Nine Cyclists met at the Westmeadows Bakery on a cold Sunday morning. Nine cyclists left at 9.am and rode along the bike path and turned off at Gladstone Park. After reaching Carrick Drive the nine cyclists became seven.
Seven cyclists headed out of Gladstone Park towards the Maribynong River at a medium pace of 25kph. As we rode alongside the river we found lots of other cyclists doing the same. After reaching Footscray Road Iain and Neil turned off and headed towards the city. Seven cyclists became five.
Five cyclists headed down Hyde St towards Williamstown. Upon arriving we had a short break, a coffee and a chat. We left Williamstown and headed back towards Footscray Rd where we turned off and rode towards Docklands. Five cyclists became four as Gavin headed towards the city while the others headed towards the Moonee Ponds bike path. The wind had ramped up by this time but the choice of bike path provided us with a break from the wind. The four cyclists arrived back at Gladstone Park at approx 1.00pm. All up the journey was approx 70km.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Broadmeadows Valley Park Ride Report
15th May 2011
The day was cold and cloudy, but thankfully, following the week of heavy rain, the paths were dry. The cyclists began arriving at the library, all rugged up against the cold. Eventually, six adults and six children were ready to leave on the adventure. Despite the sealed paths being dry, it was decided to detour around the few short dirt tracks on the route to avoid muddy sections.
We departed the library, riding along the newly sealed path in Craigieburn Gardens down to Aitken Creek. At Hothlyn Drive, we detoured to Mitford Crescent and worked our way through the residential roads and short path sections to the pipeline boundary of Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park suburbs, at Zambezi Court to avoid the first dirt section. At this point, we rode along the path that follows the railway line to near Roxburgh Park Station.
There was another dirt section at the station that we detoured around, and we rode behind the Roxburgh Park Shopping Centre to Reservoir Drive. It was not busy, being a Sunday morning, so we rode on road to Shankland Boulevard where we came upon the Shankland-Tarcoola Reserve. This has a narrow asphalt path bordered with bricks, which we followed down past Meadow Heights Primary School to Meadow Heights Shopping Centre.
We made our way past the new playground at the soon-to-be-named Resologlu Reserve, and had some difficulty crossing Malmsbury Drive due to the parked vehicles of church-attendees. Considerate drivers gave way to us, allowing us to cross the road and proceed to Buchan Street Reserve, which has a Community Centre, playground and skate park. A wide path commences here proceeding all the way to Broadmeadows Valley Park, passing Bethal Primary School and crossing Barry Rd with a pedestrian refuge.
It was an easy ride down to Yuroke Creek, but the ride up to Erinbank Crescent on the other side was a big challenge for the children. Most of the cyclists therefore walked up the hill, along the Erinbank Crescent footpath to the top of the hill. After a short on-road section, we entered the Attwood Creek Path which led us to Moonee Ponds Creek near the Westmeadows Bakery. We arrived safely, after having ridden 15 km in just under one and a half hours.
At the bakery, we relaxed drinking our coffees and dining on our sweets, and relieving ourselves of a liquid load. One of the cyclists decided to leave from here, but as we were heading in the same direction, down the Moonee Ponds Creek Path for nearly a kilometre, we all left together.
Jacana Reserve was the start of the Broadmeadows Valley Path, which we were to follow all the way to Craigieburn. It was a hard ride for some of the children, being generally a slight uphill ride, and the group soon parted: two quicker riders made their way out in front, while the rest ambled along. At Shankland Boulevard playground, the main group stopped for 10 minutes to give the children a breather. We had travelled 7.2 km in just over half an hour.
Continuing on, we had a short hard climb, with a few minutes rest at the top of the hill at The Shankland Reserve just over Somerton Rd. We again mounted our bikes and continued.
We rode through the tunnel under Donald Cameron Drive to the St Clair Reserve Lake and, lo and behold, the two quicker cyclists were sitting on the grass waiting patiently for us to catch up to them. They were turning off here, so we said our goodbyes and continued towards Craigieburn.
At Fairways Boulevard, beside the Craigieburn Golf Course, an adult rider with two children parted ways. The other two adults and 4 children continued to Aitken Creek, across Bridgewater Rd to Craigieburn Gardens and up to Craigieburn Library. The third leg had been 9.2 km in just over one hour.
All up, the BUG had travelled 31.4 km in three hours, with ¾ hour time at the bakery and ten minutes at the playground. The ride to Westmeadows was described as "interesting" which is an interesting way of describing it. Many drivers were very considerate of the group. However, there were some sections that had lots of broken glass on the path.
The day was cold and cloudy, but thankfully, following the week of heavy rain, the paths were dry. The cyclists began arriving at the library, all rugged up against the cold. Eventually, six adults and six children were ready to leave on the adventure. Despite the sealed paths being dry, it was decided to detour around the few short dirt tracks on the route to avoid muddy sections.
We departed the library, riding along the newly sealed path in Craigieburn Gardens down to Aitken Creek. At Hothlyn Drive, we detoured to Mitford Crescent and worked our way through the residential roads and short path sections to the pipeline boundary of Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park suburbs, at Zambezi Court to avoid the first dirt section. At this point, we rode along the path that follows the railway line to near Roxburgh Park Station.
There was another dirt section at the station that we detoured around, and we rode behind the Roxburgh Park Shopping Centre to Reservoir Drive. It was not busy, being a Sunday morning, so we rode on road to Shankland Boulevard where we came upon the Shankland-Tarcoola Reserve. This has a narrow asphalt path bordered with bricks, which we followed down past Meadow Heights Primary School to Meadow Heights Shopping Centre.
