March 2026 – Ride Report from the Rear

Posted on by helenhmk

The forecast was for a sunny 28 degree day.. and it certainly did not let anyone down. We arrived super early (30 minutes)… and everyone slowly started to arrive and line up their bikes. After the obligatory photo…ride overview by Kym (feel like I missed it) we headed off. 

We headed through Dover Gardens and Seacliff Park zig- zagging our way through residential streets, across Seacombe road and towards the hills. Thankfully the route provided enough momentum to get us up and across the hills (and down) crossing Brighton Road at pedestrian lights.

We followed an old bike route which led us through Seacliff Primary School. Except like all good routes there was an actual fence, and the gate was 50 meters to the left of the path. The local Bromptoneers who were obviously familiar with the territory decided to take a short cut via Sherlock Road avoiding the incline meeting up again before we stopped briefly at Tjibruke Monument look out. However, the spot is better known for its Northern scenic view across the Adelaide Coastline (thanks for the tip Alison).. and also perfect for photos with the Bromptons.

From here it was downhill, past the caravan park and onto the foreshore path and road through Brighton. If you’ve ridden here before you know the joy when cycling at the right speed and you have a car patiently driving behind you just waiting with enough width to over take. Being at the back we managed nearly a couple of KM before being overtaken … ah the joy. We soon left behind the beach and headed through the back streets, the North Brighton cemetery (obligatory photo and finding an extra rider) before crossing Brighton road and stopping at Summertown Studio.

Surprisingly we met up with a few other Bromptoneers who were running a little late (time issues and forgetting a helmet – we’ve all done it). Summertown Studio managed very well to feed us with coffee and cake in good time enabling 19 Bromptoneers to head off with sufficient fuel.

Making our way through residential streets and pedestrian crossings we found our way finally to the Sturt Linear Park (nothing picturesque about a concreted drain).There was the expected issue with crossing Marion Road.. and those at the back were lucky to have a traffic gap to meet up with the sensible front group who crossed at the lights

As we continued along the path the view improved with native woodlands and wetlands until we reached the very ugly traffic lights near Marion Road and Southern expressway intersection. After waiting patiently (it felt like eternity) for four sets of lights we managed to be on  the right path zig zagging again back to Patrtitti Wines where we made it back to enjoy drinks and food from Sooki la la food truck.    

It was a great ride.. and not one wrong turn – well done Kym! 

Thanks to everyone who came out for the ride – and if you didn’t hopefully we’ll catch you at the next Adelaide Bromptoneering ride at 11am, 17 May. 

Bromptoneers started: 15

bromptoneers finished 19 – wow great turn out!

Day 1 – Lyneham Shops and Capital Brewing

Posted on by kymdt

Lyneham Shops – Leaving 7:30am

Lyneham Shops your local shops and cafes during your stay. You might like to try breakfast at Tilley’s Devine Cafe Gallery or The Front Gallery and Cafe.

The route details are available on Strava >> https://www.strava.com/routes/3405908374827855568

Capital Brewing – Leaving 9:30am

Welcome to Canberra. Today’s ride will take us to one of Canberra’s lesser known ‘industrial’ areas Fyshwick. The purpose is to find Capital Brewing a microbrewery that has been around 2016 and is the first brewery in Australia to be 100% Climate Active Carbon Neutral certified. The beer and food is pretty good too!

But being an Adelaide Bromponeering ride there are a fair few plot twists to be had before we arrive at Capital Brewing for lunch.

The ride starts out pretty simply by following the C3 and then the C1. But as Adelaide Bromptoneers we’re not going to stick the road well ridden. We’re going to leave the C1 to take some back streets and laneways. But for good measure there is 3.5km of dirt trail at the base of Mount Ainslie for us to try. All pretty easily handled by the Brompton.

We leave the dirt track just behind the Australian War Memorial which is the location of our morning coffee spot. Your coffee thermos and snacks will be available from the car. There is also a nearby Poppy’s Cafe. We will leave the at the National War Memorial at 12 noon.

We then tour past the many memorials along Anzac Parade before scooting through Campbell and then crossing in to the heart of the Defence establishment in Reid before arriving at the horse of Lake Burley Griffin.

