Full Moon Ride – St Leonards – Portarlington: Saturday March 23rd, 2019

Posted on March 25, 2019 by hlyth2013

Thanks to Kevin for this ride report. Thanks to Richard for the photos.

The full moon ride left St Leonards just after 6pm. We rode along the path which turned out to be gravel with some sandy patches which was interesting. Doug caught up with us at Indented Head and that made nine riders in total, we then continued on to the Portarlington Golf Club for dinner. After the meal we rode to The Esplanade looking for the moon, alas there was too much cloud. We had a lovely ride down the road to St Leonards with some glimpses of the moon.

Brighton Beach – Sunday, 24th February 2019

Posted on February 28, 2019 by hlyth2013

Thanks to Ride Leader Robert for this report and photos.

We set out for Southern Cross Railway Station, Melbourne, on the 11,26am Service from South Geelong Station. It was Sunday 24 February. Hermann and Sandra were already aboard when Linton, Margy, Jeff, Peter M, Kevin and I boarded at South Geelong. Rod and Tina joined us at Geelong Station followed by Coralie at Lara; 11 of us in total.

We departed Southern Cross Station at 1.00pm cycling west up Collins Street which took us down into Docklands and onto the path that led us across the Yarra onto South Warf where we cycled around ‘Jeff’s Shed’ making our way around to the path besides Normanby Road, that follows the route of the light rail to Port Melbourne.

On arriving at Port Melbourne, we linked up with the Bay Trail which took us past Middle Park, South Melbourne, St Kilda and Elsternwick Beaches as we made our way to North Point Cafe at Brighton.

It was a beautiful day, the ocean was a lovely blue, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and there were many people out making the most of it; cycling, walking, skating, swimming, skiing, kite surfing, sky diving, playing beach volley ball or beach netball (there’s a new one!) to name a few of the activities.

We tentatively made our way through the busy area around St Kilda Beach but overall we didn’t have any real dramas. We just went at a steady past and kept an eye out for the unexpected; riding to the conditions.

We arrived at the Cafe at Brighton around 2,30 having covered about 20ks from Southern Cross Station.

We got our return journey back underway about 3.30 after an enjoyable break, some food and, for some, a nice coffee.

We retraced the route back to Port Melbourne where a P & O cruise ship was disembarking.

We continued on through Port Melbourne along the Bay Trail to the West Gate Bridge where we followed a path that wound through West Gate Park and onto the Yarra.

Following the Yarra the path brought us onto Lorimer Street which led us back to a spot where we could get back onto South Warf, and from there, make our way back through Docklands to Collins Street and up the hill to Southern Cross.

By the time we got to the train it had 5 mins before departed which allowed us enough time to get the bikes on and ourselves sorted. Some of needed to stand until we got to a few stops past the City. There were a few tired bods on board but a great afternoons cycling was enjoyed by all.

Robert

Full Moon Ride to Oppy’s Bistro: Saturday, 16th February, 2019

Posted on February 20, 2019 by hlyth2013

Thanks to ride leader Tina for this report.

We met at Lara train station at 6pm. A pleasant ride in daylight. Kevin led the ride and Tina fetched up the rear. We had an enjoyable meal at Norlane Hotel at Oppy’s Bistro. Nick, Karen’s husband met us there for a meal.

We rode back just as it was beginning to get dark. Two highlights, Bernie who has not ridden in 3 months joined us. It was her first ever experience of cycling in the dark. Her lights were not particularly bright but she nestled in between two riders whose lights lit up her path. She was thrilled with her experience. The other highlight was David Salamy brought along a speaker and played music all MOON themes. Some of us sang along as we rode along happily.

The weather was fine. A little head wind on the way out. Quite still on our return. Cloudy so not ideal to see the moon. The position of the moon on our return was directly in front of us which was the aim. Thanks to Kevin.

Lara via Ted Wilson Trail and Hovells Creek

Posted on February 19, 2019 by hlyth2013

This most successful ride was led by Allan Marshall, with thirteen participants, of whom 11 signed on at 8am at Leisuretime Centre in Anakie Road. The ride route was via the Ted Wilson Trail to Broderick Road, then via School Road to Shell Parade before joining up with the Hovells Creek trail at Rennie Street. Coffee was at Xpresso Cafe in Lara.

The return was via Hovells Creek Path and Ted Wilson Trail.

Thanks to Allan for leading and to all participants.

One rider who shall remain nameless missed the ride, due to misreading the starting point – perhaps we need more northern rides, so our members can experience the excellent riding opportunities on the northern side of Geelong.

Combined Ride to Armstrong Creek and Freshwater Creek – 10th February, 2019

Posted on February 11, 2019 by hlyth2013

John Hagan’s Circuit to Armstrong Creek & Freshwater Creek as a Combined Ride with Cycling Geelong on Sunday 10.2.19

A good turnup of 12 riders at Sth Geelong for our ride today. However, Ron made the mistake that many of us have in the past, and that is because he had a beanie on his head had the secure feeling that he had his helmet on – unfortunately he didn’t and had to head home. In the photo below (from L to R) we have: Lindy, Peter J, Dave S (only participant from Cycling Geelong), Ian, Rolf, Heather, Ron, a new rider – Jennie, Ross and Dr Mike. Photo was taken by John and Noel made a grand return to the Club just after the photo was taken. Sunday was a good day to be heading down Barwon Heads Rd as the traffic was not as heavy as on weekdays. We followed the scenic path along Armstrong Creek and crossed the Surf Coast Highway and on to Whites Rd. Here the road had been

narrowed in the rebuilding process and was cortrolled by traffic lights. However, we were unable to trigger the green light and had to make alternative arrangements. Being a dull morning (weatherwise) The Farmer’s Place was not overcrowded and coffee service was quick. The highlight of the return trip was taking the newly completed Pipeline Track through Highton. Our total trip was just over 40km and by the time we finished the sun was just starting to peep through the clouds. Thanks everyone for a very enjoyable ride.

Keep Riding, John H.

190210 Combined Ride Farmer's Place Rolf and Dave S

190210 Combined Ride Farmer's Place group

Have your say on the proposed north-south bike route – Moorabool Street section

Posted on February 10, 2019 by hlyth2013

If you read the press there has been a small, but very angry, negative response to any proposed bike route through High Street, Belmont. Despite this, the majority of respondents to the numerous city surveys has been positive.

Now there is a move from businesses in South Geelong to stop the proposed section of the route along Moorabool Street, due to a loss of all-day car parking.

If you ever travel from north to south in Geelong by bike, please have your say. There are three opportunities to view the proposed route and possible alternatives (all of which add time and hazards for cyclists) – at a marquee set up on Moorabool Street (between the Senior Citizens and GMHBA Stadium) where people can come and ask questions on the following dates:

Thursday 14 February 8am – 12noon
Saturday 16 February 9am – 1pm
Tuesday 19 February 11am – 3pm

For more information about the proposed route, and downloads of maps, go to Better Bike Connections

The proposed direct route – a 2-way separated bike path on the west side of Moorabool Street from the Barwon Bridge to Carr Street, then separated bike paths each side of Gheringhap Street to the CBD and Deakin Waterfront Campus.

Deakin University and the Pipeline Track – Sunday, 23rd December, 2018

Posted on February 9, 2019 by hlyth2013

On the Sunday before Christmas, our Ride Coordinator, Dave, led a ride through Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus and along the new pipeline path. The Deakin ride introduced some gravel paths (with your photographer choosing the bitumen option). Photos taken near Epworth Hospital, Waurn Ponds.

Dave leads the ride near Deakin

Coffee was at Highton Shopping Centre.