Ride Guide Safety

RideGuide ROAD / GRAVEL / MOUNTAIN

AVENUE OF HONOUR Welcome to Contents

the Macedon PAGE Experience the region 4 Ranges Be Safe 6

ROAD RIDES DISTANCE DIFFICULTY 8 This guide showcases rides for all ages and The Hanging Rock Cruiser 27km Easy 10 abilities. There are easy options for folks just Historic Village Loop 27km Easy 12 starting out or looking for a leisurely weekend The Reservoir Rippa 29km Medium 14 activity, and plenty of challenging road and Straws Lane Thriller 40km Medium 16 gravel rides to excite the fittest cyclist. Barringo Beauty 48km Medium 18 The quiet country roads, naturally cool Mountain Climb Challenge 42km Hard 20 climate, gorgeous landscapes and proximity Backcountry Explorer 74km Hard 22 to Melbourne make the Macedon Ranges a The Ring of Kerrie 54km Hard 24 ripper riding destination. You can pedal for The Cross and the Rock 63km Advanced 26 miles and hardly encounter a car, although Ultimate Endurance Loop 117km Advanced 28 you’ll see plenty of wildlife and farm animals along the way. And when you’re done for the GRAVEL RIDES 30 day and want to chill, there’s an abundance The Federation Trail 16km Easy 32 of cellar doors, rustic bakeries, cafés and pubs in our historic villages to enjoy. Wombat Wanderer 25km Easy 34 Cobaws Joyride 32km Medium 36 If flowing single-track is more your thing, Plantation Prowl 56km Hard 38 there’s the brilliant Wombat Loop, that weaves Riddells Revenge 57km Hard 40 its way through the Wombat State Forest. Malmsbury Mixer 87km Advanced 42 It’s more than just ‘a ride’ in the Macedon Ranges, it’s an experience. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES 44 Wombat Loop 17km Medium 46 Go Bush MTB Explorer 37km Medium 48

Region fold out map 50 Help? 53

www.strava.com/clubs/ridemacedonranges WoodendExperience to Hanging the Region Rock 5 Experience the region “The Macedon Ranges offers something for cyclists of all The Macedon Ranges is home to nine distinct and charismatic villages, from small and ages, abilities and interests” sleepy to country-cosmopolitan. Linking these historic villages and tiny hamlets are stunning, seasonally changing rural landscapes, eucalyptus and pine forests, and boutique vineyards. For more about where to eat, drink, stay and explore go to visitmacedonranges.com or follow us on:

@macedonrangesnaturallycool @visitmacedonranges

Why not plan a The Macedon Ranges is less than an hour’s riding holiday? drive from Melbourne. You’ll also find many rides conveniently start and finish at our village railway stations (we recommend travelling during off-peak times as bike spaces are limited). Whatever your preferred mode of transport, you’ll be clipping into your pedals in not time. There’s also a variety of overnight accommodation options to create a fantastic biking getaway, from boutique guesthouses to caravan parks. Get inspired for a cycling holiday: visitmacedonranges.com/where-to-stay ROAD RIDE WoodendRatings, Strava to Hanging and Safety Rock 7 Ride Guide Safety

Here are some tips and hints Be aware of your surroundings Easy to keeping safe when you ride and ride to the conditions. Watch in the Macedon Ranges. for hazards and obstacles on the road or trails. Look carefully Medium Carry sufficient water as for vehicles and pedestrians potable water may not be readily entering and exiting driveways and available along a ride route. Hard pathways. Obey the road rules. Most of the Know the weather conditions. roads used in these rides are very Advanced During summer be aware of fire quiet and you may not encounter warnings. Do not ride on Code any car traffic, but you should Red days. Monitor cfa.vic.gov.au This Guide uses a colour coded obey the Victorian Road Rules at for updated fire information. grading system to help you all times. Mobile blackspots. Don’t get lost. identify which rides are suited to Make yourself visible. Always We recommend downloading our your fitness level, skill and ability. carry working lights and reflective rides (particularly gravel and MTB These classifications are based on gear where possible. routes) to a GPS device, as mobile a combination of ride distance, Respect the local area. Take devices may be impacted by black elevation and bike type. It’s all rubbish with you and do spots. expected riders are of reasonable not enter any private property, Ride times have been suggested fitness and assess their ability including farmland. before selecting and embarking by Strava and will vary depending on a ride. on rider ability.

