Heatherdale to Eltham via Mullum Mullum Trail

Ride on 27/12/2019

Six riders had a most delightful ride through the bush. Starting at Heatherdale we were immediately on the bike path and heading onto Eastlink Trail. After successfully tackling the bridge over the Maroondah Hwy, we followed the Mullum Mullum Creek under the spaghetti entrance to the Mullum Mullum tunnel. 

Suddenly the freeway noise was gone, replaced by the twitter of birds. Oh, and the raucous squawks of cockatoos and the laughter of kookaburras. The creek soon turned away from the Eastlink trail, as did our route along the Mullum Mullum trail heading northwards through the bushy surrounds of the Mullum Mullum Park. While there were houses, these were mostly away from the creek so that we were riding through dense forest. Sadly, there are a couple of new housing estates that are quite close to the trail.

We had our mid ride break just before Reynolds Rd and enjoyed biscotti provided by Paul. And we discussed important matters such as the best places for yum cha in Melbourne. We are now planning a yum cha ride for some time in the future.

The ride continued north to where the Mullum Mullum trail morphs into the Main Yarra Trail (and the Mullum Mullum Creek meets the Yarra). By now, we were in bushland with no houses to be seen. We rode on through bush and farmland past Petty's Orchard. (It is possible to access the orchard from the trail, but this is an option for another day.) Eventually we reached the turnoff to the Diamond Creek Trail where we headed north to Eltham. While lots of cafes were closed, we found an excellent one just one block from the station where we had our caffeine fixes. 

Thanks to the other riders for their companionship,

Penny.

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.