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.

Westmeadows-Brimbank Park Ride 5/12/2010

It was a foggy morning that 6 cyclists met at Westmeadows Bakery at 9am for the ride to Brimbank Park. After brief introductions to new riders, we started on our way. The first obstacle to overcome was the M80 Ring Road works detour, which climbs up the valley wall to Gladstone Park.
We continued riding to Brimbank Park. A bit of exploration had an exulting anticlimax as we zoomed down into the valley. We could see the result of floods, with twigs and other rubbish strewn high in the fence. We could not cross the fords as they were flooded and one had a tree down across it. The cafe was closed too, so we decided to ride to Keilor Village Shops.
We climbed up to the entrance of the park and continued along the Keilor Bike Path to the Old Calder Highway and the Village, where we stopped for more than half an hour for a rest, a cuppa and a bite. There was a market being held in the village, but we didn't do any shopping.
It was decided to continue back to Westmeadows via Arundel Rd to Sharps Rd. This was a beautiful ride through a rural area, though with the hill it would be better to travel in the other direction!
The fog was lifting by now and in the distance, planes could be seen taxiing at the Melbourne Airport.
At Melrose Drive, it was suggested we ride through Gladstone Park instead of going back along the Ring Road Path, so we proceeded to Carrick Drive and made our way through that way.
On approaching Westmeadows, we discovered a meet of the FX-FJ Holden Club of Australia Melbourne Chapter Inc, so stopped to admire the 16 vehicles parked in the shade of the trees. While there, a motorbike roared along the Moonee Ponds Creek Path.
On proceeding to the Bakery, Paul lagged behind - he had a flat tyre! Luckily for Paul, it was only a short distance to the Bakery, so he walked the remaining distance. The others, in the meantime, had arrived and began a conversation with another group of local cyclists. When Paul arrived, they hurriedly departed to leave the HumeBUG cyclists to fix it!
It was a good ride, with a pleasant ride through some countryside. I'm sure we were all looking forward to having a cold shower after the ride as it was a hot day with the fog having lifted after our break at Keilor.

Don't forget to check our Picasa Web Albums and Ride With GPS maps, linked from our Google profile page.

Craigieburn - Flinders St (changed to Newmarket) Ride 21/11/2010

It was promising to be a beautiful day when cyclists met at 9am at the Grand Boulevard General Store and Cafe in Craigieburn. Although cloudy, it was fine and expected to clear.

While the first two cyclists waited for others to arrive, two helmet-less cyclists rode up and entered the Cafe. Obviously, they weren’t going on the ride!

Another cyclist, publicizing “one less car” and the “Better Paths Now!” candidate for Brunswick in the State election, arrived and made her way inside. She was convinced to join the ride.

Soon, another cyclists showed, and no more showed despite waiting a while longer. We departed along the Grand Boulevard footpath for the Galada Tamboore Path.

Crossing Sydney Rd at the signalized intersection was no drama (really, it wasn’t!) and we proceeded down the path, across Craigieburn Rd and onwards. Kevin experienced continual problems with his GPS app on his mobile, so no route map or timing is available for this section of the ride.

At Cooper St, the female cyclist decided to depart for Epping. The three remaining cyclists continued on to the City of Whittlesea Public Gardens, where they diverted from the planned route and rode across to the new Merri Creek Path in the Galada Tamboore. This path and the bridge over the creek are not officially open, but were accessible. It only extends as far as Somerset Rd, so riding on the residential and industrial roads was required. Being a Sunday morning, the roads were not busy. However, the footpath was used along Sydney Rd to Campbellfield Plaza.

We rode through the Pipeworks Market car park and onto the very beginning of the official Merri Creek Path. The diversion would not be necessary if and when the new path is linked to this older path. There is also a muddy and slippery section in the dark directly under the Western Ring Rd.

We continued on and stopped for a brief break at the Coburg Lake. We remounted our human-powered steeds and began to make our way to our next stop. However, we came upon a family enjoying a Sunday walk, and the cyclist at the front of the pack warned of our approach by ringing his bell. They were startled and jumped out of the way, the woman protecting a child. She proceed to abuse the first rider, telling him to slow down. He retaliated by telling her to put her dog on a leash! Around a few bends, we came upon a couple walking their dog. The same rider stopped to congratulate and thank them on having their dog on a leash!