Join the Ride Macedon Ranges community. Strava is a free, online GPS mapping tool that allows you to discover rides, monitor performance, challenge This guide uses Strava to yourself, friends and others who join map and share rides. the Ride Macedon Ranges Strava Club. www.strava.com/clubs/ridemacedonranges Road Rides Introduction 9

Road Rides

This Guide offers ten road rides that take you on a journey across the Macedon Ranges. Many keen cyclists start out tackling the steep climb up Mt Macedon. In summer, the mountain’s high elevation provides a cool respite from the city heat. The photo-worthy views to Hanging Rock also make cycling in the region a unique experience. A cold craft beer at a Woodend pub rounds these rides off nicely too. For adventurers up for a challenge, discover brilliant rides along roads less travelled. Traverse the famous Burke and Wills Track. Cycle alongside the magnificent Cobaw Ranges. And ride through farmland distinguished by amazing granite rock outcrops. For the ultimate training ride in our Guide and excuse for an overnight getaway, check out the 117km Ultimate Endurance Loop. With so many rides to choose from you’ll want to keep coming back again and again.

“Here you have the best of road cycling; quiet tree-lined country roads, plenty of variety, enough climbs to challenge anybody, and towns with a great coffee culture.” Brett Ellis, President, Macedon Ranges Cycling Club ROAD RIDE The Hanging Rock Cruiser 11

- R

d d n l e e i d f o e Anderson Rd o c n W a 20 L C 10 Colwells Rd a ld e A r

F r Calder Hwy e e w B a

y 15 Coach Rd

Boundary Rd

South Rock Rd Woodend-Lancefield Rd Romsey Rd

Wood WOODEND end-Wallan Rd C 5 FINISH Ln Straws d Mount Macedon Rd acedon R Mt M 25 Mt Macedon Rd START Morris Quarry Rd Road Rd don ce a M Boundary Rd t M

Calder Hwy

B m The Hanging Rock Cruiser 600 590 A 580 C Rating Easy Beginning your journey from Woodend 570 Railway Station, this low-gradient ride Distance 27km 560 passes through beautiful tree-lined 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 km Elevation 205m residential streets as you exit Woodend. You’ll travel along country roads Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 1h05m through open farmland, with many Woodend Train Station views of both Hanging Rock and Mt A Stop and admire the view of Mt Macedon. Macedon as you approach Hanging B Drop by Hanging Rock Reserve for a Rock Reserve. Devonshire tea or lunch at the licensed Finish Hanging Rock Cafe. Woodend Train Station Although rated easy, this ride is not C Finish with a coffee at one of the great suitable for children. local cafés in Woodend. ROAD RIDE Historic Village Loop 13 Mollison StB Malmsbury East Rd MALMSBURY 15

Breakneck Rd

Calder Freeway

C Daylesford-Malmsbury Rd 10

Breakneck Rd Redesdale Rd

Y Kyneton-Metcaffe Rd

o Heathcote-Kyneton Rd u n g s R d

20 Lauriston Rd n Rd sto C ri al La u Burton Ave de r F re ew LAURISTON ay

Keegan Rd KYNETON 5 Lauriston Reservoir Rd 25 START High St A

FINISH

m A 540 Historic Village Loop 520 B 500 C 480 Rating Easy Leaving the historic village of Kyneton, 460 this return trip takes you on a scenic Distance 27km 440 journey past farms and along quiet roads 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 km Elevation 333m to tranquil Malmsbury. Both villages offer options for a lazy lunch and Kyneton’s Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 1h10m Piper Street is ideal for a post-ride Kyneton Train Station retail fix. Or, pick up local fare from the A Pick up picnic treats from the Kyneton Farmers’ Markets held on second Saturday of the month. Kyneton or Malmsbury Farmers’ Markets and enjoy a picnic in the Malmsbury B Drop by Malmsbury Village Farmers’ Market on Finish Botanic Gardens, overlooking an 1800s third Sunday of the month. Kyneton Train Station bluestone viaduct bridge. C For history buffs, drop by the Malmsbury Cemetery, gazetted in 1861. ROAD RIDE The Reservoir Rippa 15

Ca Drum ld auriston mo e L n Lauriston Rd r F d R re d Burton Av ew 5 A ay Piper St LAURISTON 10

Harts Ln Keegan Rd KYNETON

Mollison St FINISH C START

Sebastapol Rd

Harts Ln LAURISTON 25 Shepherds Hill Rd Kyneton Springhill Rd RESERVOIR Trentham Rd Pleasant Hill Rd

Kyneton-

Trentham Rd 15 B 20 m Rd rentha n-T d to R e n l il y h K g Kyneton Sprin UPPER COLIBAN RESERVOIR

