Safe Route from Melbourne CBD to The Basin

[dandrew65]

Hi Folks
I'm visiting Melbourne next week and I am keen to do the Basin to Sassafas ride (or any other hills ride for that matter)...but, I'm concerned about getting there safely.

Does anyone know of:
a) a safe route they're willing to share?
b) a group that leaves the city (or close by) welcomes guest riders for a 80-100km outing?

[kb]

Haven't done from the city for a while but if you don 'to mind the extra distance you can stick to bike paths most of the way. Here's an old after work ride
https://www.strava.com/activities/97324826" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mike Ayling]

Catch a Belgrave Line train to Bayswater Railway Station which puts you on Mountain Highway and do your 100km around the hills from there.

Mike

[GTPilot]

this is my regular commute out from Richmond via the Main Yarra Tail, Gardners creek trail, Waverley rail trail and so on. mix of sealed bike path ( 500m of hard pack dirt just before nortons pk, no big deal).

When you reach Burwood hwy you can head along it to Mt Dandy tourist rd or take stud rd up to mountain hwy that will take you right up 1:20.

https://www.strava.com/activities/271071297" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[tk38]

I've ridden from Richmond a couple of times. I usually take Canterbury rd the whole way. It's a main road, but surprisingly safe.
I do the ride on weekends sometimes (solo). Pm me if you want to ride together to show you the way.
http://app.strava.com/activities/271399205" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[il padrone]

Google directions gives a route that is pretty much what I would have suggested - Yarra Trail, Koonung Trail, Heatherdale Rd, to Dandenong Ck Trail, and follow through to Colchester Rd and Mountain Hwy. 44 kms.