Jeff's Shed to Sandringham via the Bay Trail

Ride on 10/1/2020

Thirteen of us rode from Jeff's Shed (Exhibition Building) to Sandringham. I have to admit that I was very worried about the weather. The weather reports all week kept saying that Friday was going to be the worst day of the week and big storms were going to come in. However, I could see on BOM and my iPhone that we were going to be ok in the morning but I just took the most direct route to Sandringham and we completed the route in record time - by 11.20 am. We were very lucky that the wind was behind us the whole way.

We decided since Ross wasn't along that we would try a new cafe and went to a place across from the Sandringham Station - The Sunshine Cafe. We had 2 tables and I think all went well at the first table. But, unfortunately, my order was lost once & Audrey's order was lost twice!! They did apologize and gave Audrey a free meal, but we it was decided we wouldn't go back there again. So, Ross, rest assure, that some of the group will be glad to return to the Sandringham Hotel when we do this ride again.

The last of the group took the 1.05 train back to Flinders St station and the first drops of rain came about 2.30pm here in Sandringham so I hope all made it home without getting wet. Thank you all for coming on this ride with me.

Joy.

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.