"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.