Yarra Bicycle Users Group: advocacy & awareness in Melb’s inner northern suburbs

YarraBUG coffee + ride to the Commonwealth Games Road Race March 26

YarraBUG meeting postponed
Ride Calendar & Incorporation
Farren Bicycle Collection + Mountain Goat Brewery
Queens Parade Update
Leader Newspaper pro-cycling letters
Yarra Council Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting
Yarra Council Schools Forum
Yarra Council - Victoria Street East Public Meeting/Workshop
Yarra Council 2006 Budget
Finbar Neighbourhood House Social Ride
Bicycle Victoria Bike path Discovery Day
Bicycle Victoria Ride Calendar
MBTC Mad Ride
Aeolian Ride update
2006 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Lindsay Tanner Herald Sun article

YarraBUG meeting postponed until May 16
Our next meeting was planned on Easter Tuesday. Wednesday 19th April is the Yarra Council Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting. The next Tuesday is Anzac Day. So we’ve decided it’s all too much and we’ll adjourn until May 16. Also gives us extra time to scoff chocolate, *ahem*, go for a ride. See you then, at 7.30pm at Suede Bar, 284 Smith Street, Collingwood. Suede Bar have a fine selection of beers & I reckon their Kumara chips are pretty good.

Ride Calendar & Incorporation
Something YarraBUG have been investigating is a organised ride calendar and also becoming a incorporated association. Becoming incorporated provides YarraBUG more structure, focus and legal status. Regarding rides, we could structure them as:
1. Easy/beginners on offroad bikepaths and back streets.
2. Longer road circuits like out to Yarra Boulevard, Beach Road or out to Kinglake,
3. MTB Rides either locally or at Lysterfield or You Yangs,
4. Local gourmet rides (”cafe crawls”) taking in Yarra’s marvellous array of eateries.
If you have any prior experience with community/sports organisations and would like to contribute your ideas, please contact us: yarrabug@yahoo.com.au Ph: 0407 825 467

Farren Bicycle Collection + Mountain Goat Brewery
More amazing bicycles and idle chatter about bicycles than you can poke a pointy spoke at. Friday 5 May: Farren Bicycle Collection + Mountain Goat Brewery, 6pm - 131 Brighton Street, Richmond (Melways 58 F1) Come along, mingle with fellow cyclists, and view the amazing vintage bicycles & tricycles collection. Later during the evening we can adjourn to the Mountain Goat Brewery (cnr of River & Clarke St, Richmond) Goat Management allows your trusty bike to be parked inside the premises & the doorbloke is very nice. (where have we heard that before?)

Queens Parade Update
This was discussed last year at YarraBUG’s September Coffee & Cake outing, it’s good to see VicRoads have been making progress on the Queens Parade/Heidelberg Road intersection and two bicycle storage boxes have been painted. Do you have feedback regarding this issue or do you commute through this area? Please let us know your thoughts, as we will communicate with VicRoads on further developments.

Leader Newspaper pro-cycling letters
Click here for larger image. Following up from the March 21 article, Leader newspaper readers had been writing their options about cyclists on the roads - and they’re all positive! I must express some disappointment with the article published March 21st as basically half of my interview regarding cyclists shared rights and responsibilities was omitted. The photo used in the article omitted to credit Elliot Fishman and Yarra Council Mayor Jackie Fristacky. Also, what was it with the poll? Firstly the results didn’t add up to 100% and then last week completely different results were printed. Needless to mention, hyperbole sells papers.

Yarra Council Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting
Next Yarra Council Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting is 6.30pm Wednesday 19th April at Richmond Town Hall. If you have agenda items or simply wish to attend, please contact Richard Smithers, Transport Coordinator, email: SmitherR@yarracity.vic.gov.au, Ph: 9205 5739

Yarra Council Schools Forum
Last Thursday I attended the Sustainable and Safe Travel to School Forum. As part of the forum, schools, parents, local community groups, police and students participated in a open forum and presentations about using sustainable transport modes to and from school. A highlight was students from Yarra Primary School singing their new hit tune “Stop, Look, Listen and Think”. Yarra Council hopes to make this forum an ongoing event. A brochure entitled “Safer Driving, Safer Children” was also launched. For more information please contact Kate Simnett , Yarra Council Sustainable Transport Officer. Email: simnettk@yarracity.vic.gov.au Ph: 9205 5057

Yarra Council - Victoria Street East Public Meeting/Workshop
Victoria Street East is undergoing extensive private sector redevelopment. The City of Yarra has developed an Urban Design Framework (UDF) to guide sustainable development in this area and is seeking approval from the Minister for Planning to implement the UDF on an interim basis with the Yarra Planning Scheme. The public meeting will be held: Date: Wednesday 12 April, Time: Commencing 7.30pm, Location: Richmond Union Bowling Club, Gleadall Street, Richmond. Please RSVP by contacting Penelope Worthington, Acting Coordinator Customer Service Planning on 9205 5373 or by email on worthinp@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Yarra Council 2006 Budget
Yarra City Council is asking all community members to have their say on the 2006/07 Council budget.

