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October packed out with social rides

There’s no excuse for not going for a social ride this month, with something for everyone being offered by our volunteer ride leaders across Tasmania.

The Mighty Eastern Shore Challenge - Saturday 8 October

The all encompassing Mighty Eastern Shore challenge 42 km circuit on Saturday 8 October takes you through formed sealed and unsealed bike tracks, quiet local roads, a private dirt track not normally accessible then topped off with challenging bush country.

You will need a tough bike and be prepared for a little bit of challenging terrain and relatively fit.

Meet ride leader Brian at the Geilston Bay Boat Club carpark from 9.45am to with a return of about 2 pm. BYO your own lunch and refreshments, there will be a coffee stop along the way.

RSVP in case of cancellation.

https://ridewithgps.com/events/194338-the-mighty-eastern-shore-challenge

Cygnet Wattle Grove Loop – Sunday 9 October

Get ready for the Cygnet Cycling Festival on 5 November by joining an easy-going 27 km social ride which follows a similar route up into hills around Cygnet with views of the Huon River.

Meet ride leaders Maryanne and David A at the Cygnet Town Hall car park at 10.15 am for the loop out of Cygnet to Petcheys Bay, then around the coast road and back to Cygnet for a coffee.

Please RSVP online and note that some of the route is on gravel roads so you’ll need wider tyres. The Cygnet Cycling Festival is being held on 5 November www.cygnetcyclingfestival.com

https://ridewithgps.com/events/181111-cygnet-wattle-grove-rd-loop

School Holiday time Kangaroo Bay and local bush tracks – Wednesday 12 October

Specially for those on school holidays, this 2.5 hour 16 km ride on Wednesday 12 October includes exploring local bike and bush tracks of Waverley Flora Park, Rose Bay Hill and Rosny Hill each with their superb views and all accessed without going on any busy roads.

Suitable mainly for hybrid, mountain and e-bikes with a mixture of mostly bike tracks, bush tracks and quiet roads. Not for the faint hearted but we're not in a hurry either!

Meet ride leader Brian at 9.45 am at the Kangaroo Bay car park. If the weather is bad or if it is too windy the ride will be cancelled so book in so that you can be contacted.

https://ridewithgps.com/events/194460-school-holiday-time-kangaroo-bay-and-loc

TBUG: Westbury to Reedy’s Marsh – Wednesday 12 October

The Westbury to Reedy’s Marsh ride on Wednesday 12 October will follow a 46 km loop of rolling country roads.

Meet ride leader Mick at the sports ground in Franklin Street in Westbury at 9.15 am.

Contact details at https://ridewithgps.com/events/194656-tbug-westbury-to-reedy-marsh-46-k-3-c.

TBUG: Thursday night Launceston rides – Thursday 13 October

The daylight savings Thursday night rides are back for easy going 10–15 km rides every week leaving at 5.45 pm from Royal Park.

Meet ride leader Di at 5.30 pm at the Park Street entrance for the 1 hour ride exploring Launceston’s trails, paths and quiet streets.

https://ridewithgps.com/events/194655-tbug-trails-around-launceston

Sandy Bay Social Climber – Saturday 15 October

Here is your chance to climb up the social ladder on Saturday 15 October, going from South Hobart to the really hilly bits of Sandy Bay, between Churchill Avenue and Sandy Bay Road.

Suitable for experienced cyclists, or those who wish to become so, with a mixture of tracks and roads and some steep climbs. Your bike will need low gears (or electric assist) and tyres wide enough to go on gravel paths. Outdoor coffee stop planned so you get to meet other cyclists.

Meet ride leader David A at Hamlet Café at 9.15 am for a 9.30 am start, and RSVP to https://ridewithgps.com/events/194603-sandy-bay-social-climber

Seniors on E-bikes – Wednesday 19 October

We're riding to Moonah for coffee via the scenic route, come for a ride to celebrate Seniors Week on Wednesday 19 October.

Meet ride leader Di at the Cornelian Bay upper car park at 9.45 am to enjoy a relaxed 13 km ride with fellow riders of e-bikes, on quiet roads and off-road bikepaths through the northern suburbs. There is a small hill to climb in Lutana, which suits e-bikes of course, but riders with strong legs are also very welcome!

If you haven't got your own, you could hire a bike from Hobart Bike Hire or Roll Cycles.

We'll relax over coffee on the way back, at Baked in Moonah then return along the safe and smooth Intercity Cycleway. You'll be able to check out a new route, develop your e-bike knowledge and gain confidence on Hobart's bike paths and roads.

Note: this is a "fair weather ride". We'll cancel around 5pm the day before if rain looks likely, and will advise people who've RSVP'ed.

https://ridewithgps.com/events/178291-seniors-on-e-bikes

Easy group Ride: Turners Beach – Friday 21 October

Come for an easy 16.5 km group ride to Turners Beach to celebrate Seniors Week on Friday 21 October, meeting at the Berry Patch at 10.15 am.

Enjoy a relaxed ride with leader Roger on the level shared pathway between Turners Beach and Ulverstone and we may extend to the east to look at the new path over the Forth Bridge.

There will be an optional social coffee before and lunch afterwards. Experienced ride leaders and bike mechanics will be available. A safe bike in good condition and a helmet is necessary. Hi-vis vest or jacket would be appreciated.

If intending to lunch at the Berry Patch, booking beforehand is strongly recommended - phone 6428 3967.

Note: this is a "fair weather ride" :) We'll cancel around 5 pm the day before if rain looks likely, and will advise people who've RSVP'ed.

https://ridewithgps.com/events/190220-easy-group-ride-turners-beach

Extended Tranmere Trundle – Saturday 22 October

The 30 km Tranmere Trundle on Saturday 22 October is a moderate ride with a few hills and a good downhill or two, mostly along the Clarence Foreshore Trail, but going as far as Tranmere and above with great views.

Meet ride leader David A at 9.45 am at the Simmons Park playground car park – if you want a shorter ride let David know and the group can meet you at Kangaroo Bay.

There will be time for morning tea so bring a drink and snack to have at Pindos Park and we can stop for lunch on the way back at a nice cafe.

If the weather is bad or if it is too windy it will be cancelled so RSVP so that you can be contacted.

https://ridewithgps.com/events/189049-extended-tranmere-trundle

Upcoming rides & events

Social rides are featured in each edition of In the Loop, but if you want more notice visit our social rides calendar, which is regularly updated.

Bicycle Network Tasmania accredits Social Ride Leaders and requires anyone interested in leading rides to be accredited. If you would like to be one of our Ride Leaders, please email our Rides Coordinator with your contact details and what sort of riding you are interested in and we'll let you know when the next Ride Leader Skills Development Workshop is scheduled.

COVID-19 guidelines

Our social rides leaders are following a set of protocols to help make our rides safer:

  • Meeting places for rides will have plenty of space for people to maintain 1.5 to 2 metre distancing while unloading bikes, listening to the briefing, and getting ready to ride.
  • Riders are asked to register online or via phone so there is no paper being handed around on the day. 
  • People are asked not to attend rides if they have fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, shortness of breath or runny nose or are in mandated isolation.