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Those daredevils looking for a challenge might want to try mountain bike riding. Victoria has some great tracks for downhill and cross country riding. From Falls Creek to the You Yangs, easy paths to expert level there is plenty of challenges on a downhill track.

Where to go: Start with the You Yangs. A variety of trails at various levels from beginner to expert and only a 40 minute drive from Melbourne.

What you Need: Probably best to bring your own mountain bike but you can rent them from shops close to where you’ll be riding.

How do you do it: Nominate a driver to take you up to the top of the mountain. You could walk or ride up but you'll be pretty tired if you want to go downhill riding several times - don't forget, these are mountains you are riding down. Take it in turns to drive up and down.

Advice: Be prepared for sore legs the next day and sore wrists. All that pressure on the handlebar breaks and your legs can lead to tender muscles.

Tips: Try to avoid loose dirt as that can make the bike skid and lose control. Have a good helmet, goggles if needed and a warm jacket that you can tie around your waste so you don’t’ get too hot on your journey downhill.

A gym instructor told me once that you use more muscles going downhill than uphill. I don’t know whether this is true or not but I certainly built up a sweat going down and felt pretty tired by the end of it.

Fitness: You will need a good  level of fitness on the difficult tracks and medium level fitness for cross country rides. Take lots of water as riding is thirsty work.

Daredevil Rating: Depending on the level of dificulty of the bike path 8 out of 10

Want to know more? Read our Daredevil Blog about riding in the You Yangs and Mt Beauty.

More Information:

• You Yangs National Park
• Falls Creek  
• Mount Bulla
• Mount Hotham
• Bicycle Victoria
• Women's Mountain Bike Riding Workshops