We made our way further to CERES Environmental Park, where we had our main rest stop. It was very busy with many customers, as would be expected on a Sunday morning. Over a cuppa, a decision was made to divert the ride to the Craigieburn railway line via the Capital City Trail, as the ride had taken a fair chunk out of the day.

From the Merri Creek Path, we rode the short section on St Georges Rd to the Capital City Trail. It was a quick ride along this to Flemington Bridge Station and Racecourse ride where one cyclist continued along to the city. The other two rode along the Racecourse Road bike lane, which is a combination of green lippy on the road, green lippy on the path, simple line marking and bike stenciling on the road... and sometimes nothing!

At Newmarket Station we arrived with several minutes to spare before the train pulled in. It had been a long ride, a little over 40 kms, with nice weather, at a fairly quick pace.

Aitken Creek Ride 7/11/2010

The Aitken Creek Ride was a fantastic success. 21 people on 19 bikes, including several children, battled the strong wind to have a fun ride to Highlands Lake where we took over half the Waterside Cafe. The whole group were often spread out over a large distance during the ride!

Crossing Bridgewater Rd was the worst part of the ride, but the children negotiated it safely thanks in part to some adult riders placing themselves in front of oncoming vehicles to slow them down.

We rode around the Craigieburn Golf Course, through Fairways Village and back onto the Aitken Creek Path. We diverted onto some residential streets, crossed the dirt reservation of Aitken Blvd, and continued along the next section of Aitken Creek Path passing the bird viewing platform and playground. It’s a beautiful area for riding.

We followed the path under Craigieburn Rd, where Aitken Creek overflowed onto the path making it slippery and dangerous. The lake materialised, and we made our way around it and plonked our bikes down at the Waterside Cafe. After about three quarters of an hour, we took some photos of the group and continued around the lake. With so many paths there, some riders took the wrong path and had to dismount to climb down one or two steps, or took the quick way through to catch up.

Up Waterview Blvd we rode, against the very strong wind. At Grevillea St, outside the new Craigieburn West Primary School being constructed, the leading riders halted to let the others catch up. Here, two cyclists departed to make their way home. The others continued along to Aitken Blvd, where the new Craigieburn Library and Learning Centre is being constructed beside the new Town Centre which is still to be built.

The path along Aitken Blvd had us fighting against the wind again. Once more, the leaders stopped to let others catch up, this time at the beginning of the Malcolm Creek Path, opposite the Highgate Recreation Reserve.

At Windrock Ave, once again the leaders had to stop for others to catch up, but this time it was the mechanical failure of a bike slowing them down, shown by the oily fingers of a casual bike mechanic. Eventually, the last few cyclists caught up with the main group, and we crossed and continued along the Malcolm Creek Path. Near Hanson Rd we stopped to say goodbye to the children and some adults, who departed to the nearby home of some cyclists. The remaining half a dozen or so cyclists continued on their way.

At Hanson Rd, we rode up onto the footpath until Emerald Circuit. At the end of Emerald Circuit, Kevin the ride leader disappeared through the noise wall, which was the last thing the riders expected! When they followed and came out on the verge of Sydney Rd, with no more houses but the view of the distant hills, their looks of surprise and exclamations were a delight.

It was only a short ride on the dirt track to Hamilton St, then we rode past the Bike Shed, waving to Aleks inside the store. We crossed the fairly busy intersection with Kingswood Drive and continued along Hamilton St to Craigieburn Rd, then made out way along the footpath opposite the library and crossed over to our starting point. We had ridden a total of 14.5 kms in just over two hours, including the stop at the cafe. It was an enjoyable day for all the cyclists, several of whom discovered the paths and sights of Craigieburn for the first time.

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.

East Hume Loop Ride 19/09/2010

5 riders met at Grand Boulevard General Store and Cafe in Craigieburn for the ride along the Galada Tamboore Path (Hume Fwy). We stopped near the Whittlesea Public Gardens to look at the new path and bridge works along the Merri Creek. We continued riding, and again stopped, this time at the Upfield Railway Crossing of the Ring Rd Path, to discuss the planned extension of the Upfield Bike Path. We arrived at Westmeadows, where it was discovered an sms had been sent from someone who had arrived late (very late) to the start.

