Hume BUG Roxburgh Park - Westmeadows Ride 22/4/2012

7 cyclists (that's 5 adults and 2 children, one on a tagalong trailer) had a good ride on the Roxburgh Park - Westmeadows Ride. After a bit of slow start on grass with an off (working brakes would've helped that cyclist - there's something for dads to check!), we gained speed through Meadow Heights and downhill (and some uphill) to Westmeadows, with plenty of stops. Some of the stops were caused by having to lift the bike and trailer over barriers on the paths! After the refreshments, we went the long way via Jacana Reserve and up the Broadmeadows Valley Path, again with several rest stops due to the uphill slog against the wind. Thanks to everybody who rode.

Hume BUG Woodend - Craigieburn/Broadmeadows Ride 18/3/2012

By HumeBUG cyclist Iain

Woodend to Melbourne would have to be one of my favorite rides. Yesterday was no exception. Arriving at the start point via the team support vehicle driven by one of the disabled athletes (my wife injured in the Ghost Riders Labour Day ride) we met the depleted English team and Paul (who arrived on the bus).

Due to a ruction in the UK camp, only Steve was able to attend. Luckily Kevin stepped in for Graham and they both got a lift up with the English cheer squad. Unfortunately Greg and Dennis were unable to attend due to damage sustained in an earlier campaign involving a motor car. As we didn't anticipate the Alpine conditions several of us were a tad under dressed. Warmed by the robust climb out of Woodend we endured happily until the sun peeked out and bathed the countryside in a warm comfortable glow.

With cunning and skillful negotiation we were able to secure the contract of a new rider, Paul from Team Greenvale Spin class. Like the Tiwi Islanders are to AFL football so to are the Grimison's to cycling. Other attendees included Bab's and Bill.

The highlights of the ride were the Pepper Steak Pie and the Rosmary and Lamb Pie from the Riddle's Creek Bakery, although some thought the Strudel was king.

When the rest of the group turned off at Konagaderra Rd to head for Craigieburn (or Northcote? in Bab's case) I continued on to Sunbury with Paul to later endure the Gellies Rd Hill and the nasty climb up out of Lighthouse Gully. A great day!

Woodend/Gladdy vis Sunbury

www.everytrail.com



After Iain and Paul departed towards Sunbury, the remainder of the group continued along Konagaderra Rd. At Havelock Rd, Bill rode straight past the turnoff and continued to head north to the bemusement of the cyclists who waited at the corner for him to return. At Bardwell Drive we turned off to Craigieburn and experienced our major climb for the day. The rest of the ride was a leisurely pootle through Craigieburn followed by a refreshing cuppa at the home of one of the cyclists.

There are also links to ride maps and metrics at http://app.strava.com/rides/5353714

and on Sports Tracker.

Hume BUG Sunbury Explorer Ride 5/2/2012

Today’s Sunbury ride was strenuous and made much more difficult in the prevailing conditions. The rewards however were considerable. 7 riders were tired but very satisfied driving back to Melbourne. When I got home I found dirt marks stencilled on my scone by the vents in my helmet.

Hume BUG cyclist Iain

The weather was threatening to turn when 7 HumeBUG cyclists met outside Sunbury Railway Station early on Sunday morning. After a delay waiting for some slow coaches to arrive, we briefly chatted to a local who was curious about the group of cyclists forming.

We commenced our ride against the strong northerly but cool wind and proceeded through the gates of Rupertswood (Salesian College) and down the driveway to the lake, where a path snaked along the creek under the old railway bridge to Racecourse Rd. A fairly new wide path exists along some of this road, which we took but eventually had to ride on road and we came upon the narrow footpath that leads to Emu Bottom Wetlands. We passed the entrance to the wetland reserve and rode up the short section of hilly road to Homestead Way and to the driveway of Emu Bottom Homestead, the oldest homestead in Victoria.

With a strong wind behind us, we made good time back along Racecourse Road and made our way onto the smooth Elizabeth Drive bike lane. This lane extends from one side of Sunbury to the other, with a couple of major road crossings (roundabouts) along the way. 15 minutes later, with a strong wind again pushing us, we were on Mitchells Lane, another road with a bike lane. We headed back towards the park, where one of the group departed. The other six cyclists continued on with the ride.

