Orbost to Bairnsdale via East Gippsland Rail Trail

Ride on 26/11/2019 to 28/11/2019

Twelve keen OYBers set off on a great three-day ride from Orbost to Bairnsdale for our spring tour.

Riding from Orbost to Nowa Nowa on day 1, we enjoyed rain nearly the whole way. The bad news was that we got a bit wet. The good news was that this dampened down a bushfire near Burthen so that we could do the rest of the ride. Oh, and at Nowa Nowa Tavern, they welcomed us with an open fire, perfect for drying off.

The first and second days of the ride were mostly through lovely open forest and past some spectacular and historic timber railway trestle bridges. While there were sustained climbs, these were offset by downhill sections. The third day was through gently rolling farming country.

As we rode, we enjoyed trying out the various pub meals and bakeries as we went. As always we enjoyed evenings of hilarity and companionship as we recovered from our day of exertion.

Special thanks go to Ruth who did a sterling job of being support driver.

Ross.

Alphington to Eltham via Main Yarra Trail

Ride on 22/11/2019

Thirteen of us headed off from Alphington Station. Somewhere in my gut, I feel that riding upstream along the Yarra River should be mainly uphill. However, from Alphington to Eltham the net gain in height is just 1m. The first section to Banyule was fairly flat, as two major hills were avoided by starting at Alphington and using Bob's Bypass via Wilson Reserve. After that there were a few undulations. After yesterday's high winds, there was a bit of debris on the path. And one tree that we had to get around.

We passed many friendly and happy people on the trail. Maybe this was due to the great weather??

From the time we left Alphington Station to our arrival at Eltham we enjoyed some of the best scenery in Melbourne. Bob's Bypass ensured that we hugged the river all the way out to Candlebark Park, and did not have to ride next to the noisy freeway. Often there were only trees and bushes in view. As we passed a paddock full of cows some of our riders marvelled that we were still in Melbourne. The steepest hill on the ride was in Westerfolds Park and was not too bad, especially since it was followed by a wonderful downhill swoop. 

Our snack break was at the lookout point over the Yarra in Westerfolds Park. Thanks to those who brought delectable goodies to share.

The final part of the ride was along the Diamond Creek Trail. Thanks to Kris B. who knew that there was a handy cafe near the library, just off the trail. We sat in the cafe garden enjoying fine conversation and victuals. And then we headed home mostly by train. Special thanks to Rodney for sweeping.

Penny