Westmeadows-South Bank Ride 12/12/2010

It was a windy day when 5 cyclists met at the Westmeadows Bakery. There were another group of 4 cyclists already there, though they weren't riding with us. After a brief chat to catch up (Brendan's wife was on the cover of Hume Weekly of November 23, 2010 - congratulations on a fine cycling photo!), we departed down the Moonee Ponds Creek Path.
Greg the leader took us through Gladstone Park to the Western Ring Road Path, via a lengthy route that was more gentle than the steep direct route. Instead of riding down the Moonee Ponds Creek Path to the city, he took us along the Ring Road Path to Keilor Park Drive. Through Keilor he took us, on a route that was different to previous travels. We joined the Maribyrnong River Trail at Steele Creek and paused for a breather and photo opportunity.
We continued down to the Afton St footbridge and along past Anglers Tavern. The water was extremely dirty and brown from silt from the extraordinary rains we have experienced lately.
We travelled along the Footscray Road Path to docklands, where the Bikers' Toy Ride was held. There were hundreds of motor bikes standing around, and big, burly blokes blocking our path. "Get outta the way!" "You talking to me?" "Umm, no, sorry, I was talking to that person riding the little scooter."
We made our way across the Yarra River, past Polly Woodside and along South Bank where we stopped at Bear Brass. It was busy, but we managed to find seats that another cycling group had just vacated. Entertainment here was provided by an ugly gargoyle busker out the front. "Where's Iain?" asked one of our group who for his safety had better remain anonymous.
On recommencing our ride, it soon started to rain, and it rained intermittently for the next hour or so, sometimes very heavily. We rode up Moonee Ponds Creek Path, where an underpass of a train line was flooded. Some rode through it, while others rode around it. It started to rain again. While Paul and Kevin stopped under the shelter of CityLink, Greg, Dennis and Gavin continued riding. Eventually, on commencement, Gavin returned to say that Greg and Dennis and continued and left. It was now the three of us.
We continued up Moonee Ponds Creek Path. Gavin pretended to nearly ride into the creek after being nudged by Kevin. Gavin reckons the look on Kevin's face was funny!
During another heavy shower, we stopped under a bridge, where Gavin asked Kevin if he minded his sense of humor.
On the Moonee Ponds Creek Path, Gavin rounded a roundabout and continued rounding it. There was an almighty crash, and Gavin was rolling on the ground! His pedal had scrapped the ground causing him to fall. Kevin likes his sense of humor! The bike was not damaged. Let's not mention Gavin's injuries which included broken collar bone, fractured skull, abrasions and a bloody nose. Well, no, seriously, just a little cut or two on his knee, and no doubt a bruised ego.
At Cross Keys Reserve, there were about 20 vintage cars on display. We stopped to admire them, wondering about the purpose of the various old contraptions on them. On continuing, it was decided unanimously to ride up the Westbreen Creek Path (that is, Kevin decided the route and the others decided to follow him). This would provide an easy climb to Glenroy. It also provided the opportunity for Kevin to brag about his exploits on a bike riding through the creek pipe as a teenager.
We made our way around the Northern Golf Club and at Glenroy Road, Paul separated. Kevin and Gavin continued up Glenroy Road and through the streets of Glenroy and Jacana to the Jacana Reserve and back to Westmeadows Bakery where they enjoyed a bit to eat.
It was an enjoyable ride, though the weather wasn't the best. The total distance travelled was 61km.