Books: Bike Rides Around Melbourne (Julia Blunden)

Possibly the best Christmas present ever. And I mean that. If I added the book's subtitle, maybe it will help explain... 'exploring Melbourne by bike and train.' There are forty bike rides in here which all start and stop at a train station. So absolutely no need for the car, and just as important, there's no need to back pedal along the same route, which I detest. They are either circular or start and stop at different stations.

Each ride is at least 30km, and they probably average around 40km which also means you don't have to be super fit to complete them, just determined. Good old Julia has provided fantastic maps, and detailed descriptions and just as importantly where you can stop for food and drink, or where you can bail out if you get too tired.

This book wouldn't be as enjoyable or possible but for the following two reasons. Firstly, Melbourne is rather flat. Secondly, the bike path network is first class. We've done around five of the rides so far and each one has been fab.