Thomastown to Rushall via the Merri Creek

Ride on July 12 2019

On what promised to be a rainy ride, eight riders met at Thomastown for the ride.

As we headed off on the ride and down the Edgars Creek path, the sun came out and shone on the chickens foraging beside the creek. The relatively nice weather continued as we went along the Ring Road path and turned down the Merri Creek path. Just as we climbed (walked up?) a short and very steep rise, a wallaby crossed the path. How lovely to see that there is still wildlife up near Fawkner.

Riding on, the skies darkened. And then - the cold front went through and the heavens opened up!! We continued through the rain as it became lighter arriving in Coburg at Zataar as it stopped. Here our slightly damp riders enjoyed a warm break with coffee and victuals, and, the obligatory conversation and laughter.

Then it was a quick ride along Harding St to continue following the Merri Creek to Rushall Station. During this leg, the weather continued to improve and we finished the ride, as we started, with sunshine.

On a previous ride, we came up with the names "harriers" and "amblers" to describe two subsets of OYB. We have come up with another – the "toughies" to describe those of us who ride no matter what the elements throw at us.

Special thanks go to Paul for carrying the emergency kits, and to Tony for ably leading us along upper reaches of the Merri Creek.

Penny.

PS FYI: the detour around the Merri Creek path in North Coburg is still in place.

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