My favourite local ride especially during lockdown when options were limited was the Airport Loop which has a mix of bike paths, quiet back streets and dead-end country roads. The loop itself is about 45km from the inner north-west with about 450m of climbing and takes just under 2 hours which is the perfect circuit breaker to start the working day.
Once you escape the hustle and bustle of bike paths, school drop-off traffic and industrial park cut throughs, you're presented with a rapid descent featuring corners which'll wake you up quicker than a double espresso! Then from there; quiet country roads, rolling winery hills and little to no cars to worry about. The road ends at a distinctive iron gate which is great photo stop and then straight back up the way you came down.
It kept me motivated to keep riding as it had enough variation to keep things interesting. It is a great solo loop but made even better with friends as the roads are generally quiet and there's a hill climb (Annandale Rd Climb) right in the middle for bragging rights at the coffee stop.
There are numerous coffee stops on the way back with the two favourites (25 Tilba Street and Cannoli Bar) both owned by the same owner, he must be doing something right! I always get the cannoli and a double macchiato which gives me enough buzz to get back home and showered ready for work.
The loop is unique as it feels far away but it feels much further away from the city as it has open fields featuring cows and if you're lucky an aeroplane will fly over for the perfect photo.
DISTANCE: Approx. 45km
ELEVATION: 440m
DEAN'S BIKE OF CHOICE: Aethos Pro
POST RIDE: 25 Tilba Street Espresso Bar or Cannoli Bar