It was a glorious sunny Sunday for the Hume BUG Aitken Creek Loop Ride as 10 adults and five children cyclists met outside the old Craigieburn Library. After quick catchup discussions we rolled off through Craigieburn Gardens to the creek path. Being Sunday morning it was easy enough crossing Bridgewater Road, and we continued on towards the Golf Course and rode around it on a mix of local roads and wide footpaths.
The Aitken Boulevard road reservation was problematical to cross. Some works along there have created muddy tracks. We managed to cross but caked our bikes in mud in the process!
There were not many birds to be seen at the bird watching area, so we continued under Waterview Blvd and Craigieburn Road. The sight of Highlands Lake was breathtaking as we rode up the incline from under Craigieburn Road. Our destination was the Waterside Cafe on the other side of the lake. After some refreshments and a period of relaxation, we lined up for a group photo and took off around the lake for the next leg of our adventure.
We aimed our bikes up Waterview Blvd toward the new Craigieburn West Primary School, then across to Aitken Blvd and the wide footpath up to Highgate Recreation Reserve. We circled the reserve, watching a game of footy on Oval 2 as we rode along. We soon made it to Malcolm Creek and proceeded along the path. Near Hanson Rd, a decision was made to continue to Bunnings for a photo opportunity with the 2010 AFL Premiership Cup (won by Collingwood), however a couple decided to part and go their own way.
We crossed the Hume Highway at the signalised intersection with Grand Blvd pass the start of the Galada Tamboore Path that follows the Hume Freeway to the Western Ring Road. The footpath along Amaroo Rd provided an off-road route into the Bunnings car park, where we managed to safely avoid the cars and parked our dozen bikes at the store entrance. Many people were obviously Pies supporters, wearing Collingwood guernseys and other black and white clothing. A small queue quickly disappeared and some of the BUG cyclists huddled in front of a team photo back drop and the children held the Premiership Cup for a photo.
Several of the cyclists decided to part here. Some stayed to chat with friends who happened to be there, while others decided to ride along the Galada Tamboore Path to get home. The remaining few cyclists continued back to Hanson Rd and made their way along Hamilton St to Craigieburn Rd back to the start point at the library.
It was an enjoyable 20km ride by 15 cyclists in beautiful sunny weather who are now looking forward to other family rides.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
MAD Ride 2011
The MAD ride put on by the Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club has come and gone for yet another year.
Sunday April 10th, 20011
Driving into Woodend the sight of Mt Macedon sobered our thoughts, its peaks were hidden in cloud. A light drizzle settled on the windscreen. As I parked the car and headed for the registration desk a light katabatic breeze brought with it a numbing cold. Greg (HumeBUG) and I met at the registration desk where he elected to do the 120k ride and me the 65. There was nervous chatter all around me coupled with the sharp smell of liniment. Those waiting in the Que debated each other the possibility of a wet and miserable morning. It was becoming increasingly more difficult to blink. My eyelids were frozen to my eyeballs.
Peter from BrimbankBUG found me and introduced himself, and then to the rest of his group as they arrived. We were soon heading towards the start point. Making our way up the shallow hill and out of Woodend I immediately started to warm up. Soon Keynton was also behind us and we were approaching the Lorinston Town Hall. Andrew (BrimBUG) and I discussed what we had ordered for lunch. I was looking forward to the Barramundi fillet and Andrew, the rib eye steak in red wine juss. Walking into the hall and up to the table we settled for a salad roll and blueberry muffin. Never has a salad roll tasted so good. Warm rays from the winter sun began to heat the air. In the back of everyone's thoughts though, the long climb ahead. Leaving Lauriston then turning left, the long grind up Shepherd's Hill began. We all made it to the top at our own pace but were relieved to get there nonetheless. It was nowhere near as difficult as I had remembered. The views from here to the Lauriston Reservoir were stunning. Last year during the drought the Dam slipway was dry, but not today.
Finally a welcome tail wind sprung up to see us home.
It was another great ride in good company. I can't wait to do it all again next year.
Hopefully more of the Hume BUGers will be able to join us.
(Max speed 108 KPH - forgot to turn off the GPS for the drive home)
Iain
Sunday April 10th, 20011
Driving into Woodend the sight of Mt Macedon sobered our thoughts, its peaks were hidden in cloud. A light drizzle settled on the windscreen. As I parked the car and headed for the registration desk a light katabatic breeze brought with it a numbing cold. Greg (HumeBUG) and I met at the registration desk where he elected to do the 120k ride and me the 65. There was nervous chatter all around me coupled with the sharp smell of liniment. Those waiting in the Que debated each other the possibility of a wet and miserable morning. It was becoming increasingly more difficult to blink. My eyelids were frozen to my eyeballs.