It was mainly path from this point. Along the relatively new path along Blind Creek, we made our way to the Heysen Rd Path, which was a laborious climb towards the highest point of the ride. Instead of taking a shortcut back to the Blind Creek Path, we rode a short way higher and along Phillip Drive where the strong wind was blowing dust from the new housing estates across our road. With mouths shut we made it to the Blind Creek Path and speedily rode downhill back to the park where we stopped for a 15 minute breather at the picnic shelters. A discussion ensued about the continuation of the ride in the wind, but we bravely decided to ride on.

We cycled through the tunnel under Riddell Road and across a narrow, low bridge, where we came upon Kismet Creek Path. Riding upstream, in other words “uphill”, we approached Spavin Drive Dam, where a photo opportunity allowed two local youngsters to gain experience taking photos.

Departing, we turned off to head back to the start of Elizabeth Drive and onto another path. On entering the local road at the end of this path, we noticed a resident tackling a large branch fallen onto the ground and that closely missed several cars.

We continued to Racecourse Road, along a wide path, and made our way through the railway station and town centre. Our ride was nearing an end, but there was still a way to ride and several hills to conquer.

Leaving the town centre on Brook St we passed two young children cyclists and a lady cyclist, who had obviously been shopping as her panniers appeared loaded. We turned south and crossed Macedon St, crossed Jacksons Creek and rode along the path back down to Sunbury Rd. Shortly before approaching the old bridges at Sunbury Rd, Kevin stopped the group to suggest they ensure they chose an appropriate gear for the upcoming corner and steep climb up beside Sunbury Rd. At the top, we regrouped for a breather, then proceeded north along Francis Boulevard and east along Sunningdale Ave.

Turning north again into the wind, the reserve beckoned and all agreed to ride through the gravel car park. The alternative was to ride along the Melbourne-Lancefield Rd against a strong wind – no thank-you! This area of Sunbury reminded us of Mickleham, with fairly large properties. After another ten minute struggle against the wind, with the boys sheltering behind the leader and the female cyclist, we made it to The Skyline and its sandy path. Some chose the road, while others chose the path. A quick time was made here, the wind pushing us speedily, and the altitude decreasing, back to Jacksons Creek.

We crossed Macedon St for the last time, and the group was horrified to look ahead at the Aitken St climb. This sorted us out again, but part of the reason was mechanical failure. Neil quickly fixed his dropped chain and caught the rest of the group at the top of this climb, where Bill was keenly taking photos of everybody struggling up the hill (“keenly”, because it shows he had already made it!). A short breather and we remounted our bikes to continue the climb up Jacksons Hill.

We stopped near the Boilerhouse Theatre to relieve the pressure in our own boilers, and passed the 3NRG radio station, apparently called that due to the “NRG” required to ride up there. It was all downhill from here, along Belleview Drive and Evans St, back to the railway station.

After 43kms, 1300m of ascent, and 2 and a half hours of riding time (3 and a half hours total), a cuppa from The Jolly Miller beckoned, or a cold drink instead, while we sat around chatting and bragging about our cycling deeds.

Hume BUG Westmeadows - Docklands ride 4/12/2011

On a day with a strong, cold, southerly wind, 5 cyclists (Greg, Dennis, Gavin, Graham and Kevin) congregated at Westmeadows Bakery and sat around chatting until they felt they had better get a move-on. After literally only a few metres of travel down the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail, they came to a sudden stop after riding through a patch of broken glass on the path and checking to ensure there was no broken glass stuck in their tyres. That’s one good use of cycle gloves!

Otherwise, it was an uneventful trip via the Gladstone Park detour and along the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail. The highlight was probably one cyclist needing to re-tie his saddle bag to stop it from falling off his bike. Oh, a tremendously exciting ride!

On arrival at Footscray Road, it was decided to stop the ride at Docklands instead of Williamstown, so we road over to The Coffee Club and ordered our cuppas. There, we peeled off, with one leaving before paying and the other four working feverishly to calculate each share of the bill. With one more leaving, the party was down to three, and it was decided to return along Moonee Ponds Creek Trail until Bell Street, where we would ride on-road alongside the railway line. We made a quick pace with the wind at our backs, and before long, Kevin took over the navigational duties from Greg and lead them over the creek and up past Pascoe Vale Station. With the gentle inclines of the smooth road, it was with minimal effort we arrived at Jacana Station and bade our farewells to each other.

The Hume BUG ride had been a little over 40km to that point, with a time of 2:12:31 at a rolling averaging of 18.6 km/hr.