Central Rd

Coliban Rd m 600 The Reservoir Rippa B 550 C A Rating Medium Take in the scenery as you cycle 500 through flat, open farmland along Distance 29km 450 Lauriston Road. Test your legs up the 0 5 10 15 20 25 km Elevation 362m tree-sheltered Shepherds Hill Road, then be rewarded with stunning Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 1h15m views and a fun descent toward the A Sample the natural mineral water at Kyneton Train Station twin reservoirs. It’s a great place to Kyneton’s Mineral Springs Reserve. stop for a rest and take in the views, Finish B Be rewarded with the view and the descent before finishing with a nice and easy to the Upper Coliban and Lauriston reservoirs. Kyneton Train Station flat ride back into Kyneton. C Drop by one of the many great Kyneton bakeries, including winner of Australia’s Best Pie, Country Cob Bakery. ROAD RIDE Straws Lane Thriller 17

Calder Freeway Three Chain Rd

Chasers La 25 30 C o b 20 b a n d C o R Calder Hwy d

Dons Rd

Mowbrays Rd Woodend-Lancefield Rd

Rochford Rd 15 Ca Colwells Rd ld Anderson Rd e B r F r e e w

T a y y ld en W WOODEND o o Rd de n n la d al Romsey R Rd W d Wooden d- START C 40 10 Mount Macedon Rd FINISH d e R 5 A n Morris Rd r Straws Ln u o Quarry Rd b s h A

m 800 Straws Lane Thriller A 700 B C Rating Medium This ride takes you part way up the 600 Woodend side of Mt Macedon, through Distance 40km tall eucalypts and a beautiful forest 500 Elevation 410m setting. Your efforts are rewarded with 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 km a satisfying descent down Straws Lane Ride Time 1h40m towards the iconic Hanging Rock. Places of interest on this ride Start Expect a challenging climb, wildlife A Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you climb Woodend Train Station and picture-worthy scenery on this Mt Macedon. ride, followed by a relaxing cruise along B Experience great views of Hanging Rock, Finish Woodend’s tree-lined Avenue of Honour. from an angle many visitors don’t see. Woodend Train Station C Treat yourself to a vanilla slice from Bourkies Bakehouse or pick up local fare from the Woodend Farmers’ Market (1st Saturday of the month). Barringo Beauty 19 ROAD RIDE MOUNT MACEDON Glen Drouitt Rd Syndicate Rd

M C

o 40 u

MACEDON n

a B 45 c

d Calder Freeway o n

35 Barringo Rd NEW GISBORNE RIDDELLS CREEK Ross-Watt Rd Gisborne-Kilmore Rd FINISH START

Pierce Rd

30 5 Gisbor ne Rd A Kilmore Rd Melbourne Rd GISBORNE 10

Bennet Rd Riddell Rd

Booking Rd 25

G is Da b lrymp o le r R n d e M 15 e lt o n

R McGeorge Rd d 20 Mundy Rd Couangalt Rd C m 500 B Barringo Beauty 480 460 A Rating Medium This ride takes you around the outskirts 440 of Gisborne on quiet, remote roads. 420 Distance 48km Travelling along some of the locals 400 Elevation 557m favourite routes, you’ll experience 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 km stunning views of Mt Macedon Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 2h15m from many aspects, particularly as you wind up towards the township of A Take a breather in Gisborne with a coffee in Gisborne Train Station Macedon. Ride along tranquil Glen Gardiner Reserve or the Botanic Gardens. Drouin Road and down the popular and B If riding in autumn, you’ll love the beautiful Finish beautiful Barringo Road to finish. colours bursting from mountain gardens. Gisborne Train Station C Enjoy stunning views along tree-lined Barringo Road, then relax at Barringo Food & Wine Co. C al de Mountain Climb Challenge 21 ROAD RIDE r H d w R n y la Woodend-Wal FINISH START Rd Mount Macedon Straws Ln 5 Quarry Rd rive 10 WOODEND n D ro e

a 40 C 20 e

v i 15 Ashbourne Rd r

t s

e A Mount Macedon Rd r

c B a l B Douglas Rd

MOUNT MACEDON C

35 Syndicate Rd MACEDON 525

B R

a n c k o d

F e

Calder Freewayore c

st a

D M

ri v t

e n

o M 30

Barringo Rd Hamilton Rd A Ferrier Rd m 1000 900 B Mountain Climb Challenge 800 C 700 600 Mt Macedon is naturally one of the Rating Hard 500 highlights of the region. The northern Distance 42km 400 side is considered the ‘easier’ of the two 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 km Elevation 832m ascents but still a real challenge, even for well-rounded riders. Be transported to Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 1h45m another world as you climb and navigate A Pay your respects at the Memorial Cross and Woodend Train Station the winding roads through this lush enjoy Devonshire tea at Top of the Range Tea forest. Upon reaching the summit, take Rooms. a moment for quiet reflection at the Finish Ride past some of the country’s finest garden Memorial Cross, before winding down B estates, some open to the public. Woodend Train Station tree-lined roads through quaint Mount Macedon village and back to Woodend. C Follow the path taken by bushrangers and hopeful prospectors to Woodend for a pub lunch. ROAD RIDE Backcountry Explorer 23

ll Rd Hi 25 ion iss M 20 B u rk d e R a d 30 n R on t d c n W a y r a i o ll b Sidonia Rd B s o T o r T a - 15 c ld d e R k ﬁ n e to c e n a

n L y

e t

o 35

h t

e 10

H B u r k COBAW e 40 a n RANGES d W i Baynton Rd lls 5 T 45 ra c Pipers Creek Rd k 70 KYNETON d 50 ain R Ch ree Chases Ln LANCEFIELD Th B A Calder Freeway 60

