From our Base Camp in Dingley, we explored the local bike pathsincluding the Dandenong Creek Trail to Jells Park, the Bayside Trail to Rickets Point and the new Djerring Trail which follows the Dandenong Train Line toward Caulfield.
Our rides averaged around 35 km's per day
Day 1 We gathered at Five Ways Caravan Park, Dingley, ready to ride. With Kerry leading the way we headed to the East Link Trail and onto the Djerring Trail near Yarraman Station. We followed the trail to Clayton for a coffee break. Parts of this trail have been built under the new raised railway line, a great use of the space. The trail continues to Caulfield but we headed back towards the Caravan Park, with an extension ride down part of the Dandenong Creek Trail. Distance around 40 km.
Day 2. Today we woke to a wet day, but we were not deterred. Some of us rode from the Caravan Park to the Dandenong Creek Trail, we met the others at Dandenong. We followed that trail to Jells Park. It was a a lovely wide concrete pathway for a lot of the ride, and at times was hard to believe we were in the city. Wide open green spaces, lots of trees, and not many other users on the trail. The weather cleared as well. Distance around 50km. The Keysborough Hotel was our choice for tea. Huge seniors meals for $9.95, bargain!!
Day 3. It rained again overnight, and we had a few showers during the morning. We rode through Braeside Park, which connected with the Mordialloc Creek Trail which took us down to Mordialloc, then along the coast to Ricketts Point for coffee, and cake. Unfortunately the chain on Joy"s bike broke at Mordialloc on the return ride. No open bike shops, unable to repair the chain, so Joy had to wait for us to get back to the Caravan Park, and JJ drove back to collect her. Distance around 40 km.
Thanks to Kerry for all the research into the trails, and organising the ride. It is amazing how many trails there are in the city. Great rides, lots of laughter, a very enjoyable 3 days.
Particapants: Kerry and David Baggallay, Josie Lomagno, Joe Jans, Sue Marriott, Julie Coulter, Jean Jackson, Joy Downes, John and Fay Boag
Fay Boag