A gentle ride around the Lake and past some cows will lead us to our lunch spot of Capital Brewing. After lunch we continue through the Jerrabomberra Wetlands back to the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin. 

We ride through Kingston Foreshore before passing the National Gallery, National Library and High Court. We will be back on Wednesday with a couple of hours set aside to explore. But, if you want stay here a bit longer and return at your now pace you welcome. The main group, however, will continue back onto the C8 and then C3 back Alivio.

The route details are available on Strava >> https://www.strava.com/routes/3402487591925144260

I have some optional Strava routes if you want to avoid the gravel or would like the challenge of climbing Mount Ainslie.

Rest Stops/Running Schedule

  1. 10.2km (10:15am) – Coffee and Snack – Bragg Street Neighbourhood Park – (on street parking)
  2. 15km (11:00am) – Australian War Memorial and Poppys Cafe – (paid parking)
  3. 27km (12:30pm) – Capital Brewing – (car park)

Day 2 – The Embassy Ride and Verity Ln

Posted on by kymdt

The Embassy Ride – Leaving 9:30am

Today’s ride will take us around the world by visiting many of the Diplomatic Missions located in Canberra.

We start with a quick mosey through Canberra CBD and then across the Waterloo Bridge. Not long after this our world tour starts with the British High Commission – an OBVIOUS spot for a Brompton line up.

The first coffee stop will be near Nara Peace Park and a bunch of other parks. A chance to go to the toilet and enjoy your coffee and a snack. 

Part of the route is based on the National Capital Authority’s Diplomatic Missions Self-Guided Driving Tour. More details are available from their website. The first group of Diplomatic Missions involve some gentle undulations.

Before getting to the second group of Diplomatic Missions we will pop into the Royal Australian Mint for 60 minutes. 

We visit a few more Diplomatic Mission (and a few more undulations) then we arrive in Woden for lunch. All being well the lunch spot will be in the park at Friends & Momos or you can bring your own. For those who want to turn their Brompton into a stunt BMX please visit the nearby skate park at lunch.

The final set of Diplomatic Missions involves some steady climbing (this were the bulk of the vertical gain is achieved). Then we head to the peak of Red Hill for some stunning views and another public toilet.

For those wanting to avoid the climb, arrangements can be made at the lunch spot for transportation to the next meeting spot … with the appropriate foldable donation. Or alternatively, you can ask for the route with the shortcut after the Mint.

After Red Hill we scoot down the hill with a fantastic view of Capital Hill, we then pass by new and old Parliament Houses and then back towards Canberra CBD. We head around the other side back towards Alivio Tourist Park.

The route details are on Strava >> https://www.strava.com/routes/3475708312032874028

Verity Ln – Leaving at 6:30pm

The Sydney Building in Canberra CBD houses the Verity Lane Market a wide choice of food choices for dinner. We will leave for dinner at 6:30pm.

The route details are on Strava >> https://www.strava.com/routes/3407032350692637318

Day 3 – Parliamentary Triangle and Bent Spoke

Posted on by kymdt

Parliamentary Triangle – Canberra’s Monumental Centre – Leaving 9:30am

Today’s ride will take us to the heart of our nation’s national monuments. But before we get there we will ride around Black Mountain starting with a steady climb through some lovely bush and long downhill towards the south western part of Lake Burley Griffin.

Our first stop will be a short toilet break at the beginning as the route joins Lake Burley Griffin. Those who are adventurous and with too much energy might decide they want to leave early to visit the National Arboretum. They can join us at this stop.

We continue on the Lake Burley Griffin Trail riding over the Scrivener Dam, around Government House and Royal Canberra Golf Course. The morning tea stop will be in Weston Park. You can consume your coffee with a snack or you can purchase your requirements from the Yarralumla Play Station. Toilets are also available.

We continue on the Lake Burley Griffin trail until we arrive at Commonwealth Place. We then follow the Canberra Centenary Trail. We can park our bikes at the National Portrait Galley Bike Park. In this area you can explore the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery of Australia, the High Court, the National Library, Old Parliament House, New Parliament House, the Carillon and Questacon. We will be staying in this area until 2:30pm. If you decide to visit New or Old Parliament House you can negotiate to meet the group there.

