We have had better days for cycling! The wind was gale force, with early morning waves washing over the new Rippleside-St Helen’s pathway and a temperature of no more than 16 expected.
Despite this less than ideal start, 22 cyclists arrived to ride to Lara on the second On Ya Bike! for 2018. The ride was led by Helen, with Terry and Doug sharing sweeper duties at the back.
Cycling Geelong’s bard, Doug, had another few verses of his latest masterpiece On Ya Bike! with which he regaled the awestruck group (who acted as Greek chorus at Doug’s signal).*
On Ya Bike!
As the tide was on its way out, the group rode the new path, with only a few cyclists being unlucky enough to be wet with sea spray. John H once again took some stunning photos along the way!
There was considerable wind assist, and without any hindrance from the local magpies, the group enjoyed a pleasant ride to Hovells Creek and along the path to Lara.
(One rider, finding the wind too difficult, decided to backtrack from North Shore.)
The coffee stop was at Xpresso Lounge Cafe in Lara, where everyone was made welcome. Despite the big group, service was friendly and swift.
With some trepidation (the wind was predicted as a south-easterly) the group took off for the return journey. However, conditions were fine – the wind direction had steadied to an easterly, and it was a comfortable ride back to Rippleside.
Thanks to all cyclists, John and David for the photos, and our tail-enders Terry and Doug.
*Doug’s On Ya Bike! poem.
The third ride in this year’s On Ya Bike! series is to Drysdale, via the Bellarine Rail Trail, next Wednesday, leaving at the rail trail, corner Carr and Tucker Streets (near the Showground entrance), at 9am. This ride is around 36km, and mainly off road on the rail trail. Coffee is at Cafe Zoo. Doug Merritt will be leading. On Ya Bike! 
Cycling Geelong 