2012 Trip Note

Cycling: 10 November 2012 - A Mornington Peninsula Ride

Contributor: Art Terry

Source: "The News", January 2013

Photogallery:

Distance: 50 km
Weather: Fine 20°C, light SW wind
Route: Hastings, Balnarring, Somers, Jack’s Beach, Hastings


Twelve cyclists – four ladies, eight gents – met at Pelican Park, Hastings. All were ready to get under way and to see what this neck of the woods had to offer. Ross, as usual had ridden 60 km from his home to the start. Lynda had us on our way out of Hastings and into the hills of the Mornington Peninsula which for the greater part is hilly. It was a lovely day for a ride and the country we traversed was fresh with new spring growth. We had a few kilometres on quiet tree lined gravel roads which took us past farm land, vineyards and Devil’s Bend Reserve.

From Foxey’s Hangout we were on a bitumen road which gradually climbed to the highest point on the ride at 150 metres above sea level. We then descended at speed to 115 metres. The next move was to drop all gears for a steep and slow climb to Fentons Hall at 140 metres, where we were glad to have a drink and to rest a while. It was then on to Balnarring, a lovely place to relax and partake of the goodies on offer. The route from here was on an excellent cycle path to Somers where we had our lunch on the beach looking out to Philip Island and the Nobbies. The Somers Yacht Club members were very helpful in guiding us through their property to the beach.

From Somers, the route to Jack’s Beach is mainly on excellent cycle paths. The section along Sandy Point Road is very attractive as it winds its way amongst the She Oaks. The path then follows the western side of the naval depot, then the northern boundary to Morradoo. Lynda led us to Jack’s Beach for views across the bay to French and Sandstone Islands with the Strzelecki ranges in the distance. From Jack’s Beach the path for the most part is on board walks across mud flats and mangroves, a unique section of the trip.

Thanks to Lynda for putting this ride together and for her leadership. A thank you also goes to Phil for being our whip. It was a lovely and interesting ride. The people who participated were Lynda Larkin (leader), Ross Berner, Bob Oxlade, Paul and Val Beers, Catherine Cardinet, Melanie Williams, Ralph Blake, Max Casley, Phil Brown and myself