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

Aitken Creek Loop Ride 19/6/2011

On a Sunday morning that was becoming windier, 14 cyclists, which includes 6 children on their own bikes, departed from the old Craigieburn Library through the Leisure Centre and Craigieburn Gardens to Aitken Creek. Following the conventional route around the golf course, we rode on the southern side of Aitken Creek across grass and muddy tracks and local roads, crossing the Aitken Boulevard road reservation, collecting heaps of mud on some bikes and more mud on shoes. After a brief climb and look over Mt Aitken (it’s really only a little hill), we rode down against a very strong wind and around to Highlands Lake, where it was decided to stop for a rest break.
After a refreshing cuppa (and cake, or toasted sandwich, or whatever we happened to order) in the heated environs of the Waterside Cafe, we remounted our steeds and proceeded up Waterview Boulevard and Aitken Boulevard to Malcolm Creek. The new section of the upper Malcolm Creek Path was open, so we decided to detour and rode along this to the top of Grand Boulevard, where we pondered whether the construction was of a hotel, supermarket or 22 stores.
The path along Grand Boulevard is wide enough to be a shared path, so we proceeded along the path to Hanson Rd where some of the group departed to their nearby homes. A bit further beyond was reconstruction of the footpath, possibly an upgrade to a shared path along Hanson Rd as a continuation of the Hanson Rd bike lane. On bypassing the construction we proceeded through to the noisewall beside Hume Highway and mad our way onto Hamilton St. Near the Plaza, another cyclist departed to go home. The remaining cyclists crossed Craigieburn Road and rode down Hardy Street and approached the Craigieburn Gardens by the rear.
By now, the wind was very strong and would help some of the group to ride home in personal best times! Other cyclists, though, had to ride against it.
It was an enjoyable ride, if a bit windy and cold at first.

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