It was a slightly windy but otherwise beautiful day when more than a dozen cyclists converged on Westmeadows Bakery to start a ride to Craigieburn. The cyclists were an eclectic bunch, ranging from experienced BUGsters and road cyclists, through to young children.
Before long, a cyclist experienced a puncture and many stopped to provide assistance. Cyclists are helpful people! It was decided to break the group into two smaller groups, one slower bunch with the children and the other quicker bunch with experienced cyclists who stayed back while the puncture was repaired.
The wind was favourable heading to Craigieburn. From the Moonee Ponds Creek junction with Yuroke Creek at Jacana Reserve, the slower group headed up the Broadmeadows Valley Path. After a short break at Shankland Bvd playground to let laggers catch up and to catch their breath, we continued on and were soon within Craigieburn.
Just a kilometre or so from the finish line, a young cyclist fell off her bike. To her credit she jumped straight back on and kept riding!
Crossing Bridgewater Rd at Aitken Creek was challenging. This is a matter on which HumeBUG will probably advocate for improvements. Another potential improvement would be the sharp corner on the junction of paths behind Craigieburn Gardens - it is difficult for many cyclists to ride up the short steep section without being able to get a run-up to it.
We came out at Craigieburn Rd and prepared to cross at the pedestrian refuge. It was here that a vastly more experienced cyclist (don't ask who, no names will be given) showed that spills can happen to anyone. Unlike the young girl who got straight back on her bike, this man didn't get back on until after visiting the Festival.
The Craigieburn Festival was in full swing. The wind was playing havoc, but people were still enjoying themselves. We walked our bikes up to meet the faster group who had already arrived. Together we secured our bikes to the oval fence. After a photo shoot, the riders broke into small groups to walk around the Festival.
After having lunch and viewing the stalls most cyclists made their own way home with a small group riding back along the Broadmeadows Valley path to join the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail.
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