After a cuppa at Westmeadows Bakery, the group separated, with only two cyclists continuing back to Craigieburn. They rode along the Attwood Creek Path, onto Erinbank Crescent to the Broadmeadows Valley Path. They arrived at Craigieburn with the whole day still ahead of them, or so it felt. So, they decided to do a little more riding, then parted.

An enjoyable day. Check out the maps on our Ride With GPS profile at http://ridewithgps.com/trips/107302 and http://ridewithgps.com/trips/107300.

Westmeadows to University Hill Bundoora 15/08/2010

Written by Iain Indian.

8:00am : Sunday morning came all too soon. 6 hours sleep saw me struggling to exit the warmth of my lodgings, way before my body relented. The evening before I went on a night training ride in the freezing still coldness, but found myself at good friend John's "going away party" enroute. Some time later I decided to leave the cheerful gathering and catch a few hours sleep before the big ride. Sadly I got lost and 500m turned into a 5km tour of Tullamarine and surrounds. (Ed's note: A bit too much to drink the night before?)

Sunday 9.00am: Arriving with friend Neil at the marshalling point (Westie Bakery) I could sense the nervous energy as riders arrived, buffed in their lycra and smelling of coffee. It was a colorful sight as we embarked, participants jostling for position. George formed an early break-away and surged into a commanding lead. It took considerable will power for others in the peloton not to break with George but rather bide their time. At this point I realized that this relaxing Sunday ride appeared rather analogous of chess.

The ride glided purposefully down the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail toward the Broadmeadows Sporting Club where we veered left and up the steep valley wall toward Jacana overpass. It was here as I struggled for my next breath that I realized how nice poached eggs with crispy bacon could taste a second and indeed third time around. Cresting the long hill climb we proceeded under Pascoe Vale Rd then over Jacana Station to join the Western RIng Trail. From here the riding became very flat and relaxed as we headed east along the Western Ring road. Soon after, the peloton again made contact with George who was swallowed by the anonymous mass.

Carefully crossing several main roads we arrived at the La Salita Café where clever banter and magnificent coffee was used to wash down fresh muffins.

Mounting our trusty cycles we headed home at a leisurely pace. Riders dropped off at various points along the way (Ed's note: Luckily for Greg he didn't "drop off" when he ran off the path speeding downhill to Moonee Ponds Creek. He did well to maintain his control and balance, and recovered superbly.) to make their own way home, and relax after yet another enjoyable diversion to our daily grind.

Check out our ride maps (not quite the whole ride because Kevin's GPS app sometimes lost tracking and even crashed) at:

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/86993 Westmeadows to Ring Rd Jacana, 3.3 km

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/86996 Ring Rd Jacana to University Hill Bundoora,15.4 km

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/86995 University Hill to Dalton Rd Thomastown, 4.0 km

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/86994 Edgars Rd Thomastown to Westmeadows bakery, 12.5 km

and our photos at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/HumeCityBUG/WestmeadowsToUniversityHill20100815?feat=directlink

HumeBUG Aitken Creek Ride 1/08/2010

Composed by Iain Indian

Waking up at 8.00am, I was intending to participate in the 14-km Craigieburn family ride. Reminiscent of years gone by when I lived near the the surf beach I dragged myself from the warmth of my cot in the pre dawn. There was a sense of stillness and anticipation as I snuck a look out the front door and sniffed the air. On this occasion however I could hear the rain and realised that the ride was unlikely to proceed. I fired a quick SMS off to Kevin our ride leader to
confirm my analysis and headed back to bed. The previous evening was a late one. Kevin replied to my text saying that he would head to the start line anyway, in case others should front up.

At 9.30am I thought that I might just head over and meet him anyway. My wife Janine heard me preparing and by some miracle decided to keep me company and donned the lycra. Originally I had intended to ride up and back from Gladdy. With the clock ticking, I threw the bikes on the
car instead and headed for Mickleham Rd. By 10:00 we marshalled at the start point at Craigieburn Library and received a few inspirational words from Kevin prior to departure. Team photos taken, we proceeded with a rolling start. It wasn't long before the riders started to break off into smaller groups. One rider, Kevin shot into the lead with a cracking pace approaching 14-km per hour along Aitken Creek. The main peloton consisting of Janine, her first time on the
"Tour", was wondered how long he could sustain this speed and decided to pace herself and wait for a gap to emerge. As the tail ender, I managed to just keep in contact with the peloton and built up a nice camaraderie as we called out to each other along the way. At the end
of the first section Kevin was in the lead followed closely by Janine and then myself.

