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.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
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.
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.
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