Three Chain Rd FINISH START

Dons Rd Woode Rd Central Rd nd -Lanceﬁ el d

m 800 Backcountry Explorer 700 600 500 Discover less-travelled parts of the Rating Hard 400 region. Turn onto the famous Burke Distance 74km 300 and Wills track and ascend the largest 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 km Elevation 851m climb of the ride. Cycle alongside the Cobaw Ranges into historic Kyneton, Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 3h05m before winding your way through Macedon Ranges backcountry. A End your ride with a brewery session and lunch at Lancefield Sidonia Road has a few tough The Lost Waterhole opening 2021. climbs, but granite rock formations B If riding on the fourth Saturday of the month, Finish and farmscape scenery make it fill your jersey pockets or panniers with delicious worthwhile. This ride can also start and local produce from the Lancefield Farmers’ Market. Lancefield finish from Kyneton Railway Station. The Ring of Kerrie 25 ROAD RIDE 25 Romsey Rd Romsey Rd

ROMSEY 30 20 B

MACEDON Mt Eliza Rd REGIONAL PARK 35 Mt Macedon Rd Lanceﬁeld - Melbourne

C Tucketts Rd 40

Syndicate Rd MACEDON 10

45 RIDDELLS CREEK A Barringo Rd 5 C Hamilton Rd a l d FINISH START e r Fr ee 50 w Main Rd ay Sutherlands Rd

Station Rd m 900 The Ring of Kerrie 800 B 700 C 600 A 500 A ride for hill lovers, the Ring of Kerrie kicks Rating Hard 400 off from Riddells Creek along open country Distance 54km 300 roads. From Bolinda, enjoy an 11km steady 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 km Elevation 1011m climb past grand horse properties and through quiet, deeply forested landscapes Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 2h15m around the side of Mount Kerrie. Upon reaching Romsey Road, either drop by A Stock up on local snacks from the Riddells Creek Riddells Creek Hesket Estate’s cellar door or continue your Farmers’ Market on third Saturday of the month. journey with the sharp pinch of Straws B Enjoy exploring less-travelled roads on a Finish Lane and then up and over Mt Macedon, beautiful climb to Kerrie and Hesket. followed by a rewarding scenic descent all Riddells Creek the way back to Riddells Creek. C Break up your ride with lunch in Mount Macedon village. ROAD RIDE Anderson Rd The Cross and The Rock 27 35

WOODEND

40 Straws Ln Romsey Rd 30

Boundary Rd rive n D ro Quarry Rd e

B 20 m l B a 25 a

o r

D r i v e MOUNT MACEDON 15 50 Mount Macedon Rd

B MACEDON l Syndicate Rd a

c k A

F o r es t D ri ve 5 Barringo Rd C al de r F re RIDDELLS ew Hamilton Rd a y CREEK 60

d R

n NEW GISBORNE o i

a t Saunders Rd borne Rd FINISH S START Gis GISBORNE m B 1000 The Cross and The Rock 900 800 700 Rating Advanced Many riders travel to the region specifically 600 A to conquer Mt Macedon. If that sounds 500 Distance 63km like your cup of tea, then this is the loop 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 km Elevation 1074m for you. Starting in Gisborne, you’ll climb the renowned south face of Mt Macedon, Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 2h35m winding through lush forest. Once on the summit, take in the views and visit A Barringo Road is a favourite, scenic road Gisborne

the Memorial Cross, before descending for local riders. towards iconic Hanging Rock. Stop in B Follow Cameron Drive to the Memorial Cross, Finish Woodend for a coffee break before the keep an eye out for kangaroos that call this final leg back into Gisborne. For an easier area home. Gisborne climb complete this ride in reverse. ROAD RIDE Ultimate Endurance Loop 29

Sidonia Rd C d R 100

a 90 l n

d to B e e u r n r y k F K Sidonia Rd C Baynton Rd e r e – A e e n w t d o a c W MALMSBURY y h 105 t d il a 85 l R s e T ia ra H r ck to s a -P ek 110 80 re Lauriston Rd START C Baynton Rd ers 5 Pip 70 75 10 FINISH Pipers Creek Rd Cobb And Co Rd Three Chain Rd A KYNETON 65