We continue on the Canberra Centenary Trail past both Parliament Houses and then some pretty natty paths. Around the back of Parliament Houses and then we a small hill climb to enable a nice downhill run through Manuka past Saint Christopher’s Cathedral and Manuka Oval. Then its back to Lake Burley Griffin. We cross the bridge to continue on the northern shoreline. We have a short toilet stop near the National Carillon before heading to our afternoon tea stop of about 60 minutes at the National Museum of Australia. 

The run back to Alivio is through The Australian National University.

The Route is available on Strava >>> https://www.strava.com/routes/3402498679070688864

Bent Spoke – Leaving 6:30pm

A cycling themed microbrewery for dinner in the trendy inner city district of Braddon. Let’s hope we don’t bend a spoke en route.

The route is available on Strava >> https://www.strava.com/routes/3402489975585602056

Moorabbin – Beer and Burbs

Posted on by kymdt

LocationStomping Ground
9 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin VIC 3189

Public transport options the route goes past Ormond, McKinnon, Bentleigh, Patterson and Moorabbin Stations on the Frankston Line. Public transport is a good idea as the parking is a bit counter intuitive at the brewery. I’d recommend reading the FAQs if you plan to drive.
Route20km (more if you go around the velodrome a few times) circular route, 106m elevation gain
Moorabbin, Bentleigh East, Ormond, McKinnon, Bentleigh.
Coffee StopMurrumbeena Pantry
227 Murrumbeena Rd, Murrumbeena VIC 3163
Mary’s Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑 (although I’d remove half an avocado for the counter intuitive parking at the brewery)
GPX/StravaStrava:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3471032172950387824
GPX:
https://hmkdt.id.au/GPXroutes/Moorabbin – Beer and Burbs.gpx
Date ridden24 March 2026
If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

It is pretty hard to find a microbrewery that is open on a Monday or a Tuesday. However, the custom filtering by opening time on Google Maps was certainly our friend in this case. I added the complexity of wanting to ride in a part of Melbourne that I have never ridden in. This is getting harder – my heatmap is glowing a hotter version of red in Melbroune. These two criteria were satisfactorily filled by Stomping Ground in Moorabbin.

Stomping Ground is located in Morris Moor. A business and entertainment precinct located on the site of that was originally the Philip Morris factory, this collection of buildings once formed the industrial centre of Moorabbin. One of the largest employers in the area, the factory had around 800 employees at the height of production. Their commitment to a strong work ethic, the spirit of community, and a sense of possibility, like the original structure, remains at the heart of Morris Moor – contemporary and cool, emanating the industrious, hopeful feel of its past. Or so says the advertorial spiel. Stomping Ground moved in during the COVID years in 2021.

The route starts at Stomping Ground, which isn’t very convenient to the rail system. The route, however, passes a number of stations along the Frankston Line which would make for good starting points. Otherwise you can drive there – although beware parking maybe a little hard to get – it seems like most of the parks are reserved near Stomping Ground and nearby on road parks are limited to 2 hours. The first part of the ride is on a busy “minor” road – its o.k. but you need to be traffic aware. It’s not long until it gives way to some pleasant green spaces. If you’re lucky you’ll spot the local remote controlled boat club on the water!

Fortunately from Karkarook Park there is an underpass under the six lane Dingley Bypass. But nonetheless, you’ll be able to admire the suburban main road vibe and scene when you cross Warrigal Road and start heading into the residential suburbs that wrap around a golf course or two. If you choose your day right you’ll be able to visit the Bentleigh Farmers Market (4th Saturday of the Month).

We continued our exploration through suburbia towards a rest spot at the Murrumbeena Pantry. To get there you have to cross North Road which is fairly busy. The route has you crossing it where there is space in the median strip and a right hand turn lane. But if you prefer, you can head further down to the traffic light controller intersection Murrumbeena Road. Murrumbeena Road is a fairly busy but it does have a reasonable bike lane.

