Alphington to Abbotsford Convent

Ride on 15 February 2019

Twenty-seven enthusiasts assembled last Friday in what felt like early autumn weather at Alphington Station. Once stirrings of mutiny had been quelled, the group led by Bob set off on the long glide down to Kew Billabong and the Main Yarra Trail over the recently opened final stage of the Darebin Creek Trail. The glorious trees, sparkling streams and beautifully engineered bridges of this section drew many an admiring remark. Indeed, it was picture postcard scenery on such a delightful sunny day. 

At Chandler Highway Paul and Jonno shepherded one half of the group up Yarra Boulevard and over the Pipe Bridge, while the rest made good use of the wide temporary bike path to Heidelberg Road and the back streets of Fairfield. The two groups recombined at Fairfield Park and continued along the Main Yarra Trail to keenly anticipated coffee and snacks at the convent. Difficult as it was to abandon that very congenial resting spot, the OYBers eventually dispersed at the end of yet another enjoyable, and particularly scenic outing. 

Thanks to all for making it such a pleasant occasion, with special thanks to Paul for leading the Pipe Bridge group, to Jonno and Terry for sweeping, to Pam for standing point where needed, and to Carlos for scribing. I was very grateful for their assistance: each ride this year has attracted a group about ten bigger than our typical group last year.

Bob.

Mordialloc to Edithvale via Braeside Park

Ride on 8 February 2019

Twenty four OYB cyclists met at the Mordialloc station, and had perfect weather of about20 degrees as we set off. We followed the Mordialloc Creek to the east to WaterwaysHousing Estate. We had a slight hiccup where Joy turned a street too soon but it will only took five minutes to wind our way northeast through this housing estate and cross Governor Rd.

 We turned left into the southern entrance of Braeside Park. Here we enjoyed different bike paths through the park – Red Gum, The Phar Lap Track (Phar Lap was stabled here during some of her stays in Melbourne), and a track to the Visitors’ Centre where we stopped tolook at the stuffed animals and birds. We then passed the Tree Stump art, down theCyprus Drive, and finally through the Wetland Circuit.

 Here we stopped a few minutes to look at the birdlife in the wetlands before crossing back to Waterways and the only café on the route. It’s in a very pretty setting, right beside the water.

 After the break, we continued down Bowen Parkway over Wells Rd and into Aspendale Gardens, then to the Edithvale Wetlands Trail where we had a quick look at the EdithvaleWetlands Bird Hide.

 We then continued down Edithvale Rd to the Edithvale Station. I would recommend thatnext time we visit Braeside Park, we start from Edithvale station and finish in Mordialloc where there are more choices of cafes/restaurants. People could also finish their ride by going down Beach Road back to Melbourne or to one of the train stations en route.

 It was 20 kms from Mordialloc to Edithvale stations. Thank you all for coming down to my side of town.

Joy.