We had a well earned rest at the Highlands Lake Cafe overlooking the lake. As elite athletes we were mindful of the body's craving for energy. We indulged the craving with a little "carb' loading". Kevin had pancakes, Janine fruit toast and I tackled the Eggs Benedict. Very nice indeed and washed down with coffee. After a quick warm up we left in the same order to make our way back to the Craigieburn Library along Malcom's Creek. The scenery along the creeks and wooded areas was really very picturesque. In some areas we took to the back streets and admired some really nice homes. Overall Kevin led us on a guided tour of some of the really nice areas of Craigieburn and stopped occasionally to point out places of interest. The ride proceeded at a relaxed pace and had a very social feel. It was certainly within the grasp of any beginners and kids. A thoroughly worthwhile ride.

HumeBUG Westmeadows to Williamstown Ride 18/07/2010

Nearly a dozen shivering cyclists met at Westmeadows Bakery on a cold but sunny morning. Many bought a cuppa and even food to prepare for the long ride ahead.

We departed down the Moonee Ponds Creek Path to the Western Ring Road Path, where two cyclists, Laurie and Matt, continued down the creek path instead of riding up along the Ring Rd Path towards Keilor. Their attention was finally brought to the fact they were alone, and when they retraced their path and caught up with a fellow rider, it was agreed they would meet up with the group at Williamstown after meeting up with two other expected cyclists who were riding slowly along the Western Ring Rd Path at Gladstone Park. They didn't join the main group heading towards Williamstown and we hope that they had a good ride wherever they went. This was where Laurie and Matt separated from the main group. The others made a cracking pace towards Keilor.

At Keilor Park Drive, we rode across to Keilor and down to Steeles Creek. This on-road section was low traffic with a smooth surface and downhill for nearly every metre. Steeles Creek had an awkward gate that prevented us wheeling our bicycles through, so we all (other than one cyclist who rode across the grass and dirt through a vehicular access gate) carried our bikes through.

Onto the Maribyrnong River Path and up to the lookout where we regrouped, admiring the view across to Melbourne City and making the best of the photo opportunity.

We continued on down the path, past the Anglers Tavern where we kept an eye out for another cycling group (from Bicycle Victoria) that were going to meet at the Anglers Tavern but we did not see anybody so it's possible they cancelled their ride. We rode past Flemington Racecourse to Footscray Rd and down Hyde St where Iain received a puncture after approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes into the ride. While waiting for Iain to repair his bike, Laurie and Matt then caught up with the group, having found their own way from Jacana. The others regrouped at the Westgate Memorial. It is nearly 40 years to the day since the disaster of the bridge collapse.

Before long Iain had repaired his puncture and rejoined the group. We continued and before long were in Williamstown, where we stopped at the Atomic Bar for a cuppa break. There were so many bikes leaning against the cafe barrier, and with the wind blowing strongly it partly collapsed!

Soon we were ready to depart. We rode down to the Point Gellibrand to check out the view, then rode back up Nelson Place and The Strand onto the bike path around the Newport power station.

We started up the Maribyrnong River Path where the ride leaders recommended a cafe at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. We turned back around and rode up to Footscray Rd/Docklands Hwy and along to the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail. From there we rode up the path, sometimes stopping to regroup. Near Moreland Rd, also after approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Atomic Bar, Greg became the second, and thankfully the last, rider to get a puncture on the day's ride. Several cyclists continued up the path, confident he and his small band of bike mechanics would be able to catch up.

At the freeway overpass at the end of Bell St, the leading group waited for Greg and Dennis, but as they were taking such a long time, we continued on. The weather was threatening to rain on us. We all regrouped under the western link railway bridge at Glenroy, but by the Ring Rd we had spread out again. Several cyclists separated from here, while others separated at the Jacana Reserve. Five continued on towards Westmeadows, and three of them separated along the way. Eventually, the last two cyclists made it back to the starting point at Westmeadows Bakery, where the ground was very wet from a shower that thankfully had missed the cyclists.

