I can’t recall since when the local cycling scene was dominated by the lycra wearing, leg shaving bunches. I have been one of them, hiding in the slipstream, “sharing” the Point Nepean Road with the locals.
Frankly this is not the only way to enjoy your time on two wheels. There are more than 30 bicycle tracks along the peninsula for all abilities. You can cycle along the foreshore from Dromana to Point Nepean. Some paths are strictly for bikes, but many are shared with walkers and even horses; so ride responsibly.
There is a good bike trail along the Rye foreshore. It suits cyclists of all abilities. You can enjoy this trail with mountain bikes and leisure bikes. For road bike with thinner tires, it should be fine as soon as you pump them up to 110 PSI, and bring spare tubes for the gravel sections just in case. I did fine on my road bike and not yet had a puncture. The trail is very scenic and it passes through many shops and attractions along the foreshore.
The The Mornington Peninsula Tourism website already has good information on this trail, parking and supporting facilities. I won’t repeat them here, rather, I’d highlight some attractions and good cafes along the way.
1840 Rye Lime Kiln Replica
If you make it to here, well done. You are at the west end of the trail. You may continue along the Pt Nepean Road to Sorrento however you will share the road with other cars, please be careful.
Set just behind the sand dunes at the base of Whitecliffs lookout, a replica Lime Kiln has been built by the Rotary & Lions Clubs of Rye in 1989. It has been sited where once the historic ‘Devine Kiln’ stood, as well as an old loading point where bullock teams would drag wagons loaded with bagged lime into the shallow waters, transfer it to barges, then to small sailing ships, to be transported to a special Limecraft Dock which was constructed c 1849, near King Street in Melbourne. This is nonetheless an important history of Rye, describing lives of our early settlers.
A Mini Kitchen
One of my favourite cafe in Rye, a short walk from our cottages and the perfect way to end your ride. Small in size, big in heart, the name actually comes from owner Amy Minichiello. Fantastic cakes and good coffee, refill your sugar intake here.
Lazy to Pedal? Rent an E-Bike
The Rye Bike Shop offers rental of bicycles and batteries powered e-bikes. They also provide full bike services and sell cycling accessories.
The Rye Bay Trail is an easy ride suitable for cyclists of all abilities. It is a flat trail along the foreshore, which connects Rye to Dromana through Rosebud. The closest access point of this trial is just 250m from our Rye cottages.