Frankston to Mordialloc

Ride on 1/1/2021

Nine of us had a successful and scenic ride yesterday. The Baxter Rail Trail from Frankston to the M11 freeway turned out to be a lovely route. We rode a bit further towards Baxter through the bushland into Langwarrin where we could see the flora and fauna reserve through the trees.

We then turned back to follow the Peninsula Link Trail to Carrum. This often deviated from the freeway into quiet parkland areas. The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve was especially lovely. The trail finished at the Patterson River where, unfortunately, one of us came off her bike, broke her wrist and could not continue. Special thanks to Carlos, Judy and Kris who escorted the injured rider to Carrum Station along the river, and then to hospital. The rest of us headed further east through the wetlands to Mordialloc where very little was open for New Year. Luckily we found a place with enough seats to enjoy refreshments.

Penny.

Gardiner Station to Alphington

Ride on 18/12/2020

For our first summer ride, eleven of us met at Gardiner Station ready to roll.

We headed off to find the Gardiners Creek Trail briefly before turning onto the green and verdant Ferndale Trail ready to steadily ride uphill for a long way. The ride took us through Glen Iris into Ashburton where we turned left onto the Anniversary Trail. Through more green and verdant surrounds, we followed the old outer circle railway. This section still has trains and is part of the Alamein line. However for the most part the trail is quiet and peaceful and you would not realise that you are following a working railway line. A favourite part of the route is the section near Canterbury Road passing under old bridges amidst lovely parkland. At Mont Albert Road we reached the highest, and halfway, point of our journey.

Soon after this we visited Town and Country on Whitehorse Road ready to indulge in our favourite beverages. Then it was back to riding, now mainly downhill. This part of the ride was much faster, and there were glimpses of Melbourne's mountains as we rode. The scenery continued to be delightful and we finally reached the Main Yarra Trail near the Kew Billabong. Here we rode along the Darebin Creek Trail to one, last muscle pump before reaching  Alphington Station.

Penny.