The weather looked ominous when 10 cyclists met at the Westmeadows Bakery at 10:00am on 21st March. There was a strong breeze, but we would be riding downhill so that wasn't much of a problem - we were more concerned with the dark clouds. We set off soon after 10:00, but it wasn't long until we came across an obstacle: the path was being repaired just 50 metres from the start. There were no signs to warn of this nor to provide directions for an alternative route. We walked around the construction.
We made a cracking pace through Jacana, and met up with a couple of other riders at another section of path being repaired. This was at ?? Reserve, Strathmore Heights, though this time we were able to continue along the path proper by simply riding around the barriers.
Further along, a bit of a tangle with another cyclist at a bend that was difficult to negotiate slowed a couple of HumeBUG cyclists, while the others continued at the cracking pace.
Before long, we arrived at Docklands and stopped for a rest at The Coffee Club. The Southern Skywheel was like the path in the couple of sections - it was being repaired! Unfortunately, there are not many places to leave bikes in that retail centre, so we simply leant our bikes against the information display explaining about the Skywheel. I wonder if the people who came to read the sign were really looking over the bikes?
We had a nice chat, and decided to keep riding along the Capital City Trail. It was very busy with pedestrians along both sides of the Yarra River. At Federation Square, Stephen, Ann and John departed, leaving seven others to continue.
At the Gipps St steps, we detoured on-road around to The Convent in Abbotsford, back onto the Yarra Trail (Capital City Trail). A rest stop at Dight's Falls to top up with water had us sightseeing.
The Merri Creek Path begins here, so we rode up towards Rushall Station. The original plan had been to keep riding and make our up the Upfield Bike Path, but, except for one of us, we decided instead to keep riding up Merri Creek to the Ring Rd Path.
Again, the group split, with a few riding back towards Jacana to Westmedows and another few riding up the Galada Tamboore Path.
It had been a very fast ride today because of the type of experienced cyclists who showed up.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Craigieburn Festival Family Ride 20100228
It was a slightly windy but otherwise beautiful day when more than a dozen cyclists converged on Westmeadows Bakery to start a ride to Craigieburn. The cyclists were an eclectic bunch, ranging from experienced BUGsters and road cyclists, through to young children.
Before long, a cyclist experienced a puncture and many stopped to provide assistance. Cyclists are helpful people! It was decided to break the group into two smaller groups, one slower bunch with the children and the other quicker bunch with experienced cyclists who stayed back while the puncture was repaired.
The wind was favourable heading to Craigieburn. From the Moonee Ponds Creek junction with Yuroke Creek at Jacana Reserve, the slower group headed up the Broadmeadows Valley Path. After a short break at Shankland Bvd playground to let laggers catch up and to catch their breath, we continued on and were soon within Craigieburn.
Just a kilometre or so from the finish line, a young cyclist fell off her bike. To her credit she jumped straight back on and kept riding!
Crossing Bridgewater Rd at Aitken Creek was challenging. This is a matter on which HumeBUG will probably advocate for improvements. Another potential improvement would be the sharp corner on the junction of paths behind Craigieburn Gardens - it is difficult for many cyclists to ride up the short steep section without being able to get a run-up to it.
We came out at Craigieburn Rd and prepared to cross at the pedestrian refuge. It was here that a vastly more experienced cyclist (don't ask who, no names will be given) showed that spills can happen to anyone. Unlike the young girl who got straight back on her bike, this man didn't get back on until after visiting the Festival.
The Craigieburn Festival was in full swing. The wind was playing havoc, but people were still enjoying themselves. We walked our bikes up to meet the faster group who had already arrived. Together we secured our bikes to the oval fence. After a photo shoot, the riders broke into small groups to walk around the Festival.
After having lunch and viewing the stalls most cyclists made their own way home with a small group riding back along the Broadmeadows Valley path to join the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail.
Before long, a cyclist experienced a puncture and many stopped to provide assistance. Cyclists are helpful people! It was decided to break the group into two smaller groups, one slower bunch with the children and the other quicker bunch with experienced cyclists who stayed back while the puncture was repaired.
The wind was favourable heading to Craigieburn. From the Moonee Ponds Creek junction with Yuroke Creek at Jacana Reserve, the slower group headed up the Broadmeadows Valley Path. After a short break at Shankland Bvd playground to let laggers catch up and to catch their breath, we continued on and were soon within Craigieburn.
Just a kilometre or so from the finish line, a young cyclist fell off her bike. To her credit she jumped straight back on and kept riding!
Crossing Bridgewater Rd at Aitken Creek was challenging. This is a matter on which HumeBUG will probably advocate for improvements. Another potential improvement would be the sharp corner on the junction of paths behind Craigieburn Gardens - it is difficult for many cyclists to ride up the short steep section without being able to get a run-up to it.