Check out our ride maps at:

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/70885 Westmeadows to Williamstown 32.9 km

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/70884 Williamstown to Westmeadows 36.4 km

Westmeadows to Brimbank Park Ride 4/07/2010

12 cyclists met at Westmeadows Bakery at 9:00 am. We left and made good time down the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail to the Western Ring Rd. The hill up to Gowanbrae commenced here and sorted the fit and experienced cyclists from the not so fit and experienced. After a wait at the top to regroup, we continued along the Western Ring Rd Path towards Keilor. We regrouped again at Keilor Park Drive and crossed over to the Park. At the start of the downhill section, Dennis received a puncture - so close to the destination! He was able to carefully ride on it for the last few hundred metres to the cafe with a small team of cyclists, while the majority rode on the path down to the river and very speedily made their way to the cafe.

Dennis, with the help or hindrance of his "support crew", was able to repair his punctured tube. Everybody enjoyed the break to catch up and chat over a cuppa. Other cyclists also arrived at this time.

The blog author had to depart at this time, and the main group with the ride leader also departed. It was an enjoyable ride for everybody, though some riders appeared to struggle with the distance. Never mind, keep riding with HumeBUG and gain fitness and experience! It was fun riding with you all.

Sunbury to Flinders St Station via Brimbank/Maribyrnong Ride 13/6/2010

4 cyclists arrived by train to Sunbury Railway Station to discover 3 other cyclists already waiting for them.

With Initial introductions out of the way, and general agreement about the first and last rider, we all set off towards Vineyard Rd. The Sunbury Bike Hub Shop was highlighted.

We made it safely to the start of the new path, past houses and driveways to the path proper.

Up hill, and within 4 1/2 kms and 15 minutes of the railway station, Stephen gets a puncture! He doesn't have a spare tube, so "borrows" one from Kevin, with all crowding around providing advice on how to change a tyre. At least by huddling close together we kept warm!

We kept going, changed to road riding, over the Calder Freeway into Diggers Rest with a brief stop outside the Railway Station and Store to let all catch up. Kept going along the Old Calder Hwy and Kevin stopped for a toilet break within a couple of hundred metres.

Again, we kept going, through a big roundabout, back over the Calder Freeway into Hume, turned off at Duncans Lane and followed that through to Calder Freeway near Calder Park Motor Raceway. From here, riding in the emergency lane of the freeway was required for at least 600 metres, to the horror of a couple of cyclists. The alternative was several kilometres of emergency lane riding! Extremely difficult was the turn off into Calder Park Drive. The two or three leading cyclists were able to ride non-stop into the median strip, but the others were forced to stop and wait, crossing as pedestrians. The same process had to be repeated from the median strip. After a lengthy wait, all crossed safely into Calder Park Drive, which had its own problems being narrow and single-lane each way with not much of a sealed shoulder which had soft edges and was crumbling.

Fortunately, we made it down to the country railway line crossing and a bit further on was a footpath and eventually service road. Along Melton Hwy was a wide footpath, service road and bike lane offering riders a choice.

At Watergardens, a discussion ensued about whether to stop for lunch and a cuppa. A couple of cyclists decided to take the train home, while the remainder continued along the Melton Hwy on-road bike lane to Sunshine Avenue where the large roundabout and much traffic to negotiate provided fun but not quite merriment. Pushing in between the cars into the middle lane, Kevin and Gavin were able to negotiate the right turn while riding beside a police car, to the amusement of the officers inside. No laws were broken!

The Old Calder Hwy was easily negotiated. However, Kevin's GPS holder and phone fell off his bike onto the road, with following cyclists successfully avoiding the new obstacle. After a couple of minutes stop to put it all back together and make sure it was still working, all cyclists continued onto and past Keilor Village.

A right turn up a short sharp hill and sweeping downhill bends lead us to a ford crossing of the Maribyrnong River into Brimbank Park. Another discussion ensued and it was agreed to stop at the cafe for a cuppa.

A relaxing cuppa and conversation refreshed us, and we decided to not continue along the river path but instead head to the top of the park to the Ring Road Path. From there, we rode onroad to Buckley Street, through Essendon, saying goodbye to firstly one cyclist, then another. Up the Moonee Ponds Creek Path to Gaffney Street, where another cyclist said goodbye. By now, there were two cyclists, who rode onroad following the Craigieburn Railway Line to Jacana station where they parted for the eventual end of the HumeBUG Ride.

