Coffee

Cycling Chiba – Part 2

Posted on by kymdt

Our ride in Chiba’s country side continued as we winded our away country paths between farms and adjacent to rivers. Our next stop was the Sakura Lavenderland.

While it wasn’t the season for lavender’s to flower – in the adjacent fields there certainly were some pretty flowers to be seen. Asako-san told us that:

In Japan the lavender fields of Furano in Hokkaido are famous. Therefore, at Sakura Lavenderland soil improvement was carried out to help lavender adapt to the hot and humid climate of Chiba Pretecture, and planting began in spring of 2003. Currently, the 13,600-square-meter farm cultivates tour varieties totaling 13,600 lavender plants.

Our next stop on a Chiba Cycling tour was the former Sakura City Shizu Elementary School (Aosuge Branch). It was designated a tangible cultural property in 2020. Asako-san told us that:

Aosuge Branch School is a single story wooden schoolhouse with a tile roof, built in 1955. (twas preserved even after ceasing to function as a branch school, retaining much of its original appearance.
This small wooden school building features a staff room beside the entrance, with just two classrooms arranged along a single corridor. Despite being a post World War II structure, it incorporates design elements from prewar wooden school building such as clapboard siding and wooden fittings.

We rounded out this part of the ride with a delightful afternoon tea spot at Cafe Hiyori.

Those of you who have followed this blog for while would know that Helen loves to visit a library or two. This visit was no different. Asako-san was prepared to show us the local Yachiyo City Public Library. Fortunately, there is a no photos policy in the library, you only get to see a small number of photos of the outside of the library. Asako-san told us that:

Yachiyo Public Library has over 350 seats. This includes private rooms and study rooms, providing a comfortable environment for studying. Located along the Shinkawa river, it was built as a lifelong learning hub, designed around the concept of “a place for learning, relaxation, gathering, and information.” Its bright space incorporates abundant natural light. Children’s books are placed near the entrance, with general and reference books arranged further inside, creating a layout suited to different age groups.

We would like to thank Asako-san and the kind people in Chiba Prefecture we met on this ride. It was truly an informative and magical experience.

Footscray – The long way around to Southern Cross Station

Posted on by kymdt

LocationFootscray Station
Route35km one-way route to Southern Cross Station
Footscray, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Essendon, Parkville, Brunswick East, Carlton North, Carlton and Melbourne.
Food StopGordon Street Bakery
142 Gordon St, Footscray VIC 3011

Keeper Brewing
122 Weston St, Brunswick East VIC 3057

Madeleine du Proust
253 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053
Make a day of itNearby recommendations

Pipemakers Park
Melbourne Zoo
Take a deviation up the Upfield Line
Brompton Junction
Royal Exhibition Building
Hill of Content Bookshop
Helen’s Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑
GPX/Stravahttps://www.strava.com/routes/3397720026295237112
Date ridden6 September 2025
If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

Helen and Diane were joining us for the this Saturday ride. Helen had flown in the night before. Diane was going to meet us at Footscray Station on Saturday morning and return home from Southern Cross Station on Saturday night. It’s only a 6km ride between the to. But that’s way too direct for an Adelaide Bromptoneering Ride. Instead, we opted for a 34km route.

We took the train to Footscray Station – our meeting point. Helen was in desperate need for a fresh pastry. Our first stop was designed to meet that desire. Gordon Street Bakery had two shop fronts with nearly all of its space dedicated as a kitchen. It had a limited but very high quality range of options. My chocolate and almond croissant was still warm. It was irresistible.

Shortly after Gordon Street Bakery we came across a memorial to the Korean War and some fine views of the city. I just hope that by the time you arrive the temporary fencing is removed.

We rejoined the Maribynong River Trail for a few kilometres. I had plotted a route on the side of the river that I hadn’t ridden before. Unfortunately, it was a very busy Saturday morning with a bonus rowing regatta and sausage sizzle. Fortunately for you, I have adjusted the route to the quieter side of the river taking advantage of the cycling bridge instead of the road bridge.

