Glen Waverley to Richmond via Oakleigh

Ride on 21/2/2020

We had 15 riders today.

Most headed off from Glen Waverley but a smaller group headed off once the next train arrived and explored a new route for a while. The weather was lovely and cool and it grizzled a tiny bit once or twice but no rain.  The paths were most pleasant, very green and blooming after the recent rain and warmth, a lot of frogs were in good voice and the tailwind was good. Coffee & c. at Nikos was the usual high standard. Rodney delivered another informative commentary about the indigenous and early colonial history of the area.

A pleasant, relaxed, ambling, rambling outing. Most people would have done around 30km by the time they got home.

Ross

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.

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.”