Croydon to Dandenong

Ride on 8/1/2021

We had a great ride with great vistas and that country feeling that comes from seeing cows and horses! Most of the route could best be described as picturesque with views across to the Dandenongs as we rode. We navigated the Tarralla Creek trail successfully in spite of a minor detour due to bridge works.

Di was just saying that it was pretty flat when it was time to ride up the major steep hill of the day, to what OYB fondly calls "the tip lookout" because of its proximity to a waste and recycling depot. (Sounds a bit more upmarket than "tip"). Soon after we found a couple of picnic tables in Jells Park where most of us ate and drank our own goodies. The two people who went to the cafe for food encountered a massive queue and terrible food. As this makes the third visit in row with poor food, from now on we agreed that rides going through this park should be BYO.

The ride continued through the great parklands and bush around the Dandenong Creek until we met the canal and entered busy Dandenong.

Penny.

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.