YarraBUG March News

Ride Report Sunday 19th February

Next YarraBUG Meeting: Tuesday March 21st

Yarra Social Twilight Ride: Wednesday March 22nd

Ride to Commonwealth Games Road Races: Sunday March 26th

News from BV: Main Yarra Trail closure next week: Floating Pontoons Section

Aeolian Ride: Saturday March 11th

World Naked Bike Ride: Sunday March 12th

BV Yarra Boulevard Ride: Sunday March 12

Call of the Wall Ride: Sunday March 26th

Celluloid Cycles: Melbourne Bicycle Film Festival: April 6 – 9

Ride Report Sunday 19th February
well … the warm February soon took a while to come out but once it was high in the sky and the rain had moved on a great day for cycling and wandering was had by all. The initial plan was to head up to Eltham but on the group meeting at Fairfield, the decision was taken to take the Yarra bike path into the city to check out the Sustainable Living Festival (SLF).

We headed off from Fairfield and were pretty quickly caught up in a downpour so refuge was taken at Collingwood Children’s Farm and a lovely warm beverage was enjoyed by all. Once the worst of the rain had passed we jumped back on the bikes and headed into town, stopping around the Gipps St area to check out the idea on of swingback bridge to replace the stairs.

We then continued along the Yarra Trail until we we hit Federation Square where we were able to park our bikes in the excellent valet service organised by our very own Elliott Fishman. The valet service as part of the SLF was well used and a great idea. Cyclists were also able to have an identification number engraved on the frame of their bike. Thanks to the crew working of the valet service for providing such a great and efficient service. At this point the group having enjoyed a 20k ride wandered around the festival at their own leisure. There were many stalls, including cycling information and gear and some great ideas on how to continue to contribute to the preservation of the environment either through alternative forms of transport or different ways of approaching joyful domestic chores. Keep looking at the website for more YarraBUG rides coming up. Until then remember, if you’re standing still, you’re just marking time. Happy and fun cycling to all.

YarraBUG Meeting – Tuesday March 21st
Our next meeting is on 7.30pm, at Suede Bar, 284 Smith Street, Collingwood. All welcome for a informal chat about Yarra cycling issues and a yummy meal. Or a quiet beverage.

Yarra Social Twilight Ride – Wednesday March 22nd
Hi all, time to saddle up and come along to our next midweek ride details as follows. Yarra Twilight Social Ride. Meet 6.30pm at Dights Falls to ride to Docklands and return to inner northern suburbs, estimated ride time 1 hour 40 minute + coffee/meal time a bit extra. Or at your leisure!

Brendan has cycled the route and supplied the following details: Dight’s Falls to Docklands north about (ie through Carlton and Fitzroy and Moonee Ponds Creek) = 13.69km 41 min saddle time. Dight’s Fall to Docklands via Richmond, the Yarra and Southgate = 16.35km, 52min saddle time. The total distance is 31km and a realistic riding time would be about 100mins. The Capital City trail through Richmond and along the banks of the Yarra is quite uneven due to tree roots breaking though the path surface and is more suited to a mountain/hybrid bike than a road bike. Please bring bike lights and lock, helmet, adequate clothing. Contact Chris 0407 825 467 email: cfsmtb@gmail.com

Ride to Commonwealth Games Road Races: Sunday March 26th
The Road Races for the Commonwealth Games are on Sunday 26th March around the Botanical Gardens. The women’s race starts at 9am and the men’s at 1pm. For anyone who wants to ride down and have a look, we’ll be meeting at Suede Bar, 284 Smith St Collingwood (cross Otter St), at 8am.

Event details, Saturday, 25 March 2006. Course Familiarisation Session: 8am – 10am Sunday, 26 March 2006, Race day, Women’s event (9 laps): 9am – 12.15pm. Men’s event (15 laps): 1pm – 6pm. Medal presentation ceremonies will take place at the MCG. Link to maps from Commonwealth Games website.

Time Trials: see information below from Commonwealth Games website. Event details, Monday, 20 March 2006 Course Familiarisation Session: 12pm – 2pm. Tuesday, 21 March 2006 Race day. Women’s event (29kms): 10.30am – 12.15pm Men’s event (40kms): 1pm – 3.15pm Medal presentation ceremonies will be on site 15 minutes after the completion of each event.

News from BV: Main Yarra Trail closure next week: Floating Pontoons Section
Hi All,
For your information: Our Yarra Trail website has details of the imminent closure of the Main Yarra Trail. As expressed on the site we are very disappointed with the consultation undertaken by Parks Victoria (Burnley office) and the alternative route.

I hope those of you who ride this route are not too inconvenienced and stay safe. I have been told that the trail will not be closed between Macrob Bridge and the Burnley Wharf boomgates – therefore the alternative route under the freeway bridge, past the Parks office and onto the back streets is an option although you will have to stay on back streets right through to Hoddle Street.

Cheers,
Mark Dixon, Cycling Development – Trails
Bicycle Victoria Ph 03 8636 8888