Jeff's Shed to Williamstown via Port Melbourne and the Punt

Ride on 20/12/2019

Six riders showed up bright and early for our “beat the heat breakfast ride”, designed to be finished before the temperature soared to 44 degrees. 

We had a bad start when John had a flat rear tyre. One look at his hub gears and we all decided that changing the tube in a timely manner, if indeed we could change it at all, was not really an option. So, oh dear, we left him behind thus breaking one of the key promises I made when I was sworn in as an OYB leader. 

This was a real shame, as the weather was perfect for riding, cool, crisp and still. The rest of us headed down to the beach where we admired the cruise ship in dock. We think that Joy might have been leading a tour from this today. She could be a bit hot! The sea was glassy and there were lovely reflections from the old wharf. It was great riding!

We rode on through Westgate Park to arrive at the punt by about 8.15am, just in time to see a very tall container ship going under the bridge. A chat with the punt captain informed us that they always check the height of boats before they are allowed under the bridge.

Arriving on the Spotswood side of the river we continued our ride south to Sandy Point. We made a quick detour to check out this spit of land. Next was breakfast at Tic Toc. It was ultra pleasant sitting across from the water enjoying coffee and breakfast. This was the point where we all decided that the ride is so good, it would be worth doing it again, this time in the afternoon for fish and chips.

Okay, so did we escape the heat? Well, when we got on the train to go home at 9.52am it was just 23 degrees.  By the time I got home it was 29 degrees and there was still no wind. So yes we did succeed.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

Penny.

Williams Landing to Williamstown via Bay Trail West

Ride on 6/12/2019

100 Steps of Federation

Twenty-two U3A riders set off from from Williams Landing. Although the station was chilly, once we had negotiated some road works and got onto the Skeleton Creek trail the weather was great for riding with a tail wind most of the way. 

We headed down the creek and turned left into the wetlands near Altona Meadows and up the 100 steps of federation. Here we briefly stopped to admire the views. It is amazing that some of the best views of Melbourne are in one of the flattest suburbs. 

Sadly the birds were not hanging out at Laverton Creek. Perhaps this was due to the high tide, or maybe the wind. Continuing on we soon reached Altona with our tongues hanging out ready for the all important coffee. As there were so many people we went to two cafes and both groups seemed happy with their morning tea. 

The next stage of the ride was an OYB first - Cherry Lake. Twenty years ago, or so, there was an unmade goat track around a rather sorry lake. Now there is an excellent bike path and the surrounds have been extensively landscaped. 

Crossing the busy Kororoit Creek Rd, took us along another path to Altona Wetlands and the vandalised statue of Phar Lap. We then headed down to Williamstown Beach and the end of the ride.Thank you to Kevin and Rodney for sweeping. And to Christine for the picture below.

Penny