Ride on 11 January 2019
Nine of us arrived at Essendon for our ride on Friday, and it was great to welcome two visiting riders and a returning member.
The first part of this ride was new to most of our group. We undulated our way on a navigationally easy route along the quiet back streets of Essendon to emerge at the high point above the Maribyrnong River – the Lily Street Lookout.
Here we lounged about admiring the city in the distance and the river and old munitions factory in the foreground. There was some discussion about whether Lily Street is the highest point in Melbourne, but this title goes to another OYB destination, Mt Cooper. Still you can see from the pictures below that it is pretty high up, and has great views.
Thank you to Rodney and Kevin for leading the ride along the riverbank. First Rodney led us to the Boathouse for fine coffee and victuals. Then Kevin took over to get us to the bridge leading over to the old sale yards and abattoir near Flemington. The majestic river was exceptionally still and glassy with wonderful reflections.
The final stage of the ride through the sale yards was unfamiliar to some of our rides and we stopped at the murals under Epsom St (shade!!!!) for a break before heading on our new less steep route to the Capital City Trail. Here our party split into two groups – Clifton Hill/Fitzroy and City/Richmond/Abbotsford.
A ride with great views,
Penny.