Finbar Neighbourhood House Social Ride
Sunday 9th April saw two Yarra BUGers meet with others at the Finbar Neighbourhood House for a ride along the Main Yarra & Gardiers Creek Trails. We were led on an interesting side path to our Glen Iris coffee stop close to the outer circle trail. From Deb at Finbar: Our first ride was a great success so we are doing it again! Are you interested in joining a social bike riding group? We plan to gradually explore the bike paths of Melbourne. The emphasis is on social and each ride will include a stop for a coffee. When: Sunday 21st May @10.30am. Where: Leaving from Finbar Neighbourhood House, 143 Kent Street Richmond. Contact: Any questions phone Finbar 9428 7668

Bicycle Victoria Bike Path Discovery Day
Bike Path Discovery Day on 7 May 2006 is a FREE, family fun day of exploring Melbourne’s amazing network of bike paths and parks. This year we are issuing the challenge to all bike riders: get a friend, get pedalling and get involved!

Bicycle Victoria Ride Calendar
Find rides throughout Melbourne, Victoria and across Australia with BV’s Ride calendar.

MBTC Mad Ride
Sunday 23 April 2006 - Join hundreds of other cyclists for this unique day, cycling through the hills and forests of the Macedon Ranges region. Buffalo Sports Stadium, Tylden Rd, Woodend (Melway map 609, G9 or VicRoads map 290, B8) - an easy hour’s drive from Melbourne. You may be familiar with the Stadium as the Woodend Racecourse.

Aeolian Ride update
From Jessica: The Melbourne Aeolian Ride went off sweetly. It was a perfect day. The riders were from of all different interests and everyone was super enthusiastic. We got a good response from peds and cars. Melbourne is a definitely good city for bikes. Check out the latest pictures on the site.

2006 Melbourne International Comedy Festival
The Melbourne Comedy Festival is on for 2006 and here’s a bicycle themed show for your entertainment: Bombay to Beijing by Bicycle - 12th - 30th April. Slap on your sandals and slip on your saris. Russell McGilton, the man who had Neil Mitchell gasping for the gutter, is at it again! Due to popular demand and a notorious nude cycle ride through the streets of Melbourne, Bombay to Beijing by Bicycle hits the Comedy Festival at last!

Lindsay Tanner Herald Sun article
Federal MP Lindsay wrote a excellent article supporting and promoting cycling in Melbourne. We all know there’s probably more people than he realises who are riding to work, but, hey, it’s good to have a pollie out there riding with us.

Back on yer bike! (Herald Sun, 21 March 2006)
Over the past few years I’ve got back into bike riding. I rode a bike as a kid, but once I was allowed to drive old Holdens, the bike was forgotten. It’s now making a comeback. I sometimes go riding with my kids, but mainly I ride for health and fitness reasons. You can often see me early in the morning, battling my way around the inner northern suburbs. I’m afraid I don’t cut a particularly dashing figure on my bike. People with incredibly muscly legs and bikes with really narrow tyres keep zooming past me as if I’m standing still.

Fortunately, there are all kinds of bike riders. It’s not compulsory to look like a king parrot on steroids, like the couriers you see in the city. There are heaps of daggy middle-aged pedallers like me out there. Style is not a huge issue for most cyclists. These days, you can buy a really good bike for three or four hundred dollars. There are plenty of fantastic bike trails in Melbourne, and a lot more bike lanes than there used to be. Avoiding cars can be a bit tricky, but on the whole I’ve found most drivers to be pretty considerate. If you ride cautiously, you’ve got a pretty good chance of staying alive. Bike riders need space, and they can’t accelerate like cars and motorbikes.

