As the popularity of the Roobaix has grown, homage to the purity of the single speed track bike has been diluted a little.
Single speed bikes started as a backlash to geared cycling in the mid 1990’s when Shimano kept changing the MTB componentry standards. This prompted people towards wanting a low-maintenance, no hassle bike. And so the single speed was born!
Are you keeping things simple with a single speed, or going totally retro? Perhaps it’s the trusty MTB or something new?
The Roobaix encourages people to ride anything they like and some have been dedicated and skilled enough to cover the distance on a unicycle! It is also an opportunity for people to bring out some of the “old world” steel bikes to either ride or simply have them on display.
Whatever you’re riding, it’s all about having a great day out in the saddle, with other cycling enthusiasts. See you there!
A nice little uphill that crosses over Cobden street. Entering the 2nd half of the lane way watch the drain cover. If it’s wet, remember the co-efficient of friction between steel and rubber is low (i.e. avoid the slippery drain cover!) 50m further up, stay left. The right hand side has some cobbles that are not where they should be and are best avoided!
After the few hills to get here from Checkpoint 3 this is nice. Coming into the lane way from Barry street you can’t see the end as it is so long and also has gentle downhill run.
It is in good condition and was a fun to ride through. About 2/3 of it is cobbled with a section in the middle that is just gravel.
Should be a little something extra in this laneway from the health.com.au crowd. Make sure you don’t miss this one.
A favourite that really highlights the laneways tucked away around Melbourne. Great fun to ride under the overhanging trees from the surrounding gardens.
Some section and corners are tight enough to make me wonder how often people “touch” their way through in their cars, especially in the dark!
The ride is about 40km long. Roads will not be closed but the course will have directional markers. You will still need to do some navigation though. Groups will form at checkpoints and disperse as people choose their optimal path to the next checkpoint.
What should you bring? Bike and helmet to start with. It’s a self supported ride so make sure you have a spare tube and such. A phone to get directions (?) or to make sure you meet your mates in the right place at the right time.
Some cash or cards for lunch and coffee.