East Malvern to Clifton Hill via the Anniversary Trail

Ride on 21 June 2019

Thirteen unquenchably optimistic riders disembarked at East Malvern under threatening skies. Throughout the ride, though, we had amazing luck in avoiding the showers, thanks, no doubt, to Ross’s intercessions with the gods on Thursday night. The woods along the way looked suitably bleak and wintry, which perhaps encouraged some muttering about the lack of reference in the ride description to the occasional topographical irregularity we encountered. Dark thoughts were swept aside, however, by the long downhill glide to Kew Billabong, the joy of riding the sweeping curves of the newly completed bicycle underpass beneath Chandler Highway, the thrill of the Pipe Bridge, and the final reward of coffee at the Fairfield boathouse.

Thanks to all who made this such a pleasant outing. Special thanks to David and Carlos for sweeping, and to Penny for her suggestions at key points.

Bob.

Fern tree Gully to Dandenong via Blind and Dandenong Creeks

Ride on 14 June 2019

What more could you ask for – a wonderful riding day, beautiful scenery and twelve great riding companions. We headed down the Blind Creek Trail to the Dandenong Creek Trail. The route is just about all off road with just one busy road crossing in 33km. We passed through verdant parklands, bush and horse paddocks with views of nearby hills of the Dandenongs and Lysterfield Lake in the near east of the ride.

At one point the trail was dedicated to "Oppy" (Hubert Opperman). It seems he lived in a retirement village in Wantirna justifying the local memorial to this cyclist. Thanks to Bob for the snacks to keep us going at this point. Our coffee stop was in Jells Park. After a surfeit of great riding we arrived in the heart of the Dandenong CBD ready to catch the train home.

Thanks to Bob for looking after the rear end.

Penny