Ride on 3/1/2020
Seven of us rode from Epping to Alphington. This ride started only a few 100 metres from the train station, and after that it was almost all on bike trails. Initially we rode through quite open, and scenic, terrain following the Darebin Creek (which closely resembled a drain after the lack of rain).
Eventually we reached the Ring Road trail for a short leg. Here we stopped at a high point to check out where the Plenty Gorge fires are.
Proceeding down the Darebin Creek, we came to a new, you beaut, bridge that crosses the creek to go into Bundoora Park.This is not even on the map yet and replaces a section of the trail that used to deviate along the street. At this point we left the Darebin Trial and proceeded into Bundoora Park to visit the cafe recommended by Marie. What a lovely spot! But it is dry and you can see how easily it could all go up in flames.
Rather than go directly back to the Darebin, we went through Latrobe Uni to "the moat" and rode along this waterway to get back on the trail. From there is was a straightforward run to Alphington. The route that we took was about 24km.
As we rode the air became smoky, especially after morning tea, but it was not too bad.
Thanks to Joy for the picture below. And to Kris B. for directing Paul and Joy to Macleod Station for an early finish.
Penny.