We are riding the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail on the Melbourne Cup Day public holiday – Tuesday 1st November. For details about the Trail go to: Lillydale to Warburton Rail Trail. This is probably the most popular rail trail in Victoria – a very attractive ride.
Two distance options are suggested:
- Lilydale to Warburton and return – approximately 80 km
- Seville to Warburton and return – approximately 50 km.
The surface is hard packed, but unsealed. It’s a bit more difficult than riding on a road, so the equivalent energy used for the full distance might be approaching that of a 100 km sealed road ride.
Many riders complete the ride on road bikes with 700x23c tyres. However, It’s recommended that you use something a bit wider. 700x28c would normally be adequate, (standard on a commuter type bike) but you should make your own decision about what is best for you. It was tested by a club committee member on 28c’s with no problems.
If commencing from Lilydale, the track begins at the railway station on the east side. If starting from Seville, there is car parking alongside the trail near the intersection of Station Road and Victoria Road.
Starting time is 10.00 am from Lilydale, with the assumption that it will take a couple of hours to pull into Warburton for lunch. For those wanting a shorter ride, you can either begin at 10.45 am, or wait until the longer riders reach your starting point.
There is a cafe at the end of the trail at Warburton, but there are also other lunch options close by.
Gisborne to Lilydale is about one and a half hour’s drive, longer of course for those who live further away.
Please fill out the form below, one for each family member participating. If weather looks dodgy, an email will be sent to members to advise of a cancellation.