Epping to Alphington via Darebin Creek and Bundoora Park

Ride on 3/1/2020

Seven of us rode from Epping to Alphington. This ride started only a few 100 metres from the train station, and after that it was almost all on bike trails. Initially we rode through quite open, and scenic, terrain following the Darebin Creek (which closely resembled a drain after the lack of rain). 

Eventually we reached the Ring Road trail for a short leg. Here we stopped at a high point to check out where the Plenty Gorge fires are. 

Proceeding down the Darebin Creek, we came to a new, you beaut, bridge that crosses the creek to go into Bundoora Park.This is not even on the map yet and replaces a section of the trail that used to deviate along the street. At this point we left the Darebin Trial and proceeded into Bundoora Park to visit the cafe recommended by Marie. What a lovely spot! But it is dry and you can see how easily it could all go up in flames. 

Rather than go directly back to the Darebin, we went through Latrobe Uni to "the moat" and rode along this waterway to  get back on the trail. From there is was a straightforward run to Alphington. The route that we took was about 24km.

As we rode the air became smoky, especially after morning tea, but it was not too bad. 

Thanks to Joy for the picture below. And to Kris B. for directing Paul and Joy to Macleod Station for an early finish.

Penny.

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.