Shepherds Hill Rd 15 60 20 Springhill Rd TYLDEN 55 Tylden-Woodend Rd WOODEND 25 B

Boundary Rd

James Lane 30 d 35 40 R ne Pearsons Rd Ashbour m 700 B Ultimate Endurance Loop A 600 C

Rating Advanced Consider this a serious training ride or 500 one epic journey. You’ll want to set aside Distance 117km 400 a full day out, or better still, turn it into a 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 km Elevation 1606m mini getaway. Expect lots of interesting variations in landscape, including scenic Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 4h50m farmland, rolling granite rock hills, and some less-travelled, winding gum tree- A Enjoy the climb up Shepherds Hill Road. Kyneton lined roads. Celebrate with a big meal in B Take a mid-way break and re-fuel in Woodend. the gastronomic town of Kyneton when Finish you return from this highly rewarding loop. C A quiet, scenic road, to keep your spirits Kyneton up as you near the end of your ride. Gravel Rides Introduction 31

Gravel Rides

Gravel riding enables you to enjoy Macedon Ranges scenery from a different perspective, where you feel more ‘in nature’ than when road biking. With six gravel rides to choose from, you’ll soon become intimate with the Macedon Ranges backcountry. What makes gravel riding in the Macedon Ranges different from other parts of Victoria is the variety of the terrain. You’ll get everything from straight, flat gravel roads, to steep climbs, rock and sand. Everywhere you turn, there’s something different to look at. Our gravel rides will take you through the hidden gem of the Cobaw State Forest, pine plantations in Macedon, forestscapes on Mt Macedon and the iconic Hanging Rock. And the best part is how the gravel roads themselves change with the seasons – they are different every time you ride them. Don’t get lost. We recommend downloading our rides to a GPS device, as mobile devices may be impacted by black spots.

“Gravel riding in the Macedon Ranges is outstanding, not only because of the incredible scenery, but also because of the diversity of the tracks you explore: from sheltered forests and challenging climbs to windswept farm plains.”

Tiffany Winchester, local ultra endurance cyclist Woodend-Lancefield Rd K ilm The Federation Trail 33 GRAVEL RIDE o B re Park Ln -L an ce LANCEFIELD field Rd

d 10 R Burkemans Ln d el efi anc d-L en Collivers Rd M

d e o

o b

W o

A L

n 5 c e

f l i i

a l

r d

n d

Boundary Rd e

y e

Lukes Rd

n a L 15 Ochiltrees Rd Barnes Ln

Tickawarra Rd ROMSEY

START FINISH

Murhpy St Barry St Romsey Rd

m The Federation Trail 560 A 520 520 B Rating Easy Running parallel to Melbourne-Lancefield 490 Road on the Federation Trail, this ride mostly 460 Distance 16km travels along a dedicated shared path 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 km Elevation 159m for cyclists and pedestrians. As you leave Romsey’s main street, the trail becomes Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 40m a well-formed granitic sand surface and the surroundings transform from classic A Take in the picturesque rural vistas as you make Lions Park Reserve Romsey Australian architecture to expanses of your way between Romsey and Lancefield. rolling farmland. Enjoy a meal in Lancefield B Fill your hamper at the Lancefield Farmers’ Finish or treat yourself post-ride with lunch at one Market on the fourth Saturday of the month, of Romsey’s cafés or restaurants. then ride back to Lions Park Reserve in Lions Park Reserve Romsey for a picnic. Romsey WOODEND Wombat Wanderer 35 GRAVEL RIDE Mahoneys Rd B START

Quarry Rd

FINISH

Harpers Rd N Henshalls Rd Donalds Rd A

Ashbourne Rd Einsporns Rd 5

Island Farm Rd Black Forest Dr Forest Black

Ashbourne Rd

Harpers Rd S Spencer Rd

Daniels Rd 20

Ahern Rd

Chambers Rd Fleming Rd Jocks Gully Rd Porkers Rd Boldiston Rd 10

Fingerpost Rd

Calder Fwy

15 Credit: Tiffany Winchester Tiffany Credit:

m Wombat Wanderer 700 650 A B Rating Easy After warming up your legs on Mahoneys 600 Road, follow all the “No Road” signs to 550 Distance 25km explore the quiet backroads into the 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 km Elevation 383m Wombat State Forest. You’ll be immersed in lush, shaded forest as you wind your way Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 1h around these quiet gravel roads. A You’ll be spoilt for choice on winding Woodend Train Station There is quite a bit of undulation in the gravel roads. first 15kms, but the last 10km of largely B Reward yourself with some chips and Finish downhill makes it all worthwhile. craft beer at Holgate Brewhouse or The Victoria Hotel. Woodend Train Station GRAVEL RIDE 15 Cobaws Joyride 37 Prendergasts Rd Baynton Rd B