To get to where we needed to be, we had to leave the river trail and climb up out of the valley. This is done on Afton Street. I am pretty sure you’ll be hiking the bike. At its maximum the gradient is 16%! After that, there is a pleasant ride through the suburbs of Aberfeldie and Essendon.

We then joined the Moonee Ponds Trail. It certainly gives a different perspective of the Melbourne entry statements that most Adelaideans see when they drive into Melbourne. It was a lot of fun!

At the intersection of the Capital City Trail and the Moonee Ponds Trail we took the Capital City Trail towards Brompton Junction. Just before Brompton Junction we took a few Brunswick back streets to get to our lunch destination, Keeper Brewing. They had a flatbread special on Saturday. We took them up on their offer.

We travelled through the delightful cycling streets of Carlton North to our desert stop. I first discovered Madeleine du Proust on my 2024 pastry tour. I go back whenever I can.

We had some spare time. So, we didn’t take the direct route back via Little Collins Street. Instead we hiked our bikes through the Botanic Gardens. While the Strava route doesn’t show it, it is pretty easy to get there by following the continuation of Exhibition Street. We said farewell to Diane and her Brompton at Southern Cross Station. She took the V-Line back to Castlemaine where her car was waiting. A truly multi modal day.

The route taken is shown below.

Heidelberg – Beer and Art Loop

Posted on by kymdt

Location3 Ravens Brewery
1 Theobald Street, 260 Dundas St, Thornbury VIC 3071
Route23km circular route
Thornbury, Ivanhoe East, Buleen, Heidelberg
Coffee StopHeide Kitchen
7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105
Make a day of itNearby recommendations

Heide Museum of Modern Art
Artiga Specialty Coffee
Darebin Parklands
Banksia Park
Moondog World

Mary’s Rating⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥑
GPX/Stravahttps://www.strava.com/routes/3397720026295237112
Date ridden5 September 2025
If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

The weather was looking a bit better than the previous day’s ride. We started our ride at Thornbury, as that was the closest microbrewery to the Heide Museum of Modern Art. We were all keen to see the Man Ray and Max Dupain exhibition – a comprehensive exploration of these leading 20th century photographers.

This route connected parts of main Yarra Trail with the Darebin Trail to make a loop. We started out at 3 Ravens Brewery headed down the side road to connect in with the Darebin Trail. But we didn’t get very far until we had an urgent need for coffee. Fortunately the locals, Mary and Caroline, were all over this and took me to Artiga Specialty Coffee. We located ourselves outside near our bikes. This outside area was soon to be used for the local story time. An ideal location for story time. But we didn’t stay as we needed to get a wriggle on to see some art.

After traversing the Darebin Parklands we deviated from the Darebin Trail to make our way over to the main Yarra Trail. I can advise that there is a large and healthy population of kangaroos out that way.

We had an early lunch at the Heide Kitchen before visiting the Heide Museum of Art. There are not many crossings of the Yarra. To get to the Heide Museum of Art requires you to leave the main Yarra Trail and to cross the Yarra. This is done over the Banksia Street Bridge – a busy road bridge without separate cycling infrastructure. We chose to take the footpath across the bridge and the use trail that avoids some sharp bends (this is the route on the GPX). The area is also subject to some tunnelling road works. So, take it slow and carefully – the conditions are likely to change over time.

After our cultural reflection, we continued on the main Yarra Trail for a few kilometres. To get back to the start we headed into the suburbs of Heidelberg and Heidelberg Heights. As I planned this route I could not help myself from taking a deviation into the Warringal Cemetery. Upper Heidelberg Road, after the cemetery, is quite busy. So I have re-routed so you are closer to the nearby traffic lights.

After a few more suburban blocks, we found ourselves back on the Darebin Trail coasting towards a rewarding post ride beer at 3 Ravens Brewery. Melbourne’s oldest microbrewery!

The route taken is shown below.