The State Government is slowly building the metropolitan Trail Network throughout Melbourne. The Yarra Trail and Bay Trail both carry over a million riders every year. It’s great riding alongside the Yarra through beautiful parkland, or beside the bay with the city skyline as a backdrop. Not many people ride their bikes to and from work. Many live too far away. Most don’t have the option of taking a shower when they get there. Some, like me, have to travel around a fair bit during the day and can’t afford the extra time required.

Until recently, bike riding has been largely an inner-city affair. Most of those who do ride to work travel into the city from the inner suburbs. Most of the best bike trails are in the inner-city area, although there’s a great trail heading through the outer eastern suburbs. Thankfully, new trails are going to be built next to Geelong Road and the Eastlink Freeway. There’s plenty of great places to cycle in outer Melbourne and country Victoria, but not many that are built for the purpose. A recent Newspoll found that less than half of those living in

Melbourne’s outer suburbs felt they had access to a safe place to ride a bike. While the State Government deserves credit for expanding the trail network, increasing bike lanes on major roads and requiring cycling facilities in new buildings, there’s a lot more to be done.

We’re going to be reminded this week that Australia is a great cycling nation. After the swimmers, cyclists are probably our best performers at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. We can’t all be superfit and streamlined like the professionals, but we can very easily join in. After a brisk 30-minute bike ride you’ll feel a million dollars. And while I’m not citing my own as evidence, if you want to improve your rear appearance, cycling’s perfect.

Cycling isn’t just good for your health. It’s also good for local businesses. Shops in Warburton get a lot of business from cyclists because it’s strategically located on a major trail. Petrol is getting dearer, we’re getting fatter and the planet is getting warmer. Cycling means saving money on petrol, living longer and protecting our environment. It doesn’t suit everyone, but with petrol heading back towards $1.30 per litre, and climate change threatening, it’s a great way to help yourself and help our community. So, if you’re thinking about doing something different, I’d suggest you follow the famous advice from one of Margaret Thatcher’s ministers. On yer bike!

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.

Karen Douglas

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. For any other information contact Karen 0419 412 401, email: kdouglas@cpsuvic.org

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

Meanwhile, on the otherside of the Yarra ..

Next Yarra Social Ride

Sustainable Living Festival

Hi everyone,
Time to put bottoms on seats and go riding at talking pace in the lovely February sun to Eltham.
Meeting at Fairfield Park car park, we can ride at a leisurely pace along the Main Yarra trail bike path and a short section of the Diamond Creek trail to Eltham, for lunch.There’s lots of native birds and serene bushland to enjoy on the way with almost no use of public roads. Paths are a mix of asphalt and firm gravel, mainly flat with 2 or 3 short hill climbs. Some basic fitness is required or at least the ability to ride a 20km distance.

We will stop at Eltham for lunch or you can BYO. There are no Café stops on the way but there are a couple of toilets and watering holes. Bring water, snacks and sunscreen, your mountain bike or hybrid bike in good working order and a sense of adventure! You can either return via the same route on bike or catch the train from Eltham. Parking is available at Fairfield Park, or along Heidelberg Road.

Ride Details: Fairfield to Eltham via “Main Yarra Trail”. Date: Sunday 19th February 2006: Meeting place: car park at Fairfield Park, Heidelberg Road Fairfield, Melways Map 30, ref J 12. Meeting/start time: 10am. Distance: 24km one way/48km return ride.

What to bring: Your lunch (or money to purchase food at café), snacks, weatherproof jacket, water/drinks, sunscreen, repair kit or a spare inner tube. A bike helmet must be worn.
Suitable for mountain bikes, hybrids and touring bikes. Road bikes may not be suitable for the gravel section. Contact: Please phone/email Karen Douglas on 0419 412 401 or 9639 1822 or kdouglas@cpsuvic.org. Remember, if you’re not out cycling, you’re just marking time.

This week the Sustainable Living Festival commences at Federation Square, see below for bike and transport themed talks:

Seeds for Change: 1/4 century on! Philip Sutton, Alan Pears, Chris Mardon, John Dick, Deborah White, Dr. Ian McPhail, Jim Castles (host) The Edge. Thursday 16th | 6:30pm - 8pm. What’s changed, what was predicted and recommendations. The authors of “Seeds for Change” analyse the past 25 years in the light of their influential book. “Seeds for Change” is a book on the energy crisis and its implications for Victoria and Australia. But it is also about people and lifestyles, government and decision-making, and many other issues that are rarely linked with energy.

