Woodend to Broadmeadows via Clarkefield Pub 18/04/2010

14 cyclists met at a cafe in Woodend just after 11:30am. Most had taken two different trains while others had been driven there. It was the first time many of these cyclists had ridden together, so we took some time getting to know each other.

We left at 12 noon to begin our ride along the path along the Calder Hwy. This uphill path soon finished and we rode in the bike lane downhill at a fast pace through the forest until we reached the Calder Fwy. Soon after was an intersection. We stopped to work out whether this was the road we were meant to turn onto, but the road was a bit further ahead. A couple of cyclists rode fast to this road and shot past it! A bit of confusion entailed while some cyclists waited here while others continued down the road under the railway line and waited for the others to catch up. Eventually, we were reunited and began the short distance into Macedon town centre where we stopped outside a cafe to discuss whether to have a break or continue onto Clarkefield.

It was decided to continue, so we rode on. Past a cemetery and onto the Mount Macedon Road towards Gisborne. There were stunning views of the Macedon Ranges all the way.

At Riddells Creek, some riders decided to take a shortcut to Sunbury, but were eventually convinced it was the wrong way. After passing through the town, and riding along a road beside the railway line from Melbourne, we crossed the tracks onto a dirt road. This lead all the way to Clarkefield. As dirt roads go, it wasn't too bad, but it was still bumpy enough to shake us up and get our bikes dirty.

After about 31.5kms and 1hr and 50 mins we rode into Clarkefield, crossing the railway line and across the rocky ground (it was railway ballast) to the pub. Immediately, cyclists dismounted and rushed into the pub ordering drinks and a meal. Trying to find enough table and chairs for us all in the beer garden, with other customers also, was a challenge. This was intensified by the presence of the families of two riders who decided to join us for lunch.

It was a relaxing lunch with refreshing drinks. But after more than an hour, we had to keep riding. Two riders separated here, with one waiting to catch the train into the city and the other going back home in a town we had passed through. Back across the railway line and onto the dirt road, we soon came upon another railway crossing and arrived at the Lancefield-Sunbury Rd. This demanded single file riding for the short distance until Konagaderra Rd.

Now, the real challenge of the terrain began. There were three major descents and climbs the rest of the way. The creeks have carved deep valleys out of these Western Volcanic Plains. The first was Emu Creek after only a few kms from Clarkefield. Once we had passed that, it was an easy ride until the next descent and climb. The wind was behind us and we were on a slight downhill ride. However, approaching Martin Dillon Reserve near Bulla was a long, fast and winding descent of about 70-80m. That's no bull - the bull was free on the side of the road! The historical bridge over Deep Creek at Martin Dillon Reserve consists of tarred planks often with large gaps between them. We had to be careful negotiating this single lane bridge.

Then there was the climb back up out of the valley, vertically only slightly shorter than the descent. We had a rest stop for 5-10 minutes at the top where we could see we were close to Melbourne Airport.

We continued on our travels, turning onto Somerton Rd keeping in single file. This was another long climb beside Woodlands Historic Park. At Mickleham Road, a couple of riders departed while the remainder continued along the shared path along Mickleham Rd. At Attwood, outside the Victoria Police Motor Driving School and Mounted Branch Training Complex, some stopped to admire the view towards the city across the suburbs, getting their bearing and wondering how far from home they were.

It wasn't long until we were on the Moonee Ponds Creek Path approaching Jacana. About 6 riders decided to continue along the Moonee Ponds Creek Path to get home rather than climb out of the valley to Broadmeadows.

It was a great day out, enjoyed by all, but an exhausting ride. Some didn't get home until after 9 o'clock, having had forty winks or more on the way.

Check out the Google Earth image of the route on our Picasa Web Albums. Hopefully, more photos of the ride will be added soon.