Brighton – Beer and Beach Loop

Posted on by kymdt

LocationBad Shepherd Brewing Co
386 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192
Route20km circular route
Cheltenham, Sandringham, Brighton, Hampton East, Highett.
Coffee StopAlister McAllister
9 South Rd, Brighton VIC 3186
Make a day of itNearby recommendations

Merindah Park
Brighton Beach Gardens
Brighton Bathing Boxes
Black Rock Jetty
Museum of Play and Art
Mary’s Rating⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ 🥑
But ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on a Sunny Day
GPX/Stravahttps://www.strava.com/routes/3397889015851701890
Date ridden4 September 2025
If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

We went back towards the beach side suburbs for the the third Melbourne Beer Loop for 2025. We found a brewery called Bad Shepherd Brewing Co that fit the bill well in a ‘shed’ in a light industrial area opposite a cemetery! It was all sunny as we headed through the cemetery, Adelaide Bromptoneering style.

Heading down the road after the cemetery, I was on the look out for a little lane. It connected into a nice looking park – but unfortunately, but not too surprising for a near beach side area, the paths were too sandy to be fun. You’ll be pleased to know that I have removed it from the route. But, if you want to check it out head to Merindah Park/George Street Reserve.

We headed towards the sea front – so did the weather. Headwinds and horizontal stinging rain wasn’t so much fun – so while on a sunny day you’d enjoy a view scenic stops – we just buckled down to get to the warm rest stop.

The rest stop is like a Time Machine when our lives were simpler. Cassette tapes and records line the walls at Alister McAlister. But, fortunately for us it also had a small fan heater to warm my hands, espresso coffee and freshly made muffins. YUM!

We then headed down the road little further for the obligatory Brighton Beach Box photograph and then headed into the suburbs to checkout some pretty BIG houses.

Getting pretty hungry we cycled through a pretty impressive park and introduced ourselves to the local dogs and their walkers. Did an obligatory line up with a local bike in the park? There was also some impressive wattle.

You may not have know it, but there was a non-Brompton riding with us today. She was too embarrassed to line up her big wheel bike with our little ones. But Mary did snap a candid spot of me talking with her about the route we had just ridden at the microbrewery. Good beer was available – this is the place to go if you want some low and slow cooked meet. We took advantage of the excellent Beer and Burger offer!

The route taken is shown below.

Brunswick – Beer and Flatbread Loop

Posted on by kymdt

LocationBridge Road Brewers Brunswick
137-141 Nicholson St
Brunswick East 3507
Route20km circular route
Brunswick, Preston, Reservoir.
Coffee StopTraditional Melbourne Cafe option
Gellibrand Cafe
16 Gellibrand Crescent, Reservoir

or

Middle East Cafe option
Oreganos Middle Eats Cafe
25 Mcfadzen Avenue, Reservoir
Make a day of itNearby recommendations

Brompton Junction
815 Nicholson Street, North Carlton

Monforte Viennoiserie
585a Canning Street, North Carlton
(Rated by my as the best croissant in Melbourne on 2024 pastry tour)
Mary’s Rating⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐
GPX/Stravahttps://www.strava.com/routes/3397512130679843512
Date ridden2 September 2025
If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

The second Melbourne Beer Loop for 2025 was inspired by the need for Helen and my bikes to be serviced. Mary and I dropped the bikes of to Brompton Junction in the morning. Our plan involved starting at a nearby brewery that was open for Tuesday lunch. Fortunately for us, Bridge Road Brewers fitted all the criteria – including having an all day kitchen.

We started at Bridge Road Brewers at little later at 11:36am. This was because our old bikes had a few things to work through with Brompton Junction before we could go. You’ll see that I have swapped my Lagoon Blue bike for a Hot Pink loaner from Brompton Junction. I was too eager to ride. As a result, I forgot the obligatory “in front of the brewery line up” photograph. So instead I’ve include an Australian landscape inspired roller door.

