Craigieburn to Rushall via Galada Tamboore Pathway

Ride on 7 June 2019

After catching the train from the city, 19 riders headed off from Craigieburn. The weather produced a glorious, calm, sunny, early winter's day. Pretty well ideal riding conditions.

Heading north from the station we rode along footpaths until we hit the delightful Malcom Creek linear park trails and then onto the start of the Galada Tamboore Pathway at the S/E corner of Amaroo Rd and the Hume Highway.

We followed the GTP past the Craigieburn Grassland Nature Conservation Reserve  which was looking pretty drought-stressed. A few short climbs and lots of sweeping downhills.

Around midday we stopped for a welcome break at the Wild Bean Cafe at Cooper St, a nice change from the inner city watering holes we usually stop at - the dim sims, steamed or fried, were most welcome and excellent value.

Continuing along the GTP we hit the outer ring road where some riders opted to return via the Merri Creek Path. We followed the ring road path east to Thomastown where some riders returned by train from Thomastown Station.

Then onto Dalton Rd where we turned right to head down the Pipeline Path to Reservoir and then onto the St Georges Rd Path with people peeling off home as we pedalled along. 

Just two of us finished at Rushall station.

Ross

Djerring Trail, Caulfield to Yarraman

Ride on 31 May 2019

“Diehards” is the only word to describe the twelve committed members who assembled at Caulfield station to break the ice, so to speak, on the Djerring Trail. Despite the light drizzle, we reckoned the shifting clouds left open the possibility of better things to come and were soon at the beginning of the ride proper, where the trail starts off behind the sports pavilion on Dudley Street.

And what a trail it is, a virtual bicycle super-highway all the way from Caulfield to Yarraman, a couple of kilometres short of Dandenong. Much of it lies beneath the Pakenham/Cranbourne skyrail, and the cyclist gets a worm’s eye view of this engineering marvel. Not only is the engineering of the rail line very impressive, but the elimination of train tracks at ground level has made features of the environment hitherto semi-closed off to residents now easily accessible. I used to live at Noble Park and was amazed at how the swimming pool and a wide expanse of playing fields have been brought almost into the centre of town. The many trees and shrubs planted along the trail itself will make its surrounds increasingly attractive as they grow.

A leisurely pedal brought us to coffee at Nikos in Oakleigh, where we had barely settled around a table when a downpour began. Thanks, Ross, for persuading the gods to hold off until we had reached shelter. There were a couple of points after we left Oakleigh – under not too threatening skies – where trail finding was tricky but these were negotiated without misadventure, and we arrived at Yarraman station dry, if faintly chilled. 

An important point about the trail for future ride planners. There are many road crossings. Almost all have cycle friendly lights which allow more time than is often the case at a purely pedestrian light. However, today’s group of twelve is probably the maximum size for a group hoping to cross the road on a single change of light. Larger groups would likely be split up at road crossings, which would make the trip a good deal longer and less pleasant. 

Many thanks to today’s riders, who pressed on uncomplaining when the future occasionally appeared dark and made the outing so enjoyable. Special thanks to Audrey for the photos (forwarded separately), to Peter for sweeping, and to Penny for her advice and support.

Bob