Wildwood Loop Ride 24/10/2010

Synopsis

A peaceful ride in the countryside by 4 happy cyclists, with a well-deserved drink at the end at the Melbourne Airport Club (thanks to Neil and Iain for the shouts, we owe you).

Four cyclists met at the carpark of Gladstone Park Hotel for what promised to be a pleasurable ride in the countryside. The weather was fine, with the sun breaking out between clouds, though the wind was a bit on the strong side.

We rode through the Tullamarine industrial area, taking a shortcut through to the Melbourne Airport. We rode through to Sunbury Road, no doubt earning a double glance from motorists not accustomed to cyclists at the airport.

On Oaklands Road, passing Woodlands Historic Park, the result of some type of vehicle accident could be seen, with a couple of cars off the road, one even parked in a ditch! Continuing on, we had to overcome several large hills. At the top, two riders stopped to admire the view while waiting for the other two riders to catch up. This stretch of road was so exhausting, one rider ended up on the ground as he stopped! The reward, however, was a nice view of the countryside, with beautiful views over to Mt Macedon.

Another few hills had us riding very fast downhill, racing the few vehicles in the area. Eventually, the terrain it leveled out, and we were able to cruise at a comfortable pace while appreciating the peace and solitude of the Hume countryside.

We rode past Wildwood CFA, stayed on Wildwood Road and through onto Martin Dillon Reserve where we had a 10-15 minute break to relax in the coolness of the reserve on the roadside. The historic bridge here has recently been repaired and was of much better quality than previous rides. A long uphill section from Light House Gully had other riders passing us making us look weak. Hang on, they were motor bikes!

We continued to Sunbury Road and back to Melbourne Airport, instead of the planned Somerton Rd route. The Melbourne Airport Club beckoned, so Iain and Neil invited us in for some deserved refreshments. Perhaps the only photo on the wall that was not of airplanes was their own photo, taken during a Melbourne Summer Cycle ride.

Our ride was nearly complete. We rode to Gladstone Park Hotel and after a brief chinwag, parted ways. It was a memorable ride, beautiful weather, nice scenery, one or two little fun incidents, and rejuvenating refreshments.

Check our Facebook page here, our photos here and the map here and here.

"Unofficial" HumeBUG Westmeadows to Flemington Ride 3/10/2010

This ride had been cancelled due to the clash with the 2010 UCI World Championships, the road race from Melbourne to Geelong. However, several riders did meet at Westmeadows, with three of them starting down the Moonee Ponds Creek Path. A discussion ensued as to where we should go. By the time we reached the Ring Road Path, it was decided to head west to Brimbank Park. Along the way was a detour through Gowanbrae. The directional signs weren't the best, but we managed to find our way back to the Ring Road Path. At Brimbank Park, the opportunity to take a photo of the group with a beautiful background was seized.

We continued on, making our way down the path along Keilor Park Drive, across Milleara Rd and literally down the residential streets to Steele Creek Path to make our way to the Maribyrnong River Path. Again, we stopped to admire the view, this time of Melbourne City and the Defence land opposite the lookout.

It was a quick downhill ride to the river from there. Past the Anglers Tavern, the new Edgewater Estate and opposite the Flemington Racecourse. At Newells Paddock Wetlands Park, we crossed the river and made our way through the Newmarket Saleyards. This is a beautiful bike path along the original stock run and with trees amongst the tight housing. A short uphill section had us stopped for breath. Fortunately, a drinking fountain is located there and bottles were refilled.

We soon came out from the Saleyards onto Racecourse Road. A short stint on the footpath and we stopped at the Train station. One rider separated here to ride to the Collingwood Family Day at Gosch's Paddock (GO PIES!!!). The other two continued a short way up the Moonee Ponds Creek Path to Albion Rd before they, too, separated, with one continuing and the other riding back to Docklands and Port Melbourne.

It was an enjoyable ride in nice but windy weather.