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.

Moonee Ponds Creek Ride 21/03/2010

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.

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.

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.

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.