Tips and Tricks for Cycling: Damon Rao, Louise Sales and Frank Fisher: Design stage. Friday 17th | 11:30am - 12:30pm. Speakers will talk about some of the inhibitions people have about getting on their bike and some constructive ideas on how to get going. Last year there were almost 1 million motor vehicles sold in Australia and 1.2 million bikes. People are buying bikes but are they getting as much use out of them as they could? Louise Sales explores the issue of women and cycling. Frank Fisher gives some advice on how to make the bike-rail connection. Finally, Damon focuses on the basics of getting started.

Health and Transport: Prof. John Pucher, Dr. Jan Garrad, Dr. John Merory, Elliot Fishman (host) Transport choices have powerful effects on our health. Living close to a freeway makes you four times as likely to be obese. This forum outlines why this is the case and how your transport behaviour can work to improve rather than decrease your health and that of the community. Come and find out why active transport (walking and cycling) is not just cheaper but proven to increase your life expectancy. Saturday 18th | 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Re-imagining Our Cities: Prof. John Pucher, Prof. Peter Newman, David Engwicht, Dr. Jan Garrard (host) . Sunday 19th | 12pm - 2pm. The shape and feel of our cities has been influenced in no small way by our transport choices. Our current transport behaviour, dominated by the car has resulted in large proportions of the city being paved over - to make way for road and parking space. This is just one of the many difficulties of mass car use in urban areas. This forum brings together some of the world’s leading urban thinkers to ignite our imagination to what might be possible in a city less dominated by the car.

No cars, but certainly needs more bikes!

Even more February news …

Next YarraBAC Meeting: call for Agenda items

Connecting Cycling Melbourne: Thursday Feb 16th

From Bicycle Victoria: Kew Boulevard Sunday Circuits

Now I’m thinking about the next Yarra-themed social ride. How about a loop of Yarra Boulevard starting at Collins Bridge, out to the puppy farm and back down to Victoria Street for a yummy meal + refreshments?

If you’re not familar with Yarra Boulevard, read below about BV’s car-free ride on this Sunday 12/2. Also look at this link to the Yarra Bend ParksVic map. After ride destination: Tho-Tho Bar & Restaurant, 66 Victoria Street, Richmond. 6.30pm, Wednesday 22nd February. What do you think, a good opportunity to start training for the MBTC MAD Ride? Now onto the news:

1. Yarra Council Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday 15. February 2006. Richmond Town Hall Meeting Room 1, 6.30pm. Please forward any agenda items to Richard this week for the next BAC agenda: Richard Smithers, Transport Coordinator. smitherr@yarracity.vic.gov.au

2. Connecting Cycling Melbourne - Health & Culture in Planning for Bicycles is a free 1 day event featuring speakers from a variety of fields. This is a free event, lunch & refreshments are included with your registration.

9:30am - 4:30pm, Thursday, February 16th at the Department of Infrastructure Theatrette, Level 29 80 Collins St, Melbourne. More information & RSVP (by Monday Feb 13th) please contact Elisabeth Williams, Ph 9655 6227. elisabeth.williams@doi.vic.gov.au. This is a free event, lunch & refresements are included with your registration

Keynote Speaker: John Pucher Ph.D. Professor of Urban Planning, Rutgers University, USA. PUBLIC HEALTH: The Key to Public & Political Support for Walking & Cycling

Speakers:
Jan Garrard: School of Health & Social Development - Deakin University. Changing travel ‘cultures’: the missing link in promoting active travel in Australia?”

Elliot Fishman: Project Officer - North Yarra Community Health Cycling for Transport and Health - A Community Project

Emma Dean: TravelSmart Project Officer - Department of Infrastructure. Cycle Smart - Interactive web program to support cycling

Harry Barber: CEO - Bicycle Victoria. Applying a Copenhagen approach to bicycle facilities in Swanston St

Tony Barton: Acting Manager Bicycle Program - Vic Roads. VicRoads’ bicycle program, data & indicators, standards & guidelines & on-line maps

David McCaffrey: Sustainable Transport Officer - City of Port Phillip. Developing the Cycle Plan 2005 - 2010, Taking pedal power to the streets

Susie Strain: Transport Planner - City of Melbourne Developing the 2007 City of Melbourne Transport Strategy

Stephanie Potts: Senior Project officer, Engineering Programs - City of Melbourne
Sam Donato: Coordinator, Traffic Engineering - City of Melbourne. Developing the 2007 City of Melbourne Bicycle Strategy

Damon Rao: TravelSmart Project Officer - Department of Infrastructure. Developing a TravelSmart Map system

3. Kew Boulevard Sunday Circuits

Location: Yarra Boulevard, Kew (Mel Ref 44.J2) Date: Sunday 12 February 2006. Time: road closures in effect from 6am to midday

Ever wanted to ride on the road but worried about the traffic? Following the success of car-free “Sunday circuits” in some of the world’s other great cycling cities, Melbourne’s bike riders will have exclusive use of Kew Boulevard this Sunday, 12 February. From 6am to midday, the Boulevard will be closed to all motorised traffic, providing an ideal opportunity for cyclists to have a hit-out on one of Victoria’s most popular bike riding routes.

