Roads only if we can't avoid them.
Distance: 30km
Duration: Approx 2hrs
Skill Level: Beginner
Trail / Path Ride: Koonung Trail
This is a ride format designed for riders who have commuter or hybrid style bikes, and don't feel quite up to coming on the road ride, but don't want to ride on the dirt or gravel either. All other bike types are also welcome. Over the course of the rides we will explore some of the many trails and paths around Melbourne. On this ride we will explore the Koonung Trail.
Bike Type: Any.
Meeting Location: Cnr Yarra Boulevard & Chandler Highway, Kew. Opposite Guide Dogs Victoria.
Terrain: Paved paths and trails. Roads only if we can't avoid them.
Distance: 30km
Duration: Approx 2hrs
Skill Level: Beginner
Trail / Path Ride: Darebin Creek Trail
This is a ride format designed for riders who have commuter or hybrid style bikes, and don't feel quite up to coming on the road ride, but don't want to ride on the dirt or gravel either. All other bike types are also welcome. Over the course of the rides we will explore some of the many trails and paths around Melbourne. On this ride we will explore the Darebin Creek Trail, an out-and-back loop for 1.5 hours.
Bike Type: Any.
Meeting Location: Eaglemont Tennis Club car park just off The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East.
Terrain: Paved paths and trails. Roads only if we can't avoid them.
Distance: 20-30km
Duration: 1.5hrs
Skill Level: Beginner
Trail / Path Ride: Capital City Trail Loop
This is a ride format designed for riders who have commuter or hybrid style bikes, and don't feel quite up to coming on the road ride, but don't want to ride on the dirt or gravel either. All other bike types are also welcome. Over the course of the rides we will explore some of the many trails and paths around Melbourne. On this ride we will explore the Capital City Trail, forming a loop around the city.
Bike Type: Any.
Meeting Location: Yarra Bend Rd Fairfield, out the front of NMIT Fairfield Campus. Parking opposite the campus gates, and along Yarra Bend Rd.
Terrain: Paved paths and trails. Roads only if we can't avoid them.
Distance: 30km
Duration: Approx 2.5hrs
Skill Level: Beginner
Gravel Ride: Yarra Trails
As this ride is mostly on gravel or dirt trails, road bikes are not suitable. We will ride to Petty's Orchard for a coffee & cake then return via the same route.
Bike Type: MTB, cyclocross, hybrid with tyres suitable for gravel.
Meeting Location: Eaglemont Tennis Club car park just off The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East.
Terrain: Gravel trails and paths.
Distance: 36km
Duration: 2-3hrs
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Rail Trail / Path Ride: Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail return
We will meet at Lilydale train station and jump on the Rail Trail. To get to the start point you could catch a metro train from the city, or drive and park at Lilydale Station. Alternate start points - if driving, you may choose to meet us at Mt Evelyn which would reduce the amount of climbing involved, and reduce the overall distance. Email me for more information.
Bike Type: Anything suitable for riding on gravel.
Meeting Location: Lilydale Train Station
Terrain: Gravel trails.
Duration: 2-3 hours each way + break time for lunch at Warburton
Distance: 38km each way => 76km return
Skill Level: Any, as long as you are comfortable with the distance.
Gravel Path Ride - Eaglemont to Pettys Orchard
You will be amazed as we so quickly venture away from the hustle and bustle and into what feels like the country - when actually we are still in the heart of the city! These trails are beautiful, and there is a good chance we will encounter some local wildlife as we trace the Yarra River all the way out to Petty's Orchard where we can sample some of their amazing wares! Bring some snacks though, just in case for some reason they aren't open.
As this ride is about 50% on gravel or dirt trails, road bikes are not recommended, unless you are comfortable riding one on dirt/gravel. We will ride to Petty's Orchard for a coffee and/or cake then return via the same route.
* Shorter option: 14km. Meet the group at the carpark at the end of Bonds Rd, Eltham where it meets the Yarra Trail at approx 10:30am, ride to the cafe with us, and back. Contact me if you want to take up this option!
Bike Type: Hybrid, mountain bike, cyclocross - basically any bike with tyres suitable for gravel trails.
Meeting Location: Eaglemont Tennis Club car park just off The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East.
Day/Time: 10am start.
Terrain: Approx half gravel trails and paths, and half sealed paths.
Distance: 32km
Duration: 2.5-3hrs plus cafe time
Skill Level: Beginners are welcome.
Bring Your: Bike with bell and rear flashing light, helmet, spare tube to suit your bike, water/drink.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, front light, basic bike tools, snacks, cash for coffee & cake stop.
You will be amazed as we so quickly venture away from the hustle and bustle and into what feels like the country - when actually we are still in the heart of the city! These trails are beautiful, and there is a good chance we will encounter some local wildlife as we trace the Yarra River all the way out to Petty's Orchard where we can sample some of their amazing wares! Bring some snacks though, just in case for some reason they aren't open.
As this ride is about 50% on gravel or dirt trails, road bikes are not recommended, unless you are comfortable riding one on dirt/gravel. We will ride to Petty's Orchard for a coffee and/or cake then return via the same route.