After reenergising with an ice-cream or a coffee, you can head towards Packer Park Velodrome for some practice for the Brompton World Championship. It was certainly fun to hoon around the velodrome the local kids seem to be enjoying themselves. Don’t worry my Brompton is faster!

After sprinting round the track we wiggled our way through the backstreets towards the bike route next to the Frankston Line. This is a combination of paths and quiet back streets. It feels mostly downhill – or maybe the wind was beneath our wings. Anyway we made some good time. We made a few diversions through the local parks and headed back to the car. We were rewarded with a good beer and sandwich lunchtime special. I had a reuben and Mary had a mushroom special!

The route is shown below.

Diamond Creek – Beer and Trees Loop

Posted on by kymdt

LocationGolden Hills Brewing
25 Station St, Diamond Creek VIC 3089

Closest public transport – Diamond Creek Railway Station
Route18km circular route, 155m elevation gain
Diamond Creek, Eltham, Research
Coffee StopMerika
Unit 3/1425 Main Rd, Eltham VIC 3095
Mary’s Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (original route with accidental stairs and some single track that disappears)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑 (revised route that this post is based on – removing stairs and disappearing tracks)
GPX/StravaStrava: https://www.strava.com/routes/3469245554336660770
GPX: https://hmkdt.id.au/GPXroutes/Diamond Creek – Golden Hills.gpx
Date ridden19 March 2026
If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

This is the first Melbourne Urban Adventure for 2026! Fitting in with the traditional style for Adelaide Bromptoneering we looked for a microbrewery that we haven’t visited before! With a little bit of of Googling we came across Golden Hills Brewery in Diamond Creek. With a bit clever bit of additional Googling we found the Diamond Creek – Research Trail – Aqueduct Trail loop ride on Melbourne Cycle Loops. We downloaded the original 10.4km loop and added an additional 8km to get to and from the Brewery.

The route starts at Golden Hills Brewery which is conveniently opposite Diamond Creek Railway Station. A short ride on relatively quiet road gets us to the Diamond Creek Trail. A pleasant and popular trail along the creek with a range of recreational and community facilities.

We turned on to Research Trail, which is a bicycle path that runs alongside a fairly busy road. It is, however, a good way to get to one of the “local delicacies” Hungarian Chimney Cakes at Merika Cafe. If it’s, hot, they have cone variant of the cake which is filled with ice cream. But today wasn’t hot – we stuck with Aromatika – cinnamon and sugar! Freshly made so allow 10 to 15 minutes. YUM! After that yummy stop we continued along Research Trail towards the trail highlight of the day – the Aqueduct Trail.

AI tells me that ‘built between 1886 and 1891, the Maroondah Aqueduct was a 66-kilometer engineering feat designed to transport water via gravity from the Watts River (Healesville) to Preston Reservoir, servicing Melbourne’s growing population. It featured concrete-lined channels, 11 tunnels, and inverted siphons, largely being replaced by the Maroondah Dam later, with sections decommissioned in the 1980s.”

If you have a spare million dollars in your pocket and you want a windmill with a bonus house – I have found the property for you. But, we got there we tried to follow a path that is marked on a map – but is little more than a wishful dirt track that disappears into grass. After the windmill was a bit of climbing and a very steep descent – it should have triggered my brain last night – because it was such a gradient that it had to be stairs right!? Anyway fear not, I’ve removed those nasty bits from the route linked from this page. If you want the extra excitement leave me a comment and I’ll send you the special route.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food we had and the excellent beer. Highly Recommended. The revised route is shown below.

March 2026 Update

Posted on by kymdt

CADEL: Lungs on Legs

Adelaide Bromptoneers are going to see CADEL: Lungs on Legs at Goodwood Theatre and Studios on Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 6:15pm. Afterwards there will be short bonus ride for dinner.

From down under to the top of the podium — experience the riveting true story of Cadel Evans, the first and only Australian to win the Tour de France.

Fresh from a sold-out, award-winning season at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, Connor Delves delivers a powerhouse solo performance that puts audiences in the cycling saddle. Pedalling live on the bike Evans rode to victory. Delves fuses grit, storytelling and heart-pounding energy in a breathtaking theatrical ride. A high-octane tribute to endurance, ambition and the spirit of Australian sport.

