Bicycle Network: Where to Ride

Sassafras

The "1 in 20 ride" is now becoming popular with those wanting to test their hill climbing skills

Get Fire Ready

9 January 2012. For those riding in the hills this weekend there will be a great opportunity to catch up with the CFA and learn how the Fire Ready app can be a vital tool for keeping riders safe in the fire danger period.

The CFA will be setting up rider liaison points near the cafes on Sunday morning at The Basin, Mount Dandenong and Sassafras, to chat with riders and explain the risks of riding in the ranges near Melbourne in the summer.

CFA is especially keen to show riders the features of the Fire Ready app.

They will help you set it up so that you can get the maximum benefit.

1 in 20 goes flat

8 February 2012. Melbourne's favourite climb will be closed for three weeks for urgent repairs later this month, forcing climbers to sample some of the region's other lung-busting ascents.

The work is due to begin Monday 20 February and wrap up by Friday 9 March. The closures are from 7am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

All road users, including bike riders, will have no access during the road closure hours.

The road, known to non-riders as the Mountain Highway (Wantirna-Sassafras Road), will be closed between Forest Road, The Basin, and Mount Dandenong Tourist Road Sassafras.

One lane will be open to road users outside working hours, including weekends.

The repair work is weather dependent, and bad weather could extend the completion date. Work will not be undertaken on days of total fire bans, including days rated as severe and above in the Central District. On these days, one lane will remain open.

No cold shoulder for hill climbers

21 September 2011.

Regular 1-in-20 riders will have noticed recent road works progressing on the Basin to Sassafras Roads of late.

Bicycle Network Victoria has received several queries about this and after following up with VicRoads, has established that the final outcome will be of benefit to riders.

Whilst Armco barriers were put along the side of the road to address vehicle and motorbike safety issues, many riders wrote in concerned that the initial shoulder-sealing works were rough and unrideable, and riders were forced to ride one or two metres further towards the centre of the road.

VicRoads officers have assured us that they haven't finished on the project yet. A final 7mm seal is to be laid, which they assure us will give a better final result. Whilst the sealed shoulders have not been provided as cycle lanes and are quite narrow in places, it is an improvement from what was currenty exists,

'1 in 20' closed for repairs

29 June 2011. Melbourne's favourite hill climb, the 1 in 20 on Mountain Highway at Sassafras, will be closed for about a week for urgent repairs.

If all goes well, the road will remain open for weekend rides.

The work, near Helen Road is due to begin Monday 4 July and will require a full closure of Mountain Highway (Wantirna-Sassafras Road) between Inverness Avenue and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road for up to five days.

The closure period will be from 7am until 7pm Friday each day.

No night work is anticipated, but may be necessary if the road is to reopen within the allocated time frame.

Please note that the alternative route during the closure will be Mount Dandenong Tourist Road.

Rough trot ahead on Mountain Highway

7 March 2011. A series of road works on the Mountain Highway (Wantirna-Sassafras Road) will result in riders confronting some poor surfaces on the popular 1 in 20 route over the next few months.

The projects involve:

Road safety improvements along Mountain Highway between Forest Road, The Basin and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras. Includes works on the shoulder and guard rail. The project will begin in mid-March and is expected to finish in August this year.
Rehabilitation of a land slip on Mountain Highway between Inverness Avenue and Claremont Avenue, The Basin. The project is expected to begin in early March and finish in June this year.

Delays should be expected as a result of both projects with lane closures and reduced speed limits at work sites during weekdays.

Weekend lane closures are not expected, however the speed may still be lower and road users should take care regardless of the day.

Cyclists should be aware that during construction that the road surface may be unsuitable to ride.

Signs will be erected at the Basin and Sassafras warning riders the surface may not be suitable.

Riding the 1 in 20

Details:

The ride is on a quiet road with a smooth surface and a steady climb. It is a benchmark ride for many top Melbourne competitive riders. It's only 6.75km in length and the best recorded time is sub 14 minutes. But if you can reach the top in under 20 minutes perhaps it's time you consider checking out your local racing club!

Start Point:

The Basin - 60km speed signs at the Basin shops, where the bitumen changes (Melway 65 G8)

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