Goochs Ln

Walls Ln Cobaw State Forest

10 Ridge Rd Ridge

Morris Ln Pipers Creek Rd 25 Forest Rd Three Chain Rd Croziers Rd A

Chases Ln

Boundary Rd

Three Chain Rd Three Chain Rd

5 Egans Ln 30

Garth Rd START Dons Rd FINISH C Jim Rd Rochford Rd Bolgers Ln Credit: Tiffany Winchester Tiffany Credit: Newham

m A Cobaws Joyride 800 C 700 B Rating Medium Head north along the quiet gravel 600 Boundary Road, taking in the views to 500 Distance 32km your left. Rolling along Goochs Lane you’ll 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 km Elevation 659m be rewarded with sweeping scenic views before the descent into the Cobaws. The Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 1h20m granitic Cobaw Batholith is in full display A Stop on the corner of Forest Road for a great view Newham along this next section - keep your eyes of Mt Macedon, Camels Hump, and the Jim Jim. out for large boulders on both sides of the Finish road. Descend through the Cobaw State B Take note on the opening hours of Cobaw Ridge Newham Forest before rolling gently back Winery for a visit post-ride. into Newham. C Get a picnic box from Hanging Rock Winery, only 2km from Newham and open daily. GRAVEL RIDE WOODENDPlantation Prowl 39 South Rd Calder Freeway Donalds Rd 10

Island Farm Rd 5

B Macedon Pine

l a Hickeys Rd Chambers Rd c Ahern Rd Plantation Porkers Ln k F Keyes Rd ore st 15 D Gleeds Ln r iv 25 20 Taylor Rd A e

Firth Rd i Smith St n g START erpo st Rd B

l a 45 ck MACEDON wo FINISH od Fingerpost Rd Rd

Burnt Mill Rd

30 50 Calder Freeway Firth Rd 40 Bailey Rd B

35 Saltwater Rd

m B Plantation Prowl 750 A 700 650 600 Rating Hard Hopefully you’ve had a coffee in Macedon 550 before heading out because your first 500 Distance 56km treat on this loop is a climb up through 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 km Elevation 1015m a pine tree plantation. Explore the quiet backroads on your way up to Woodend Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 2h20m before heading west to play deeper into the Wombat State Forest. A Want a shorter loop? Turn left on Fingerpost Road Macedon Train Station (15.6km in) then follow the telegraph poles onto Blackwood Road that leads back into Macedon. Finish Weave your way through the forested fire trails and enjoy the peace and quiet of B Keep an eye out for wildlife around the water Macedon Train Station these tranquil surroundings. points on your way through the forest…though don’t drink the water! (38km mark). GRAVEL RIDE Riddells Revenge 41 Anderson Rd B Collwells Rd 30 Hanging 25 Rock

Romsey Rd WOODEND 20

Boundary Rd

Gradys Ln 15

H 40 r

a MOUNT MACEDON C 45 Mount Charlie Rd 10 MACEDON 50

Calder Freeway 5 FINISH

RIDDELLS CREEK A START Credit: Tiffany Winchester Tiffany Credit:

m Riddells Revenge 800 B 700 A 600 Rating Hard After stocking up on supplies in Riddells 500 Creek, head up Mount Charlie Road 460 Distance 57km and you’ll soon be swept up in the 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 km Elevation 1037m fabulousness of the Flora Reserve. After quite a long climb, you’ll be grateful for Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 2h20m the downhill on Hesket-Boundary Road, but it’s worth stopping to take in the A Start with a visit to Riddells Creek Farmers’ Riddells Creek views of Hanging Rock and the Cobaw Market held on the third Saturday of the Ranges. Head back through Macedon month. Finish Regional Park and Barringo before B This view of Hanging Rock on Cowells Rd Riddells Creek enjoying your revenge on Riddells with is only visible when you ride gravel. that last 5km of downhills. GRAVEL RIDE Malmsbury Mixer 43 80 Boundary Rd START

MALMSBURY A n C o t 70 a e l n FINISH d y Sidonia Rd K e r – F e r t Baynton Rd o eeway c h 5 t a

e Pastoria Lauriston Rd H

KYNETON 10 Pipers Creek Rd 60 Three Chain Rd

Trentham Rd C a ld e Shepherds Hill 15Rd r F re e w ay Springhill Rd 50 20 TYLDEN Tylden-Woodend Rd WOODEND