You might try your luck with CADEL10 code that has been floating around on Facebook. We hope to see you there.

Brompton World Championships

There has been a flurry of news about Brompton World Championship races across at least three continents. Here is a confirmed AI Summary for you:

Key Event Dates and Locations

  • Singapore: 9 May 2026
    • Venue: OCBC Square, Kallang (as part of the OCBC Cycle event).
    • Format: Qualifying heats of 5 laps followed by a 10-lap final on an 800-metre urban circuit.
    • Prizes: Winners receive a Special Edition P Line Brompton; prizes are also awarded for the “Best Dressed”.
    • Registration: Commenced on 6 February 2026 via the OCBC Cycle website.
  • California, USA: 18 April 2026
    • Venue: Laguna Seca Raceway, Monterey (as part of the Sea Otter Classic).
    • Highlights: Features the signature Le Mans-style start where riders dash to unfold their bikes before racing.
  • London, UK: 19–21 June 2026
    • Details: Confirmed via the official Brompton website.
    • Note: Early bird ticket registration is typically announced in early April. Brompton +8

Favourite Rides – Berlin-Tempelhof

You get to ride alongside the runway at Adelaide Airport. But I’ve always wanted to ride on the runway! Berlin gave us that opportunity at the ‘abandoned’ Berlin-Tempelhof. This place has been converted into open green space with Berliners riding bikes, having barbecues and tending community gardens. It wouldn’t be a Brompton ride without a beer and just down the road ontop of a shopping centre carpark was a fantastic beer garden. Perhaps Westfield should do that on-top of their shopping centres!?!

Next Ride

We return to our normal programming with a Sunday 11:00am ride on March 29 from Patritti. Check out the details on the March 2026 – Patritti Social Ride post.

Ride report from the rear – Jeff’s Ride

Posted on by helenhmk

It’s Fringe time in Adelaide, and so it must be time for Jeff’s ride. You never know what you will experience on a Fringe ride – and this was no exception. Starting on the corner of East and South Terrace, following the traditional briefing, and photos we headed through the parklands. We passed a group with a loud dj, set-up near the adult climbing structure (its fringe after-all), and headed towards the traffic lights crossing Greenhill Road to Porter Street. Navigating the back streets of Unley Council area through the side streets and lanes (nearly missed a turn…), crossing Goodwood road destination the Goodwood Theatre building.

The Goodwood Theatre always has an interesting range of plays, and an onsite bar which can be visited even if not seeing a play. We parked our folded Brompton’s (thank-you site manager) and had a quick drink while catching up on everyone’s latest cycling adventures. Fitting with the cycling theme there is play on titled Cadel: lungs on legs (link is to the review).. and if you are free on 17 March feel free to grab some tickets and join us.

Back on the Brompton’s we avoided the traffic and quickly took a side street from the theatre, made our way through one of the new tram underpasses, and cycled along the path behind the Showgrounds, under the Greenhill Road/Anzac highway intersection to head long Anzac Highway towards the entrance of the West Terrace cemetery. The gates are usually closed from 7pm… but we were aware there are a number of Fringe events taking place within the grounds (don’t look they are all booked out).. and so thankfully we were waved through by the security guard (who is going to stop 13 Bromptoneers?). At the back of the group, where the interesting conversations occur, we were talking about cemeteries and their use – reflecting some people would find cycling/walking through uncomfortable. Its an interesting thought given 100-200 years ago people would use them as public spaces to walk through and promenade, given the lack of public spaces within society.

We continued through the parklands, near Adelaide High school, and crossed at the lights. Kym had once again tried to line up the ride with the great cycling lanes on Waymouth Street. At the last moment he remembered that there were no lights to cross West Terrace from the parklands. So, we ended up crossing into Currie Street, and down the back lane… which landed us into a dead end. This gave an opportunity to set up lights.. and lose the main group. Ah… thankfully I was grateful for having the map so we were not lost for long as we found our way to Light Square where everyone else was gathered outside a tent that was blocking the advertised route. Back in the heart of ADL we weaved through the side streets and crowds to get to Currie Street where bikes were parked to view and experience some free art. As they say.. what happens on the Fringe ride stays on the Fringe ride – unless at a later stage you ask Steve and he will gladly tell you about his experience ‘viewing fringe art’.