Hume BUG Woodend - Craigieburn/Broadmeadows Ride 6/11/2011

11 Cyclists turned out for the ride today. Anita, Scott, Gavin, Graham, Mil, Babs, Iain, Kevin, Dennis, Steve, Greg. All made their way to the start point in Woodend either by train or by car. Those on the train were disappointed that they could'nt avail themselves to the first class option without occuring an additional expense, Mil however did enjoy his first coffee of the day.

After a brief photosession at Woodend Station the group set off on their journey. Taking advantage of the north wind a good pace was achieved out of Woodend. We headed down the old Calder Highway and turned off at Nursary Rd towards Macedon. Enjoying the scenery we found our way to Honour avenue and then to Mt Macedon Rd.
So far so good as we had'nt found ourselves lost. Next turn was Hamilton ave and the smell of Riddles Creek bakery was soon on everybodies mind. We arrived at 11.00am which meant our first leg of the journey took only 1 hour which was not bad for the scruffy bunch of riders. The mere fact that we had'nt gotten lost to this point was another bonus.

An early lunch for all except for Iain who had two lunches and the group was poised for the second leg of the journey. Heading out of Riddells Creek I'm sure we smelt some road kill but I could have been mistaken. We worked our way to Lancefield Rd and took advantage of the tail wind until we turned off at Konagadera Rd. Our first climb for the day was soon upon us. The sprinters broke away from the peleton in a burst of speed not seen since the penultimate leg of the TDF. The yellow jersey was in sight for one lucky son of a gun. The same son of a gun was destined to lead the group up the garden path when the breakaway became lost. Not to waste an opportunity however they did however enjoy the ambience of rural architectural dwellings.

Back on course thanks to Kevin who knew the track well and we were headed towards our second climb further along Konagadera Rd. Jocking for positions the peleton raced down the incline gathering speed for the ascent. A bit of indicistion part way up the group split into two. Eventually we decided which way to go. Unfortunately Iain dropped a bidon and had to go back down the hill to retrieve it. Hopefully he made it back up again because the group continued on towards their destination.

We made our way to Dennis's favorite roundabout in Mickelham Rd where the group split, some headed towards Mr Ridley Rd and others down Mickelham Rd. All up my computer read 89.40km at an average of 24.99kph. A special welcome to Babs who joined the group for the first time. Hopefully everybody enjoyed themselves and we hope to do this ride again. Excuse the spelling I hav'nt checked it.

Greg

Hume BUG Aitken Creek Safety Month Ride 23/10/2011

Written by Bill

Another fantastic day for cycling, probably the last mild one before it gets too warm.
I would like to welcome our first timers on today's ride: Helen, Charlie, Charline, Alexis, Riley and Frank. Although Frank did come on one longer ride before, this was his first short one with the Hume BUG.
In addition to the above riders our seasoned rider Kevin was there with bells on, Anita, Phil, Iain, Graham and Luke were there too. It was quite a group.
This is a social/beginners/family/kids ride, we proceeded at a nice and easy pace to the Waterside Cafe for a nice rest, then we continued on our journey back via Malcolm Creek to the start point at 11:00AM.
Until the next ride, 6th November "long ride" and 13th November "family ride", take care and happy cycling.


Hume BUG cyclists make their way across Aitken Creek beside Craigieburn Golf Course during the ride on 23rd October 2011


Hume BUG cyclists make their way along Aitken Creek during the ride on 23rd October 2011

Westmeadows - Uni Hill Ride along Western Ring Road Path

At 9.00am, on a cool showery Sunday morning eight brave soles are eager to start the ride from Westmeadows Bakery to University Hill (Bundoora) but were quickly stopped before they started with a puncture to fix, but soon we headed off along the Moonee Ponds Creek, past the Broadmeadows Health to Jacana Station where we joined the Western Ring Road, where the ride was easy and quick until just over Sydney Road we were stopped to fix another puncture, with a few hands on the job the repair was done quickly and we were back on track in record time. We were lucky to arrive at our coffee break with out much rain (just a few light drops). After our coffee we headed back the way we come with a detour to Mt Cooper, Bundoora Park and along Darebin Creek path where we had a close encounter with our black & white feathered friend and soon back to the Western Ring Road for our return trip only to find it a lot harder with a strong headwind. We arrived back at Westmeadows Bakery about 2.00pm and 52km later, many thanks to the riders that braved weather on the day (which was better than expected) and who made it an enjoyable ride.