Sandringham to Jeff's Shed via the Bay Trail

Ride on 7/2/2020

In recognition that our Friday bike rides cross the lands previously occupied by the peoples of the Kulin nation we have decided to trial the inclusion of at least one opportunity in each ride to improve our knowledge of Melbourne's Koorie heritage and increase our understanding and awareness of the Aboriginal history and meaning of these areas. Rodney has agreed to identify place/s of indigenous significance relevant to each weekly ride. Today Rodney provided a very good commentary on the stretch of beach between Green Point (opposite Brighton Beach station) and the Brighton Baths - see below. Many thanks Rodney.

We had a very good turn out today for our first ride for 2020, 24 or so riders. 

Weather was as predicted and it was a pleasant pedal up the bay. A bit of a following breeze, humidity, smoke haze and calm water made for a unique ambience.  We were also pleased to welcome new OYB members.

We stopped for coffee & c. at the kiosk between Point Ormond and Elwood beach which was very pleasant and fortunate they were able to accommodate all of us at once.

Overall a pleasant outing.
Rosscoe 

City to Ashburton and back to Richmond

Ride on 24/1/2020

Eighteen riders luckily met on the south side of the Yarra rather than at the incredibly crowded Flinders Street Station/Fed. Square area. And luckily Penny had chosen the south side of the river to ride on instead of the north side where tennis fans abounded. (She would have liked to have put this down to forethought, but it was indeed just luck.)

It was a beautiful day for riding as we headed out past the row boats along the Main Yarra Trail past Herring Island and the snazzy riverside houses of South Yarra to the most unpleasant section of the trip, the crossing over MacRobertsons Bridge with whizzing cars (and their fumes) only a foot away. But this inconvenience was brief, and we were soon riding alongside the tranquil Yarra towards St Kevins and the entry to the Gardiners Creek trail.

We managed to pass under Burke Road without the usual breast beating Tarzan yells before turning onto the Ferndale Trail. This was our gravel and uphill practice for the day. The Ferndale Trail is a lovely trail, with some glorious mature trees on display. Eventually we reached the Anniversary Trail where a few hundred metres took us to our cafe. What luck, we just fit into the upstairs section where we chatted and ate, and boosted our caffeine levels.

Another great section of trail followed, part of the Anniversary Trail with excellent views of the city buildings. Back on the Gardiners Creek trail we rode through past lovely lakes and wetlands to the end of our ride at Kooyong.

Thanks to Rodney for sweeping today. And thanks to everyone else for their delightful companionship.

Penny.