All are welcome to this free event. We would love to see as many riders as possible taking up this opportunity, so please spread the word to friends, family and colleagues - with enough support, we look forward to developing Sunday circuits on a regular basis throughout Victoria! Plans are already underway for a second event on Sunday 12 March, which will include an opportunity to race against the clock and test yourself against some of Australia’s leading young cyclists. Our membership team will be on hand this Sunday with all the details - see you there!

Do you want to go for a ride? Yes! Right now!

Before we start - the December Wednesday night wind down ride & Ha Long Bay dinner was fantastic - and since we had “two” rides, who wants to post a Ride Report? There was discussion about having a YarraBUG ‘progressive’ dinner in January. Or even a ‘retrogressive’ dinner where we commence with dessert & finish with a entrée….?!? So look forward to that event in the New Year!

YarraBUG folk enjoying dinner later at Ha Long Bay

Who’s up for helping to organising a Combined BUG / Wheels of Justice team, or volunteering to help with Amys Ride in Geelong, 7th January 2006? Refer to further details at Amys Ride. A quick reminder, Wheels of Justice is a cyclist advocacy group that formed earlier this year in response to the Eugene McGee case in South Australia.

Details from Amys Ride website
Start 9:30 am to 11:00 am – Geelong Botanic Gardens
* 120 km around the Bellarine Peninsula (for adventurous riders)
* 45 km from Geelong - Drysdale and return (get the blood flowing and the heart pumping)
* 5 km ( loops of the Geelong Botanic Gardens) for mum, dad and the kids on closed roads.

* 70 km along the Bellarine Peninsula Rail Trail to Queenscliff and return (for MTB and Hybrid riders)
* 40 km along the Bellarine Peninsula Rail Trail to Drysdale and return (for MTB and Hybrid riders)

We can explore further options for cheaper accommodation if required - and we are approaching potential sponsors. *Time is short*, so please let us know what you can organise in the next few weeks.

Hi all,
The next informal social ride will be next Wednesday, 7th December, meeting at 6.30pm, Gipps Street ‘cul de sac’ near Collins Bridge, Abbotsford (Melways 44 F6) After the ride, we will meet up at 7.30pm, at Ha Long Bay Restaurant, 82 Victoria St Richmond for a scrumptious early Xmas feast. If people wish, we can split the ride into two:

- Easy ride, over Collins Bridge, turn right onto Main Yarra Trail, onto Walmer Street Bridge, along the Yarra path and then back along Victoria Street.

- Medium Ride, over Collins Bridge, turn left onto Yarra Boulevard, up to the loop (over Studley Park Road), then reverse back along that route down to Walmer Street Bridge, onto Victoria Street. (or any variation similar to that)

As with the previous social ride, please ensure you have a helmet, adequate lighting for night riding, and clothing to suit the conditions. Also could you RSVP to Chris on 0407 825 467 or at yarrabug-owner@yahoogroups.com, by next Wednesday morning so we have a idea for numbers to book at Ha Long Bay. Hope to see you there next Wednesday!

I’ll admit we didn’t take this photo, but it really was that nice down there on Wednesday evening!

Hi everyone,

last night 8 people between the ages of 14 and slightly more than 14 took advantage of great conditions for a dusk ride along the river from Clifton Hill to Victoria St Richmond. It was a bit overcast but very warm so with a light breeze coming off the river it made for a pleasant ride. Riders stopped at Dights falls and spied live and not so live carp in the water and wondered what we would be served up at our culinary feast!

We then continued on the bike path to Gipps St where we jumped onto the back roads behind the brewery stopping again at the river and taking in the peaceful environment. We then wandered up to Victoria St where everyone enjoyed a well earned feast at the Thanh Thanh restaurant.

Everyone had a great night and plans are afoot to enjoy another night in the next few weeks so if someone has a great idea of where to go please get in touch.

Karen