Heatherdale to Eltham

Ride on 22/1/2021

Our last ‘unofficial’ ride for the summer hols was along the Mullum Mullum Creek, passing through some lovely forest, listening to the birds sing (okay, some squawked), and the creek bubbling along. We had a bit of discussion about where exactly the ride takes us and concluded that for much of the way the creek forms the border between Park Orchards and Donvale. This explains the size of the houses near the trail.

 Last time we rode this trail, we noticed Beasley's Nursery and Tea Rooms and decided to try this out for our cuppa. With 19 of us, I booked in advance so that we didn't get that slight expression of panic when we rocked up. This is a great addition to our list of OYB approved cafe stops.  

 The ride continued and we were soon off the nice bitumen Mullum Trail and onto the Main Yarra Trail ready to check out the final burble of the Mullum Mullum Creek as it meets the Yarra. Here a small group split off ready to head home along the Main Yarra Trail.  For the main party, a short section of gravel took us to the Diamond Creek Trail. Back on the bitumen we rode for a few kilometres to Eltham Station and the train ride home. Uh oh, the ride continued when a police operation lead to all but two of us abandoning the train at Fairfield and riding home.

Penny.

Werribee to Altona

Ride on 15/1/2021

Twenty-one of us lined up for Marie's requested ride through Werribee and Pt Cook. The group asked for adventures and were open to the idea of having a few u-turns. Just as well, as the first hitch was my attempt to find the entrance, next to the freeway, to the pedestrian bridge crossing the Werribee river. Three tries did it! I won't bore you all with the other three u-turns.

Anyway, onto the ride. I think Rodney summed it up well when he said that the scenery was varied. First the Werribee River section was very bushy. Then came the formality of the Werribee Mansion gardens, followed by a view of a Werribee River gorge with red cliffs.

The next stage saw acres of flat market gardens full of vegetables before we reached the mouth of the Werribee River at South Werribee. The simplicity of South Werribee contrasted with our next coastal area, the very upmarket Wyndham Marina with its fancy houses and boats.

Back heading north through the market gardens, the wind was picking up and some of us found our bikes being pushed across the road. Note to self: It is worth remembering that if it is windy in Melbourne, then it is very windy out towards Geelong. Given the wind, we decided to give the visit to Point Cook Homestead the flick. But we did take the scenic road through the park looking out across the wetlands there.

Then it was into Sanctuary Lakes. This suburb is basically circular with enclaves of houses attached to a very few main roads. [Aside, for anyone planning a journey through this suburb by bike: Google car and bike directions take you on roads, but there are footpaths that connect sections and can shorten your journey. You have to check out the satellite view of Google Maps to find these.] On the other side of Sanctuary Lakes from our entrance point, we found the bike trail and bridge across to Altona Meadows. Here we split into two groups: the masochists off to Williamstown and the rest of us going to Altona through the wetlands.

Penny