Boundary Rd 25 40

45 James Ln James 30 B 35

Pearsons Rd m Malmsbury Mixer 650 B 600 550 A Rating Advanced This loop mixes up the terrain (50% 500 gravel. 50% road) and the scenery. Tree 450 Distance 87km canopied roads along Shepherds Hill 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 km Elevation 1182m Road and through Woodend change to drier farmland and sweeping views as Places of interest on this ride Start Ride Time 3h40m you head back north towards Green Hill. A Time your ride with the Malmsbury Village Malmsbury Look to the left around 16km into the Farmers’ Market every third Sunday of ride for views to Mt Macedon. the month. Finish Finish your mammoth ride with a well- B Depending on time of year the 35.4km Malmsbury earned lunch in historic Malmsbury, or mark might be a river crossing. If so, stay enjoy an overnight getaway. on Ashbourne Road into Woodend. Mountain Bike Rides Introduction 45

MTB Rides

The Wombat State Forest and village of Woodend is the heart of the Macedon Ranges mountain biking scene. The forest is also well-known for its annual Wombat Classic mountain biking event. And yes, there are wombats too. This Guide features two of the best mountain bike adventures in the area. Both are perfect for a ‘quickie’ with plenty of time left over to explore Woodend’s cracking good pub scene. Particularly handy with the town’s location on the Melbourne-Bendigo V/Line train route. Or if travelling by car, you can always take a drive to nearby Hanging Rock or Mt Macedon afterward, to double up on your nature fix for the day. Don’t get lost. We recommend downloading our rides to a GPS device, as mobile devices may be impacted by black spots. “I love mountain biking in the Macedon Ranges, the passionate riding community and the variety of trails to explore make it quite special. The single track in the Wombat State Forest is famous for being handmade old school cross country and rewards those with a sense of adventure.” Cam McFarlane, Member, Wombat Mountain Bike Club Credit: Callan Harrison Credit:

MTB RIDE Wombat Loop 47 Chambers Rd Chambers

Boldiston Rd

TO WOODEND 5 A C Taylor Rd Taylor Rd START

FINISH B F 10 ing erp ost Rd

15 TO MACEDON

Fingerpost Rd Fingerpost Rd Credit: Callan Harrison Credit: m 725 A C Wombat Loop 700 B

Rating Medium This 17km mountain biking track takes you 675 through the Wombat State Forest surrounding Distance 17km Woodend. Weave and flow along hand-built 650 Elevation 62m single track, established and maintained by 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5 15 km the Wombat Mountain Bike Club. Ride Time 1h20m The Wombat Loop is in great condition for Places of interest on this ride Start most of the year, although can be wet during A Check out the trailhead Information board to Woodend the winter months. The track has two distinct learn more about the experience that lies ahead. loops of equal distance. Loop 1, beginning from B Keep an eye out for the wombat burrows Finish the car park, offers slightly more technical on either side of the track. riding. To complete the full 17km Wombat Loop Woodend C Enjoy a pub meal in Woodend after your ride. you must ride both loops. MTB RIDE Go Bush MTB Explorer 49 START

WOODEND

FINISH

C a

Ashbourne Rd l d

d H

Chanters Ln R

w k

y e Harpers Rd d R e r e C Ashbourne Rd ur n bo y h e s t A la Ashbourne Rd S

ASHBOURNE B Spencer Rd l 5 a

c k

d F R o ton r ldis e o s B t D ri Fleming Rd ve 30 Birranes Rd d

Taylor Rd o

Campaspe Rd 10 C B 25 Fingerpost Rd Firth Park 20 15 k Campaspe Rd

l l i Credit: Callan Harrison Credit: A M A n o Burnt Mill Rd rs m e d n B C 700 A Go Bush MTB Explorer 650 After turning off Ashbourne Road, at Rating Medium 600 the 5km mark, this ride takes in thick Distance 37km bushland, remote dirt tracks, and great 550 Elevation 582m undulating 4WD tracks. Navigation can 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 km be a challenge so be sure to download the Ride Time 1h30m map and GPS navigation file. Places of interest on this ride Start The return to Woodend is best achieved A Firth Park is your turn around point. Woodend Train Station following Fingerpost Road and Slatey B Fingerpost and Slatey Creek Roads Finish Creek Road. The blast down Slatey Creek on the return leg are spectacular and Road is an awesome reward for all the remote dirt roads. Woodend Train Station earlier climbing. C If you’ve got time, tag the Wombat Loop onto your ride. The Big Picture Ride Details

