Mt Waverley to East Malvern via Oakleigh

Ride on 26 April 2019

Shrugging off BOM’s predictions, 15 hardy (foolhardy?) riders assembled at Mt Waverley station. Patches of blue among the storm clouds gave encouragement, and we swept down through the bushland of Valley Reserve, a hidden suburban gem, to the Scotchmans Creek path. Our smooth progress was briefly interrupted by an icy shower which had everyone scrambling into wet weather gear, but a quick phone call to BOM brought out the sun, and before long waves of scents sweet and savoury announced that we had arrived in an Oakleigh in the midst of frantic preparations for Greek Easter celebrations.

Refreshed by coffee and dishes sweet and savoury at Nikos, and increased in number to sixteen by the addition of one rider, who had ridden from the city to meet us, we headed off again along the new Djerring trail, built as part of the Pakenham-Cranbourne line’s Skyrail project. This trail has eliminated the frustrating kerfuffle of crossing the railway line at Hughesdale, and, after a glimpse of the sparkling new 21st century station there, we were coasting down through the Urban Forest Reserve to East Malvern station. At that point half a dozen enthusiastic souls continued citywards along the Gardiners Creek trail, while the rest of us opted for a warm and comfortable train ride. Thanks to everyone for making this outing yet another OYB success, despite the weather, and special thanks to Terry for sweeping.

Bob.

Blackburn to Richmond via Gardiners Creek

Ride on 19th April 2019

Sixteen riders took part in Friday’s ride, on a glorious autumn day which was perfect for cycling. A newer member enquired how we manage to have such consistent good weather. Being mindful of recent radical vegan activism in the City I could only obliquely and in a hushed voice refer to long lost pagan rituals claimed to influence the weather.

After alighting at Blackburn the OYB e-Tech Crew swung into action to change a tube in Grand Prix F1 style.

We headed off and the first section of the Gardiners Creek path is possibly one of the best bike experiences in Melbourne. It feels like you're riding through a forest in the Shire or thereabouts; one could almost expect Tom Bombadil to come prancing along the path with a Hey dol! merry dol! ring a dong dillo!       ...

After crossing the Burwood Highway who did we find but my wife reclining on a verdant verge by the path with all the equipment for the OYB Pop Up Cafe de Wheels . The comestibles some people had brought were all upto the usual OYB standard and much appreciated, including home baking and homemade baba ganoush. It was most pleasant basking in the sunshine and chatting away.

We continued on without incident to the City with a few riders peeling off at various times towards the end. 

All up an enjoyable ride. See Gardiners Creek for details of the ride.

Ross.