Leaving the art behind, we weaved our way around the streets and Festival Plaza to the Courtyard of Curiosities for some food. As it’s a fringe venue, you get to hear the announcements requesting people to queue up with their tickets, and there were certainly some interesting shows being featured. As previously stated, what happens on a Fringe ride, stays on the Fringe ride. Last stop was Ovo for an icecream on Ebenezer Place .. which involved dodging people and the nightmarket.

Who is Jeff? Back in 2024 we received a random message from Jeff Stolzer stating he was in Adelaide for the Fringe… and had his Brompton and was anyone interested in a ride… and just like that the tradition began. We know that one day Jeff will return to ADL, and until then we’ll continue to do a ride around Fringe venues in his honour.

Ride distance: approximately 17km

Brompton Riders at start: 13 ;

Brompton Riders at Ice cream : 9

February 2026 Update

Posted on by kymdt

Jeff’s Ride Returns

Our annual festival ride returns for 2026. It honours Jeff who visited Adelaide in 2024 with his Brompton to premiere The New Abnormal at Goodwood Theatres. We look forward to Jeff riding with us again sometime soon.

Our ride will leave from the South East Corner of the city at 6:30pm this Saturday (21 February 2026) and will visit several arts sites on a 20 or so kilometre loop around Adelaide. This will include the time honoured tradition of visiting Goodwood Theatres for pre-dinner refreshments! Details are available from the Jeff’s Ride post.

If you are coming please let us know via the Adelaide Bromptoneering Feedback page.

In this festival season you might like to consider some of the shows at venues we have visited on our rides:

  • Goodwood Theatres has 33 shows on this Fringe covering many genres from contemporary dance, comedy, physical theatre and theatre.
  • The Suburban Brew Glynde has 10 shows ranging from the family friendly to music and not so family friendly comedy.
  • Kickback Brewing has 9 shows including a 40+ burlesque show! But if you are after family friendly, music, comedy or cabaret they have you covered.
  • Brightstar Brewing has a couple of shows. Fitting in with my usual theme one show will ample a flight of craft beers (audience members are invited to sip along), with the trio recommending the perfect book to match each flavour profile.
  • Mad Monkey Distillery also has a couple of shows featuring both comedy and music.
  • Shapeshifter Brewing Company similarly has a couple of shows featuring both comedy and music.
  • Crafty Robot Brewing has some country music on during the fringe.
  • Little Bang Brewery Co has a the Ministry of Laughs!
  • SixTwelve Brewing has Yeah Nah Yeah!

Favourite Rides

Actually I wouldn’t recommend riding this one because it was along a busy national highway in Japan. But, Helen does like a good photo and these bus shelters were pretty. If you’d like to get there yourself then this website might help https://www.japan.travel/en/sg/jbyj-blog/konagai-bus-stops-japan-fruit-shapes/

Canberra Takeover

If you are interested in coming to Canberra this April (Monday 20 April to Friday 24 April) but still have some questions about how to get involved, then please contact us through the Adelaide Bromptoneering Feedback page. We will contact you and answer any questions you may have.

For those coming to the Canberra Takeover, Anzac Day is the day after our ride program concludes. Not too many details are available yet, but the National War Memorial has some information on its website. We certainly plan to go to the Dawn Service.

Other things to see in Canberra during our takeover include:

  • Hallyu! The Korean Wave, an exhibition from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, celebrating one of the most dynamic cultural movements of our time. This is showing at the National Museum of Australia.
  • Behind the lines 2025, Are We Rolling? celebrates the year’s best political cartoons at the Museum of Australian Democracy.
  • In Bloom explores the beauty and symbolism of flowers at the National Portrait Gallery.
  • The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival will be on. This year it will be exploring ‘Mid-Century – innovation, change and optimism’ that helped define the architectural, cultural and social transformations that shaped Canberra as the national capital.
  • If you want a challenge on a your Brompton then come a day early and do the Five Peaks Bike Challenge with 1,820 metres of vertical climbing! Let us know if you register.