Peter from BrimbankBUG found me and introduced himself, and then to the rest of his group as they arrived. We were soon heading towards the start point. Making our way up the shallow hill and out of Woodend I immediately started to warm up. Soon Keynton was also behind us and we were approaching the Lorinston Town Hall. Andrew (BrimBUG) and I discussed what we had ordered for lunch. I was looking forward to the Barramundi fillet and Andrew, the rib eye steak in red wine juss. Walking into the hall and up to the table we settled for a salad roll and blueberry muffin. Never has a salad roll tasted so good. Warm rays from the winter sun began to heat the air. In the back of everyone's thoughts though, the long climb ahead. Leaving Lauriston then turning left, the long grind up Shepherd's Hill began. We all made it to the top at our own pace but were relieved to get there nonetheless. It was nowhere near as difficult as I had remembered. The views from here to the Lauriston Reservoir were stunning. Last year during the drought the Dam slipway was dry, but not today.
Finally a welcome tail wind sprung up to see us home.
It was another great ride in good company. I can't wait to do it all again next year.
Hopefully more of the Hume BUGers will be able to join us.
(Max speed 108 KPH - forgot to turn off the GPS for the drive home)
Iain
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Merri Creek, Yarra, City Ride
Post-mortem
Merri Creek, Yarra, City Ride
Sunday 3rd April, 2011
9.00am Sunday morning in the cold Melbourne dawn, 10 elite cyclists were champing at the bit.
The somber scene was unfolding at the West Meadows Bakery.
Some sipped coffee while others were unloading bikes from utes. Others were carefully checking their Kit.
As the glow of the sun's first rays began to heat the cold air, a mounting excitement was becoming palpable.
Ten riders arrived and 9 departed (1 forgot his lid) for Western RIng Trail.
The pull up out of the Valley along the new Detour reduced some to Shank's Pony while others (me) just wanted to throw up.
That behind us, we stopped at the Merri Creek junction to meet another group from BrimbankBUG.
Sadly they were ten minutes behind us and stayed that way for the duration.
1 hour 45mins later we climbed up from the Yarra river and went down Victoria Street to the Bicycle Swap Meet.
Here we perused the many bikes and parts that were on offer then attacked the sausage sizzle.
Back onto the Yarra we headed along its scenic vistas to arrive at Southbank for Coffee.
From here we headed to Dockands and off home along the Moonee Ponds Creek.
All in all, a leisurely 75K scenic ride.
To view photos
http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/21252460/1/BUG%20ride%2003%3A04%3A11?h=5ee391
You will find a "save" link at the bottom of the open browser window if you want to keep any photos.
(There are also a couple of photos taken on the same track on a previous occasion)
FYI - the Doco "Hell of the North" will screen on SBS2 Wednesdey April 6th, 8.30pm.
Paris-Roubaix, Sunday April 10, SBS1
MAD ride in Woodend, Next weekend.
Merri Creek, Yarra, City Ride
Sunday 3rd April, 2011
9.00am Sunday morning in the cold Melbourne dawn, 10 elite cyclists were champing at the bit.
The somber scene was unfolding at the West Meadows Bakery.
Some sipped coffee while others were unloading bikes from utes. Others were carefully checking their Kit.
As the glow of the sun's first rays began to heat the cold air, a mounting excitement was becoming palpable.
Ten riders arrived and 9 departed (1 forgot his lid) for Western RIng Trail.
The pull up out of the Valley along the new Detour reduced some to Shank's Pony while others (me) just wanted to throw up.
That behind us, we stopped at the Merri Creek junction to meet another group from BrimbankBUG.
Sadly they were ten minutes behind us and stayed that way for the duration.
1 hour 45mins later we climbed up from the Yarra river and went down Victoria Street to the Bicycle Swap Meet.
Here we perused the many bikes and parts that were on offer then attacked the sausage sizzle.
Back onto the Yarra we headed along its scenic vistas to arrive at Southbank for Coffee.
From here we headed to Dockands and off home along the Moonee Ponds Creek.
All in all, a leisurely 75K scenic ride.
To view photos
http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/21252460/1/BUG%20ride%2003%3A04%3A11?h=5ee391
You will find a "save" link at the bottom of the open browser window if you want to keep any photos.
(There are also a couple of photos taken on the same track on a previous occasion)
FYI - the Doco "Hell of the North" will screen on SBS2 Wednesdey April 6th, 8.30pm.
Paris-Roubaix, Sunday April 10, SBS1
MAD ride in Woodend, Next weekend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
