Melbourne is not only a bustling metropolis, but also every cyclist's dream. The city has a thriving cycling culture with networked bike lanes and roads that are continuously expanding. 
The flat terrains are not as exciting as the epic climbs found at other destinations in Victoria. However, there are plenty of iconic routes that local cyclists never stop raving about.
The most thrilling climb in Melbourne is the Dandenong Ranges in the eastern suburbs, affectionately called the ‘1in20’. This 6.5-kilometre route is a local favourite for Melbourne cyclists. The Dandenongs also has several other climbs ranging from 3-7 kilometres, and beginners can use these to train and strengthen their legs and hands for the ‘1in20’.
Beach Road is another route in Melbourne that every cycling enthusiast must check out. The 25km stretch runs southeast along the bay, giving riders a picturesque backdrop to brighten their day. If you love to ride with fellow enthusiasts, drop by during the weekends as other cyclists flock to the famous route. On a sunny day, you will see thousands of cyclists cruising through the coastal road.
Many cycling enthusiasts combine their trip to Victoria with attending major events in sports such as cricket, rugby union and horse racing. One of the most popular is the Melbourne Cup - a prestigious race staged on the first Tuesday in November and which is a cultural phenomenon in Australia. The race attracts visitors from around the globe and many of them wager on an event which has been dubbed ‘the race that stops the nation’. Whether you are placing a bet on the Cup or just soaking in the atmosphere, combining cycling with a visit to Flemington Racecourse makes it all the more unforgettable.
Surfway & Otways
The Surf Coast and Otways region is another cyclist's dream that promises a stunning coastal picture with rolling hills. Located southwest of Melbourne, this area is home to the UCI Cadel Evans Road Race and hosted the 2010 UCI Road World Championships, establishing it as a world-class cycling destination.
The region has many loop routes that take cyclists through the Bellarine Peninsula, past some gorgeous beaches and rolling farmland and into the rainforests of the Otways. There is also the Great Ocean Road for cyclists to explore. It is one of the more prominent routes for cyclists visiting the area.
The Surf Coast and Otways are flat compared to other parts of Australia, but there are still some challenging climbs to tackle. Mount Sabine, Benwerrin and the Challambra climb from the Cadel Evans Road Race are bustling routes that allow riders to test their legs on steep gradients. You will also find gravel and mountain biking enthusiasts doing their thing along this path, and the camaraderie makes it quite the experience. Anyone looking for off-road cycling destinations can also test their skills at the You Yangs, Anglesea and Lorne.
Yarra Ranges
Just an hour drive east of Melbourne sits the Yarra Ranges, which offers some of the best cycling climbs in the region. Riders can access it from the picturesque villages of Warburton and Marysville. Both are excellent bases for exploring the area. Home to several Hors Categorie climbs such as Mount Donna Buang and Lake Mountain, these routes are some of the most challenging for riders but reward conquerors with stunning views. There are other exciting climbs including Kinglake, which has a more moderate gradient and is quite popular among all levels of cyclists.
The Yarra Ranges has several lovely routes that wind through the forests, vineyards and rolling hills. The area is also a hotspot for gravel cycling, as there are many unpaved roads and trails to explore. The region is renowned for its wild breweries, wineries and gourmet food. It is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. People looking for other non-cycling activities in the Yarra Ranges can also go bushwalking, hiking or check out Australia's wildlife at the Healesville Sanctuary.
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