Check out the photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/HumeCityBUG/SunburyToBrimbankParkRide20100613#.

Greenvale Circuit via Greenvale Reservoir and Woodlands Historic Park 16/05/2010

A cool, sunny morning presented itself for the HumeBUG Greenvale Cicruit ride. 3 adults with mountain or hybrid bikes, 1 adult with a road bike, and 2 adults each on a tandem with a young child, met at Craigieburn Railway Station and introduced themselves. We set off soon after 10am, heading along Hothlyn Drive towards Bridgewater Road.
We rode along a few other roads, making our way towards Roxburgh Homestead where we admired the view southwest past Greenvale Reservoir and beyond the Gellibrand Hill RADAR tower. We could see planes approaching for landing at Melbourne Airport, though we couldn't see the airport itself.
The Reservoir beckoned, so we continued on our merry way. Along Somerton Rd was a dirt track that allowed us to stay off the bitumen until the bottom of the first hill. We then had to ride contraflow with the traffic for ten metres around a drain in the verge. Then it was back up hill on the dirt track, until at the crest we crossed to ride downhill on bitumen to the Greenvale Reservoir Park entrance. Kevin, as the ride leader, was expecting to meet at least one more cyclist here, but they were nowhere to be seen. (He learnt after the ride the two cyclists were waiting far back along Somerton Road where we hadn't even ridden.)
There are some paths throughout the Reservoir Park, but we rode on the internal roadway. It was a big uphill climb initially, but it then levelled off to a slight incline. It was a one-way loop on the internal road, and the last part had a long downhill section (unfortunately with speed humps that cyclists can't avoid) followed by a steep but thankfully short section up to the exit.
Despite the disappointment all around of not meeting up with the other cyclists, it was agreed to continue. The section of Somerton Rd to Mickleham Road was relatively flat and so not too bad for cycling (despite the fairly busy road being single lane each way with gravel shoulders), so we rode on the bitumen until the large roundabout. From there is a footpath that doubles as a bike path, and we rode on this until we came upon the Greenvale Tennis Club and Recreation Reserve.
We regrouped and Kevin realised he hadn't considered the possibility of tandem bikes being used on our ride when he did the reconnaissance to ascertain the condition of the route. We rode through the dirt carpark of the Recreation Reserve, keeping one eye on the game in progress, to the first gateway along the route, but the tandems were able to easily negotiate it. Here was where the dirt track began (well, "muddy" track) that lead to Woodlands Historic Park. This 150m path was atrocious for general riding, but mountain bikers who love kicking up some mud would love it.
The path improved after the that section. The ride through the Park to Woodlands Homestead was uneventful, with only another one or two spots of bother. The track used by Parks Victoria vehicles was in excellent condition.
At the Homestead, we first visited the Living Legends, the International Home of Rest for Champion Horses. The 2 adults with children entered to look more closely at the horses, but they were extremely shy today and didn't come bounding up to visitors like usual.
We walked through the Homestead garden and a few of us decided to look over the historic house. There is a cafe inside but with no internal seating or tables, we had our cuppas outside beside our bikes. It was fascinating learning the history of the prefabricated house from nearly 150 years ago.
We continued our ride. We left the gardens and made our way onto the very beginning of the Moonee Ponds Creek Path. This section of path within the Back Paddock was in the worst condition, with ruts and soft sections. There is also a section of gravel road for quarry vehicles. We passed the turnoff for the airport proper and continued along the path to Westmeadows, where we stopped over at the local bakery/cafe. We met another local cyclist here who stopped for a chat before continuing on his way.
On departing the bakery, we said our farewells and split into two groups. Three cyclists rode on at a faster speed while the remaining 3 adults and two children rode at a more leisurely pace.
On arrival back at Craigieburn Railway Station, the vehicle for the other riders had gone and the tandems were put on the roof rack. It was fascinating knowing how the tandems were placed on the rack, with the front wheels removed and the fork placed on swivelling quick-release mechanism on the leading end of the rack. The rear of the bike can then be lifted and rotated onto the rear end of the rack. This requires only one person to lift the tandem onto the roof. So easy!
So, that was the end of the day for the HumeBUG Greenvale Circuit ride. There was so much to see and do, that another ride out there soon would be justified.

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.