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Warburton autumn cycle retreat
Sat 15 – Sun 16 May 2010
Overview
The Warburton autumn cycle retreat is a two day escape by bike along the Warburton rail trail in May, which is a great time to see this area. The cycle is a relatively flat, off road 38kms each way and is taken slowly with plenty of stops to eat, drink, socialise and take in the beautiful scenery. The accommodation is lovely tree shaded property in Warburton, only minutes walk from the river. River walks, massage workshops and stretch classes are provided to ensure a true feeling of escape.
Cost
$250 per person (early bird rate $215)
The cost covers…
- Accommodation at Warburton Motel
- Lunch on the Saturday and the Sunday
- Morning tea/snacks/drinks along the way
- Car support along the trail for luggage and weary riders
- Saturday afternoon guided river and township walk
- Saturday late afternoon massage workshop
- Sunday morning stretch class
- Bicycle mechanical support as required
- Guidance and historical anecdotes along the rail trail
Note: To accommodate for varying budgets, dinner and breakfast is not included
To make a booking enquiry for this trip visit here
Accommodation and group details
Warburton Motel is a comfortable, homely motel on the eastern end of town close to the river. See www.warburtonmotel.com.au for details.
Accommodation is in a double or twin room share. Single rooms are available at an additional cost of $55.
The group numbers are restricted to 16. Participants must be over 13 years of age or small enough to be carried along on the bicycle of a parent or guardian.
Itinerary and details
Meeting up
Meeting point for those coming by train: 10:15 am - Lilydale Railway Station at the two phone boxes at the exit to the station. This is when the 9:10 train from Flinders St arrives (Passing Parliament at 9:17, Richmond 9:20, Camberwell 9:31, Box Hill 9:43).
From here we will cycle to COG café in Mt Evelyn to meet with the other cyclists
Meeting point for those coming by car: 11:00 am - COG café, 4 Clancy Rd, Mt Evelyn (Melways ref 120 C1). See www.cogbikecafe.com.au for details. Bike and equipment hire is available from them (they also make yummy muffins).
If you live in the northern or north eastern suburbs a home pick up may be possible. Email us to find out.
Saturdays itinerary
11:00 – 1130 am Morning tea at COG Cafe. Meet your fellow riders.
Cycle via Wandin and Seville to the lunch stop
1:00 – 1:30 pm Lunch stop at Woori Yallock
Cycle via Launching Place to afternoon tea
2:45 – 3:00 pm Brief afternoon tea at Yarra Junction
Cycle via Wesburn and Milgrove to final destination
4:30 pm onwards Free time in Warburton to walk, swim, explore, relax, etc…
5:30 – 6:30 pm Guided river and township walk (optional)
6:30 – 7:15 pm Massage workshop with Dave (optional)
Group dinner arranged at 7:30pm for those keen to join (dinner at own expense).
Sundays itinerary
9:00 - 9:45 am Stretch and meditation workshops (optional)
10:00 am Check out of Warburton Motel
10:00 – 11:00 am Free time in Warburton. Breakfast/brunch at own expense
11:00 am Set off on ride back towards Mt Evelyn/Lilydale
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch stop at Woori Yallock
Cycle on towards Seville
2:30 – 3:00pm Afternoon tea at Seville
Cycle on towards Mt Evelyn
4:00 – 4:15pm Rest stop at Mt Evelyn. Say goodbye to car travelers
Cycle on to Lilydale in time for 5:00 train to city (arrives Flinders St 6:18 pm)
What to bring
Wet weather gear (if applicable)
Water bottle
Bike helmet
Money for extra drinks, dinner and breakfast
Spare tube in case of puncture
A small back pack or pannier for the above and other things you may need on the ride (sunscreen, hats, etc).
NB: All your meals are covered and your luggage will be carried for you. Once you are on the bike you won’t always have access to your luggage. Water and cordial is available regularly but you may wish to supplement this with other drinks along the way.
What if I don’t want to keep riding?
If your dickey knee plays up, or you just get over it, there is always the option to bail and get a lift in the support car.
Pace of the ride
Slow - with lots of long breaks. This trip is all about enjoying the journey, although you’ll love the destination too!
If you are a speed merchant then you’ll just have to be patient. If you have more energy to burn there will be a chance to head off on your own cycle once we get to our accommodation.
The rail trail is suitable for a mountain bike or hybrid, but not a road bike with thin wheels – the Woori Yallock bridge and other bridges along the way can be a little rough.
Bike hire
Car travelers: From Mt Evelyn for the two days is $30 per day including helmet (total $60)
Train travelers: From Lilydale for the two days is $40 per day including helmet (total $80)
To make a booking enquiry for this trip visit here.
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