We came out at Craigieburn Rd and prepared to cross at the pedestrian refuge. It was here that a vastly more experienced cyclist (don't ask who, no names will be given) showed that spills can happen to anyone. Unlike the young girl who got straight back on her bike, this man didn't get back on until after visiting the Festival.
The Craigieburn Festival was in full swing. The wind was playing havoc, but people were still enjoying themselves. We walked our bikes up to meet the faster group who had already arrived. Together we secured our bikes to the oval fence. After a photo shoot, the riders broke into small groups to walk around the Festival.
After having lunch and viewing the stalls most cyclists made their own way home with a small group riding back along the Broadmeadows Valley path to join the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Merri Creek/CERES and Upfield Bike Path Ride 7/02/2010
Fourteen cyclists introduced themselves at Dallas Neighbourhood House at 10 on this beautiful sunny day. We departed a bit late and casually made our way onto the Western Ring Rd and along to the junction with the Merri Creek Trail. Soon after the start of this trail, the path forked, and several cyclists continued on for a few metres down the wrong way while Kevin yelled out, "Turn right! Turn right! Turn right!" He made sure he got the message across alright! That junction is confusing and requires better directional signs - although both paths are the Merri Creek Trail, one is the older dirt path and the other is the newer concrete path.
Coburg Lake approached fast. We had a brief rest stop to regroup and collect our breath. There was some kind of festival at the Lake, but it was on the other side to the path so we didn't stop. But at Brunswick Velodrome, we stopped to watch some children cyclists racing.
It wasn't far to CERES. We rode in and tried to find somewhere to park our bikes. It was very busy at the cafe, and no tables or seats were available, especially for such a large group as ours. It took quite a while to order and be served, and by then a table was free. After about an hour, when there were only 11 of us, we hopped on our bikes and made our way on road to the Upfield Bike Path.
At the corner of Lygon and Blyth Streets, we passed a large time and temperature display. According to that display, the temperature was 33C However, Graham's temperature sensor in his bike computer indicated it was 38C in the sun on the road.
At Coburg Railway Station, we found that the path was being reconstructed but it was still possible to easily proceed.
We said goodbye to Stephen at Boundary Rd and continued to the other side of the Fawkner Cemetery where more people dropped out. Soon we were on the Ring Road Path and before much longer, the Magnificent 7 were back at Dallas Neighbourhood House.
Having completed more than 32 kms, a notch over 2 hrs of riding and endured temperatures in the 30's, we were glad to have finished. We bade our farewells looking forward to meeting and riding again.
Coburg Lake approached fast. We had a brief rest stop to regroup and collect our breath. There was some kind of festival at the Lake, but it was on the other side to the path so we didn't stop. But at Brunswick Velodrome, we stopped to watch some children cyclists racing.
It wasn't far to CERES. We rode in and tried to find somewhere to park our bikes. It was very busy at the cafe, and no tables or seats were available, especially for such a large group as ours. It took quite a while to order and be served, and by then a table was free. After about an hour, when there were only 11 of us, we hopped on our bikes and made our way on road to the Upfield Bike Path.
At the corner of Lygon and Blyth Streets, we passed a large time and temperature display. According to that display, the temperature was 33C However, Graham's temperature sensor in his bike computer indicated it was 38C in the sun on the road.
At Coburg Railway Station, we found that the path was being reconstructed but it was still possible to easily proceed.
We said goodbye to Stephen at Boundary Rd and continued to the other side of the Fawkner Cemetery where more people dropped out. Soon we were on the Ring Road Path and before much longer, the Magnificent 7 were back at Dallas Neighbourhood House.
Having completed more than 32 kms, a notch over 2 hrs of riding and endured temperatures in the 30's, we were glad to have finished. We bade our farewells looking forward to meeting and riding again.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
East Hume Loop ride 13/12/2009
Today's ride was the second for the new HumeBUG. Nine adults met at the Grand Boulevard General Store and Cafe: some were on time, some made it with only seconds to go before we left at 10:00am.
The weather was overcast with periods of rain, and a fairly strong southerly wind. We set off down the Galada Tamboore Pathway along the Hume Freeway (Craigieburn Bypass) and made a cracking pace. The state of the path was frustrating, making us compete for space with overhanging branches from the bushes and dealing with the thud of the concrete path construction joints. Onto the Metropolitan Ring Road Path towards Jacana and up Moonee Ponds Creek we rode, arriving at Westmeadows Bakery Cafe soon after 11:30. One rider left immediately, while another rider joined us: he had just missed us back in Craigieburn!
After a restful period of draining our cups of coffee of various types, and snacking on some food, we rode back down the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail to Jacana Reserve. Another rider left us here, while the main group continued up the Broadmeadows Valley Park Trail.