* Shorter option: 14km. Meet the group at the carpark at the end of Bonds Rd, Eltham where it meets the Yarra Trail at approx 10:30am, ride to the cafe with us, and back. Contact me if you want to take up this option!
Bike Type: Hybrid, mountain bike, cyclocross - basically any bike with tyres suitable for gravel trails.
Meeting Location: Eaglemont Tennis Club car park just off The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East.
Day/Time: 10am start.
Terrain: Approx half gravel trails and paths, and half sealed paths.
Distance: 32km
Duration: 2.5-3hrs plus cafe time
Skill Level: Beginners are welcome.
Bring Your: Bike with bell and rear flashing light, helmet, spare tube to suit your bike, water/drink.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, front light, basic bike tools, snacks, cash for coffee & cake stop.
Past MTB Rides:
Off-Road / MTB Ride - Yarra Trails
We will explore some of the great trails right on our doorstep - The Yarra Trails near Ivanhoe.
Bike Type: Mountain Bike (MTB), Cyclocross or Hybrid. (gravel/dirt paths)
Meeting Location: Eaglemont Tennis Club car park just off The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East
Terrain: Mixture of paved paths, gravel & dirt trails. * "Single-track" options for more adventurous riders!
Duration: 1 hour
Skill Level: Any
Off-Road / MTB Ride - Yarra Trails
We will explore some of the great trails right on our doorstep - The Yarra Trails near Ivanhoe.
Bike Type: Mountain Bike (MTB), Cyclocross or Hybrid. (gravel/dirt paths)
Meeting Location: Eaglemont Tennis Club car park just off The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East
Terrain: Mixture of paved paths, gravel & dirt trails. * "Single-track" options for more adventurous riders!
Duration: 1 hour
Skill Level: Any
Special Ride: Two lysterfield options.
The ride will actually be 2 rides with a social break in the middle. The first ride will be some laps of the lake circuit trail, which is a wide gravel path (9-10am). Then we'll stop for a picnic cuppa & snacks (10-10:30am). After that, those that are interested can come for a circuit of the MTB single-track (10:30am-12pm). Come on one ride or both, or just meet us for the picnic!
Ride 1: 9:00am lake loops (all welcome)
Meeting Location: Horswood Road entrance to Lysterfield Lake Park. Meet in the carpark just to the right after you go through the entrance. Melway ref 108 B1.
Start time: 9am
Terrain: wide gravel trail / fire road.
Bike type: MTB, hybrid & cyclocross.
Distance: 7km per lap.
Duration: 1 hour.
Skill Level: All welcome.
Bring Your: Bike, helmet, a spare tube to suit your tyre size, water/drink.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, lights, basic bike tools, snacks.
Cost: FREE
Ride 2: 10:30am Lysterfield MTB circuit (women only)
Meeting Location: Horswood Road entrance to Lysterfield Lake Park. Meet in the carpark just to the right after you go through the entrance. Melway ref 108 B1.
Time: 10:30am start.
Terrain: Single-track.
Bike Type: Mountain Bike (or cyclocross if you're skilled)
Distance: depends on group!
Duration: 1-1.5hrs.
Skill Level: MTB Beginners are welcome, must be able to ride single-track or willing to try.
Bring Your: Serviced mountain bike, helmet, a spare tube to suit your tyre size, water/drink.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, lights, basic bike tools, plenty of snacks.
Cost: $10 or FREE for Members - click here to Register online!
The ride will actually be 2 rides with a social break in the middle. The first ride will be some laps of the lake circuit trail, which is a wide gravel path (9-10am). Then we'll stop for a picnic cuppa & snacks (10-10:30am). After that, those that are interested can come for a circuit of the MTB single-track (10:30am-12pm). Come on one ride or both, or just meet us for the picnic!
Ride 1: 9:00am lake loops (all welcome)
Meeting Location: Horswood Road entrance to Lysterfield Lake Park. Meet in the carpark just to the right after you go through the entrance. Melway ref 108 B1.
Start time: 9am
Terrain: wide gravel trail / fire road.
Bike type: MTB, hybrid & cyclocross.
Distance: 7km per lap.
Duration: 1 hour.
Skill Level: All welcome.
Bring Your: Bike, helmet, a spare tube to suit your tyre size, water/drink.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, lights, basic bike tools, snacks.
Cost: FREE
Ride 2: 10:30am Lysterfield MTB circuit (women only)
Meeting Location: Horswood Road entrance to Lysterfield Lake Park. Meet in the carpark just to the right after you go through the entrance. Melway ref 108 B1.
Time: 10:30am start.
Terrain: Single-track.
Bike Type: Mountain Bike (or cyclocross if you're skilled)
Distance: depends on group!
Duration: 1-1.5hrs.
Skill Level: MTB Beginners are welcome, must be able to ride single-track or willing to try.
Bring Your: Serviced mountain bike, helmet, a spare tube to suit your tyre size, water/drink.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, lights, basic bike tools, plenty of snacks.
Cost: $10 or FREE for Members - click here to Register online!
