Where to Ride Melbourne by David Russell
Reviewed by Clare Kennedy, an Australian based reviewer who writes for a range of magazines, newspapers and websites.
A few weeks ago, I spied a mountain bike languishing on the nature strip during waste collection week. Ok, so it was’t perfect. It had a rusty chain, no seat and did I mention that it was pink and purple. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Fast forward two weeks and me and my bike have bonded with the help of an oil can, a service, a couple of long rides and did I mention the new seat!
So it was a stroke of luck when a review copy of Where to Ride Melbourne came my way.
The book is logically structured so that you can quickly find a bike route in the area that interests you. In Central Melbourne, for instance, there are eleven rides listed. A handy Ride Overview graph lists the information you need to choose your route including the terrain (road/path), distance (3.6km to 28.2km) and ride rating(1-4 ), where 1 is the least demanding route.
Each bike route is accompanied by a map and a log which explains where to go if your map reading skills are less than perfect. The map includes handy symbols which pinpoint bus stops, eating places, the new Bike Share docking stations and amenities.
Just flicking through this guide and the lovely photos dotted throughout is enough to inspire my next bike adventure.
I rate this a must for cycling enthusiasts interested in getting to know Melbourne and its surrounds a little better.
**GIVEAWAY: RECEIVE A FREE COPY**
The Where to Ride Guides are available for most Australian cities, and we have 3 copies to giveaway! Pop on over to Bicycling Australia and tell us which Guide you would like to win in the LEAVE A REPLY box below (keep scrolling down and if a subscriber click on the title to get access!) by 7pm on Wednesday 16 Feb 2011. The winner will be drawn randomly and notified via email Wednesday night. Goodluck!
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Yes please! I’d love the Melbourne guide. I commute by bike every day but it would be great to get some inspiration to get off the same old route and explore on the weekends.
The Sydney guide would be awesome. What a great idea!
I’d love the melbourne guide please love riding with grandchildren on weekends and school holidays Thankyou in advance
Being new to Adelaide, obviously the Adelaide Guide would come in very handy.
Would love a copy of the Sydney guide for my friend.
Would love the Melbourne Guide so we can do some great family rides.
I would love where to ride South East Queensland.
Thank you: I would love to get such a guide to Melbourne!
WOW: I’d love a copy of Where to ride Western/Northern Victoria…we have such a ‘ride-able’ country!!
We love taking our son riding on our bike & my brother & sister in law are moving to Melbourne soon. So would love to give them Where to Ride Melbourne – as you say a great way to learn all about Melbourne.
I’d LOVE to see the Melbourne guide head my way – for me, my kids, the grandparents, and friends..and some of the other guides for holidays too!
Very much a commute-by-biker here, with one or two kids and a load of groceries on board. Would love to explore some new territory and perhaps pack a picnic instead
We’d love the Eastern Victoria guide (if we are so lucky as to win) – we have a good handle on Melbourne, but need a confidence-booster to head further afield. Thanks!
Where to ride South East Queensland would be fantastic for us!
I’ve recently moved to the Gold Coast so I’d pick Where to Ride South East Queensland
Melbourne Guide – my next holiday destination
I’d Love the Adelaide guide to help me get out of the CBD and into some other cycling routes in the city.
Brisbane is the best city I’ve lived in. With suh a huge array of cycling paths I’d love to see how they all link up. There are some blogs but they are difficult to navigate, and nothing beats having a delicious little bookto pull out of your backpack to plan your next journey. I’d love a Brisbane copy to plan my rides whilst it’s rainingand then grow it in my bag bag for a day of evolving adventure.
Melbourne! Hope I’m not too late…!
WINNERS: Natasha, Anne and Christina are all the lucky winners of the Where To Ride cycling trail books drawn randomly this evening. We will be in touch by email. Thanks to all for entering. Happy cycling adventures! Jenny, State of Green.
Nice book by David Russell, actually most of the time I see people riding bikes near beaches, near yarra river. Thanks for introducing with the eleven rides available in Central Melbourne.