During one of my previous visits, I did a ride that involved a small part of the St Georges Bike Path. This bike path operates in the middle of a tram corridor that itself is in the middle of a major road. It is good piece of communing bike infrastructure with integrated bike traffic lights. So I wanted to see where it ended up. It was Ruthven Station that felt like the logical end. Although, if you follow the Cheddar Road path may be the logical end is Bunnings Thomastown. But I don’t think we need to be that philosophical.

I love a good local business that knows and serves the local community well. There is no doubt in my mind that Oreganos Middle Eats Cafe fits the bill. As the sign says, they bake daily for freshness and softness. I had a meat and cheese manoush as my entree with a piccolo. Great food and good coffee. If you are looking for a Melbourne Cafe Experience then the other option, Gellibrand Cafe, may fit the bill.

The route back was less a fast commuter run and more a typical Adelaide Bromptoneering Social Ride through delightful byways, park paths and the occasional back lane. Absolutely delightful. I’ve included a circuit around the Brunswick Velodrome in the route for fun. This might be a good opportunity to train from the Brompton World Championship. If that’s the case then don’t forget to bring your jacket.

Before you start the ride or after you finish – only 5 or so minutes away from the brewery is Brompton Junction and Monforte Viennoiserie. Check out this post for the reasons why Monforte is so good and find a Brompton route around Melbourne’s inner north patisseries.

The route taken is shown below.

South Melbourne – Beer, Containers and Coffee Loop

Posted on by kymdt

LocationBrewmanity Brewery and Rooftop
50 Tope Street
South Melbourne
Route20km circular route
South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne
Coffee StopTribu Coffee
217 Rouse Street
Port Melbourne
Mary’s Rating⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐🥑
GPX/Stravahttps://www.strava.com/routes/3397209614349539412
Date Ridden1 September 2025
If you have ridden these route and have any updates that need to be made, then leave a comment on this post.

Following the Melbourne Brompton Club ride from Port Fairy to Warrnambool, Mary and I did our first Adelaide Bromptoneering in Melbourne Social rides. This takes the tried and tested formula of Adelaide Bromptoneering – 20km loop, start and finish at a brewery, quiet out of the way roads and paths, good coffee stop and beer at the end.

This South Melbourne loop rides was no different. We started at Brewmanity at around 10:30am. We headed through South Melbourne towards Albert Park Lake – took in a bit of champagne gravel lakeside.

When you visit Melbourne for a bike ride most people would typically ride the foreshore path. But, for something a little different this route travels the quiet and quaint residential streets of Albert Park. It is truly delightful and only involves a small patch of bluestone cobbles. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos here – you will just have to follow the route for yourself. The route circumnavigates the the Gasworks Arts Park. Unfortunately for us there were constructions works. But, I am sure they will be finished in time for your ride.

The coffee stop was in Port Melbourne at Tribu Coffee. Adelaide Bromptoneers know that I am quite fond of Cafetal in Kent Town and their focus on Colombian coffee. Tribu spoke to me because it was founded by two Colombian coffee aficionados and experts. I had a delightful batch brew. I enjoyed it so much I bought the beans!

This route includes a special excursion to one of my favourite spots in Melbourne – Sandridge lookout (or more particularly the end of the access route). You can while away the time watching the straddle cranes dancing with containers and the ship to shore crane effortlessly lifting those containers on to the container ship. Just be mindful that the path is a little rough.

The route then takes you through some relatively modern residential development on a fully separated path and the back towards town next to the Port Melbourne line. For a fully touristic experience, it does take you in front of Crown Casino on Melbourne’s Southbank. Caution getting there and along Southbank is recommended – it is a high pedestrian traffic area.

Look at this reward though.

The route we took is below.

But first coffee

Posted on by helenhmk

… as always morning priorities after the bags are packed! At the beginning of our trip we found a great new coffee place near the hotel… great beans and great breakfast. so we went for the last time.

They also do a great hand-drip coffee style too which was enjoyable today.