We made our way past the new playground at the soon-to-be-named Resologlu Reserve, and had some difficulty crossing Malmsbury Drive due to the parked vehicles of church-attendees. Considerate drivers gave way to us, allowing us to cross the road and proceed to Buchan Street Reserve, which has a Community Centre, playground and skate park. A wide path commences here proceeding all the way to Broadmeadows Valley Park, passing Bethal Primary School and crossing Barry Rd with a pedestrian refuge.
It was an easy ride down to Yuroke Creek, but the ride up to Erinbank Crescent on the other side was a big challenge for the children. Most of the cyclists therefore walked up the hill, along the Erinbank Crescent footpath to the top of the hill. After a short on-road section, we entered the Attwood Creek Path which led us to Moonee Ponds Creek near the Westmeadows Bakery. We arrived safely, after having ridden 15 km in just under one and a half hours.
At the bakery, we relaxed drinking our coffees and dining on our sweets, and relieving ourselves of a liquid load. One of the cyclists decided to leave from here, but as we were heading in the same direction, down the Moonee Ponds Creek Path for nearly a kilometre, we all left together.
Jacana Reserve was the start of the Broadmeadows Valley Path, which we were to follow all the way to Craigieburn. It was a hard ride for some of the children, being generally a slight uphill ride, and the group soon parted: two quicker riders made their way out in front, while the rest ambled along. At Shankland Boulevard playground, the main group stopped for 10 minutes to give the children a breather. We had travelled 7.2 km in just over half an hour.
Continuing on, we had a short hard climb, with a few minutes rest at the top of the hill at The Shankland Reserve just over Somerton Rd. We again mounted our bikes and continued.
We rode through the tunnel under Donald Cameron Drive to the St Clair Reserve Lake and, lo and behold, the two quicker cyclists were sitting on the grass waiting patiently for us to catch up to them. They were turning off here, so we said our goodbyes and continued towards Craigieburn.
At Fairways Boulevard, beside the Craigieburn Golf Course, an adult rider with two children parted ways. The other two adults and 4 children continued to Aitken Creek, across Bridgewater Rd to Craigieburn Gardens and up to Craigieburn Library. The third leg had been 9.2 km in just over one hour.
All up, the BUG had travelled 31.4 km in three hours, with ¾ hour time at the bakery and ten minutes at the playground. The ride to Westmeadows was described as "interesting" which is an interesting way of describing it. Many drivers were very considerate of the group. However, there were some sections that had lots of broken glass on the path.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Aitken Creek Loop Ride
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Woodend Ride 6th March 2011
Glorious day for a ride. Sunny with a northerly wind to push us all the way home.
Five riders met at Woodend station. Kevin, Steve, Graham, Bill and Greg. We departed at approximately 10.00am and started off at a brisk pace along Black Forrest Rd. Breeze at our backs we left Woodend in the dust. Half way down the road Steve comes to a sudden halt. Turns out his computer could'nt stand the pace so it jumped off into the bushes along the side of the road. Fortunately eagle eye Graham found it so no damage done. Continuing on at an unrelenting pace it was'nt long before we reached Riddells Creek. Unfortunately Steve's rear tube decided to get a puncture. A quick repair job and it was into the Riddells Creek bakery for coffee and cake.
Some 30 minutes later and feeling recharged we sped off at a quick pace down Sutherlands Rd.
Two hills along Konagaderra were no match for the 5 riders and soon we reached the roundabout at Mickelham Rd where Greg turned off and the other 4 riders continued on to Craigieburn.
Five riders met at Woodend station. Kevin, Steve, Graham, Bill and Greg. We departed at approximately 10.00am and started off at a brisk pace along Black Forrest Rd. Breeze at our backs we left Woodend in the dust. Half way down the road Steve comes to a sudden halt. Turns out his computer could'nt stand the pace so it jumped off into the bushes along the side of the road. Fortunately eagle eye Graham found it so no damage done. Continuing on at an unrelenting pace it was'nt long before we reached Riddells Creek. Unfortunately Steve's rear tube decided to get a puncture. A quick repair job and it was into the Riddells Creek bakery for coffee and cake.
Some 30 minutes later and feeling recharged we sped off at a quick pace down Sutherlands Rd.
Two hills along Konagaderra were no match for the 5 riders and soon we reached the roundabout at Mickelham Rd where Greg turned off and the other 4 riders continued on to Craigieburn.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday 7th Feb.
Eight riders met at Westmeadows bakery. Gavin, Bill, Anita, Paul, Phil, Iain, Dennis and Greg. We took the Moonee Valley path where we connected up with the Western Ring Rd path and eventually the Maribynong River path. Rode into Docklands where we stopped for coffee and muffins. After the break Gavin headed off, Bill and Anita decided to take a train back to Broadmeadows and the remainder made there way home via the Moonee Ponds creek trail. Fortunately the weather held out and nobody got wet. Photo's have been uploaded to the album.
Next ride 27th Feb.
Eight riders met at Westmeadows bakery. Gavin, Bill, Anita, Paul, Phil, Iain, Dennis and Greg. We took the Moonee Valley path where we connected up with the Western Ring Rd path and eventually the Maribynong River path. Rode into Docklands where we stopped for coffee and muffins. After the break Gavin headed off, Bill and Anita decided to take a train back to Broadmeadows and the remainder made there way home via the Moonee Ponds creek trail. Fortunately the weather held out and nobody got wet. Photo's have been uploaded to the album.
Next ride 27th Feb.
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