Jeff's Shed to Sandringham

Ride on March 1, 2019

We had 8 riders today for a pleasant ride to Sandringham with a few shaded watering breaks on the way. It was warm but not that uncomfortable.

Four riders from the US were met at Pt Melb and later 2 of them boarded the train at Brighton Beach on the trip back. We had a good chat and even got onto discussing 'The Donald' near the end.

The newly renovated Sandy pub was as ever welcoming and the food a real treat.  The excellent aircon was particularly appreciated. Three of us enjoyed the Sandy's now near iconic 'tarte du jour' : a towering medley of golden organic butter short crust and puff pastries enclosing a rich ragu of Aussie Black Angus pasture fed prime beef and drizzled with homemade tomato relish, nestling enticingly on a bed of sublime heritage potato mash and crowned with fresh handpicked minted garden peas almost drowning in an earthy jus.  All of this for a most reasonable $15 on the seniors' menu! The other nosh was pretty good too.

Ross.

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.