Mernda to Alphington via Darebin Creek

Ride on 14/2/2020

We had a good turnout yesterday of 14 riders, including two new OYB'ers on their first ride.

Weather was as forecast and we headed off with a good tailwind in warm/hot and humid conditions. This was the first time we rode the bike paths from Mernda to Hawkstowe stations and from South Morang to Epping Stations. The bike path, some of it new, initially ran along between the rail line and houses. Once we joined the Darebin Creek Trail, the scenery was much more picturesque. 

At the Norris Bank Parklands we stopped to listen to another very good commentary from Rodney on some of the history of the Aboriginal nations and traditional owners of the areas we were riding through.

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Four riders then peeled off to catch the train at Reservoir. The rest of us cycled on in the increasing heat and humidity. Then the cool change arrived, and riders were more than happy to swap the hot and humid tailwind for a lovely cool headwind.

A longer and more demanding ride than usual but a good outing.

Rosscoe.

Pam adds: “About 15 minutes before the end of the ride at Alphington, Ross expertly attended to a flat tyre, a demonstration that was keenly watched by most cyclists.”

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. 

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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