Public Toilets Newham 8 ROAD RIDES DISTANCE DIFFICULTY - Newham Mechanics Institute Gisborne 10 The Hanging Rock Cruiser 27km Easy Riddells Creek - Gardiner Reserve, - Lions Park, 12 Historic Village Loop 27km Easy Hamilton Street Gisborne-Kilmore Road 14 The Reservoir Rippa 29km Medium Kyneton Romsey - Botanic Gardens, Ebden Street 16 Straws Lane Thriller 40km Medium - Hutton Street - Lions Park, 18 Barringo Beauty 48km Medium Melbourne-Lancefield Road - Mechanics Reserve, 20 Mountain Climb Challenge 42km Hard Baynton Street Tylden - Mineral Springs Reserve, - Tylden-Woodend Road 22 Backcountry Explorer 74km Hard Burton Ave 24 The Ring of Kerrie 54km Hard Woodend - Kyneton Visitor - Anslow Streetreet 26 The Cross and the Rock 63km Advanced Info Centre, High Street - Campaspe Park, 28 Ultimate Endurance Loop 117km Advanced Lancefield Campaspe Drive - High Streetreet - Hanging Rock, South Road 30 GRAVEL RIDES Malmsbury - Racecourse Reserve, - Lauriston Reservoir Forest Street 32 The Federation Trail 16km Easy - Malmsbury Reservoir - Woodend Visitor 34 Wombat Wanderer 25km Easy - Malmsbury Botanic Gardens Info Centre, High Street 36 Cowbaws Joyride 32km Easy Macedon - Centennial Park, Drinking Water 38 Plantation Prowl 56km Medium Mt Macedon Road 40 Riddells Revenge 57km Hard Gisborne Mt Macedon - Gardiner Reserve, 42 Malmsbury Mixer 87km Advanced - Memorial Cross Hamilton Street - Streetanley Park, Salisbury Road Tylden 44 MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES New Gisborne - Recreation Centre 46 Wombat Loop 17km Medium - Barringo Reserve, Barringo Road - Picnic area, Tylden-Woodend Road 48 Go Bush MTB Explorer 37km Medium

42 Heathcote – Kyneton Rd

MALMSBURY

l KYNETON e ﬁ e

a 12 14 28 L

LANCEFIELD

Melbourne-Lanceﬁeld Rd

HANGING ROCK TYLDEN 10 16 20 34 46 48 36 WOODEND 32 NEWHAM ROMSEY

MOUNT MACEDON

MACEDON

24 40

RIDDELLS CREEK

NEW GISBORNE 18 26

GISBORNE Gisborne Rd

d R n

o t l

We acknowledge the Macedon Ranges Shire is located on e

Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Country whose ancestors n r

and their descendants are the traditional owners of this Country. s

i G We acknowledge that they have been custodians for many centuries and continue to perform age old ceremonies of celebration, initiation SOUTH GISBORNE and renewal. We acknowledge their living culture and their unique role in the life of this region. Help? Need more information about the V/Line. Local clubs Macedon Ranges? The list below provides a range of information and The Macedon Ranges is well Macedon Ranges Cycling Club contact details to ensure you have a serviced by train, with V/Line stations www.macedonrangescycling.org.au great time riding the Macedon Ranges. at Gisborne, Kyneton, Macedon, Wombat Mountain Bike Club Malmsbury, Riddells Creek and www.wombatmtb.com.au Visitor Information Woodend. Many of the rides start and finish at these stations, so leave the car Visitor Information Centres can at home and arrive relaxed and ready MTB Tours help with maps, information on to start pedalling. accommodation, places to eat and Small group mountain bike tours in the drink, things to see and do, and other Bikes can be carried free of charge Macedon Ranges. Melbourne return useful information. Phone, or drop in: on V/Line trains, but only if space transfers & optional equipment hire. is available. You should only travel with Contact ANT Touring on 1300 35 33 35 Kyneton Visitor Info Centre bikes during off-peak times. High St, Kyneton Open 7 days, 9am – 5pm Note: bikes are not permitted on Visit Online P +61 3 5421 9732 V/Line coaches. More information www.visitmacedonranges.com at www.vline.com.au E [email protected] MacedonRangesNaturallyCool Woodend Visitor Info Centre Bike shop & MTB hire VisitMacedonRanges High St, Woodend Woodend Cycles www.strava.com/ridemacedonranges Open 7 days, 9am – 5pm 68 High Street, Woodend. www.mrsc.vic.gov.au P +61 3 5421 9709 P +61 3 5427 2662 E [email protected] www.woodendcycles.com.au

Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the text, maps and details of each ride are as accurate as possible at the time of publication. Roads and tracks can change or be temporarily closed for a range of reasons, as such it is recommended you carry, or have access to additional mapping information. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, loss or injury incurred as a result of using this Guide. full laneatroundabouts Cyclist mayusethe than twoabreast Ride nomore and traﬃclights Obey allroadsigns Use lightsandwearbrightclothes Be seen. Join today biesaemacedonrangesgmail.com aceboo.com/ieaeacedonanges visible tooterveicles...andrevent cars...tringtosueeeastou. same waasouwouldiwere inacar. iswillmaeoumore nterteroundabout intemiddle otelaneandgotroug itte BIKE SAFECODE