Heather dale to Alphington via Eastink, Koonung Creek and Darebin Trails

Ride on June 28 2019

Near perfect riding weather greeted us when 20 OYBers disembarked at Heatherdale Station. This was a ride along babbling creeks, through sweeping parklands, a couple of tunnels and, it has to be said, up a few hills. The early section beside Mullum Mullum Creek took us under Eastlink, over wooden bridges and through thickly wooded gullies. Ross gave us some expert instruction on how to ride safely down steep descents, while Di and Fin surged up the nastiest of the inclines.

After stopping to draw breath a couple of times we picked up Koonung Creek Trail and the mostly long sweeping glides through lighter, dryer woodlands and a succession of linear parks. Reaching the playground and toilet just beyond Doncaster Road we stopped for lunch: café de wheels specialties were on hand, tea and coffee served, (thanks to Ross for bringing along the Stanley vacuum flasks, filled with hot water). The rest of the ride saw us join up with the main Yarra trail, riding past the Burke Road billabong and beside the golf course until we met up with the Darebin Creek trail, which took us along the elevated path between the playing fields of the grammar school and the calming waters of the creek until, with one final nasty, steep incline, we reached Alphington Station, where we went our separate ways and onto the weekend until next Friday, when we will gather again for another adventure.

 Thank you everyone who came and shared their food, good cheer and positive spirits. 

 David

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.