Several riders trailed off from the main group on the way through Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn. Eventually, three riders were left and rode around the Golf Course up Aitken Creek to Highlands Lake Cafe for a well deserved rest stop. Continuing on to Malcolm Creek, we came across the family of one of the riders who continued with us to the starting point at Grand Boulevard.
It was another successful and memorable ride for the new HumeBUG.
The weather was overcast with periods of rain, and a fairly strong southerly wind. We set off down the Galada Tamboore Pathway along the Hume Freeway (Craigieburn Bypass) and made a cracking pace. The state of the path was frustrating, making us compete for space with overhanging branches from the bushes and dealing with the thud of the concrete path construction joints. Onto the Metropolitan Ring Road Path towards Jacana and up Moonee Ponds Creek we rode, arriving at Westmeadows Bakery Cafe soon after 11:30. One rider left immediately, while another rider joined us: he had just missed us back in Craigieburn!
After a restful period of draining our cups of coffee of various types, and snacking on some food, we rode back down the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail to Jacana Reserve. Another rider left us here, while the main group continued up the Broadmeadows Valley Park Trail.
Several riders trailed off from the main group on the way through Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn. Eventually, three riders were left and rode around the Golf Course up Aitken Creek to Highlands Lake Cafe for a well deserved rest stop. Continuing on to Malcolm Creek, we came across the family of one of the riders who continued with us to the starting point at Grand Boulevard.
It was another successful and memorable ride for the new HumeBUG.
Broadmeadows Valley Path/ Aitken Creek Family Fun Day ride 22/11/2009
The first ride of the new HumeBUG! The weather was atrocious today, and only five adults and three children met at Jacana Reserve at 10am to ride up through Broadmeadows Valley Park to Craigieburn. The idea was to have a BBQ where Hothlyn Drive crosses Aitken Creek, but the weather wasn’t helpful at all.
After departing Jacana Reserve, it wasn’t long before we had to detour due to flooding. The footbridge over the Yuroke Creek beside Dimboola Rd was awash with water, so we walked over the field (some of us tried to ride, but the ground was so wet we bogged down) to the road and rode along the footpath to the crossing point. We continued riding up the creek, stopping every so often to let the children catch up and to wring out our clothes. The children did well riding, especially considering the conditions. At Shanklands Boulevard, however, where we stopped under a gazebo, the parents decided the mother would ride to Roxburgh Park with the children while the father continued along the path.
At the tunnel under Somerton Rd, one adult rider decided to leave the group. At the path junction soon after Somerton Rd, the mother and children said good bye and the three remaining adults continued the ride to Craigieburn.
About a week or two ago I let Hume Council know of lots of rubbish, including broken glass, on the path under Heyfield Rd. This section of path has a bad reputation for this. Today, we couldn’t see the rubbish, but we couldn’t see anything of the path. It was a river! I can understand now how rubbish piles up in that section.
From the boundary of Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn, we rode in the onroad bike lanes to Bridgewater Rd. Another rider (the father actually) decided to leave the group there as it was more convenient for him. So, there were only two of us left. We made it to the Hothlyn Rd bridge over Aitken Creek and saw the marque put up by Hume Council. There was no BBQ, but the portable toilet and shelter were useful!
We hung around for nearly an hour, then when the other rider was picked up by a driver we parted.
It was a memorable first ride for the new HumeBUG.
After departing Jacana Reserve, it wasn’t long before we had to detour due to flooding. The footbridge over the Yuroke Creek beside Dimboola Rd was awash with water, so we walked over the field (some of us tried to ride, but the ground was so wet we bogged down) to the road and rode along the footpath to the crossing point. We continued riding up the creek, stopping every so often to let the children catch up and to wring out our clothes. The children did well riding, especially considering the conditions. At Shanklands Boulevard, however, where we stopped under a gazebo, the parents decided the mother would ride to Roxburgh Park with the children while the father continued along the path.
At the tunnel under Somerton Rd, one adult rider decided to leave the group. At the path junction soon after Somerton Rd, the mother and children said good bye and the three remaining adults continued the ride to Craigieburn.
About a week or two ago I let Hume Council know of lots of rubbish, including broken glass, on the path under Heyfield Rd. This section of path has a bad reputation for this. Today, we couldn’t see the rubbish, but we couldn’t see anything of the path. It was a river! I can understand now how rubbish piles up in that section.
From the boundary of Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn, we rode in the onroad bike lanes to Bridgewater Rd. Another rider (the father actually) decided to leave the group there as it was more convenient for him. So, there were only two of us left. We made it to the Hothlyn Rd bridge over Aitken Creek and saw the marque put up by Hume Council. There was no BBQ, but the portable toilet and shelter were useful!
We hung around for nearly an hour, then when the other rider was picked up by a driver we parted.
It was a memorable first ride for the new HumeBUG.
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