Point Henry | Cycling Geelong

Despite bad weather (cold, wet and windy) 10 riders arrived at Rippleside Park for this month’s Joint Ride. The route was from Rippleside to Point Henry, then to Moorabool Valley Chocolate for refreshments before the return to Rippleside. Riders were Helen (Ride leader – Cycling Geelong), John H (GTC), Mike (GTC), David S (CG), John M, who is a member of both clubs, Rolf (GTC), Ian (GTC), David J. (CG), Kelly (CG) and Janet, a visitor on her first ride with either club.

Rippleside Park

With a strong tail wind, the going was easy to Point Henry – marred by rubbish and glass on the road which led to a puncture for Janet, efficiently mended by experts from both groups. Most riders braved the gravel to ride to the point.

From Point Henry the ride turned south and west – into the wind, though once in the urban area the wind was less of an issue. A shower had a few resuming rain tops. The riders wended their way through Moolap, Breakwater, Newtown, Geelong West and Herne Hill to arrive at Moorabool Valley Chocolate at around 11.15, where Heather of Cycling Geelong, the voice 94.7 The Pulse’s The Bicycle Show (Saturday mornings at 11am) joined them for coffee.

After various refreshments (I recommend the hot chocolate on a cold day), the group disbanded with only Kelly and Helen returning via Rippleside Park.

Thanks to all riders, John for taking photos. We hope to see you all on next month’s joint ride.

Puncture repair

180708 Joint ride - Pt Henry Moorabool Valley Chocolate (21)

180708 Joint ride - Pt Henry Moorabool Valley Chocolate (18)

Ascent from Point Henry

180708 Joint ride - Pt Henry Moorabool Valley Chocolate (12)

180708 Joint ride - Pt Henry Moorabool Valley Chocolate (10)

Ride Map

Thanks to ride leader Stella for this report.

Despite the cold weather 8 riders met at Hearn parade for this Sunday ride – Stella (ride leader), Rod, Rosemary, Michael, Chris, Sandra and Paul. There was no rain around and clear sky so off we went and soon warmed up.

The route went along the new cycling path in Eastern Park, which starts at the end of Malop Street and ends (far too soon ) at the traffic lights by the Animal Research traffic lights – Boundary Road. It’s very smooth and very nice to ride through the park this way. Try it if you haven’t been!

Then on to Alcoa and Point Henry via Portarlington Road. This is an interesting part of Geelong due to all the changes that are happening to Alcoa and we all had ideas about how to develop the area! There are lovely views of Geelong from this peaceful and quiet place.

Stella (ride leader, Rod, Rosemary, Michael, Chris, Sandra, Paul

Then we decided to Ride around the Alcoa Nature Reserve. It takes about 10 minutes. There were not many birds spotted as we were all concentrating on staying on our bikes as the track was rough! (Editor’s note: There are bird hides in several places – so, if you have time, it’s worth a visit with binoculars and camera.)

The return trip was via the Bellarine Rail Trail, Boundary road and then through the park again. 25 km all round.

Coffee at Winifreds were we had delicious drinks and a warm welcome from the Owners! It was good to see Heather there.

The ride finished at 11 30

StellaClick the map for more detail

Editor’s note: Winifreds is well worth a visit. However, don’t expect to speak to Winifred. The owner’s name is Georgia. Winifred was a much loved dog.