Scotchmans’ Gardiners’ Lunch – Sunday 26 February 2023

A ride out to the eastern / south-eastern suburbs was on the cards, but with so many train lines with disruptions (mostly level crossing works) that when the Glen Waverley line came up clear… it’s like it was meant to be…

This month we’re starting in the east and riding back toward the city. Syndal is the second last stop on the Glen Waverley line and it should be less busy, and a little easier to connect up with Scotchmans Creek Trail. (We have done ridden this before, but not for a while.)

After a slight uphill start it’s then all a beautiful downhill gradient, almost the whole way to our lunch stop! Woohoo!

Even though I kinda of hinted (fairly recently) I wouldn’t do rides that required reservations again… I’ve made a reservation for lunch. But there’s no pre-ordering lunch or any of that faff. Just please ensure to let me know in advance (a few days would be great) if you are planning to attend. Our reservation (currently for 12 people) is at Burnely Brewing; you can view the food menu here.

To return to Syndal by train, Burnley Station is only 1.3km from Burnley Brewery and is on the Glen Waverley line.

In addition to the ride being pretty much downhill and not being particularly long (only 20km / just over 1hr) here’s the rest of the good news… it’s an even more relaxed starting time this month! (I hope that doesn’t catch too many people out.)

Burnley Brewing doesn’t open until noon, so there’s no point getting there early. Our reservation is for 12:15pm. I have phoned ahead and confirmed that the kitchen opens at noon.

For anyone else travelling from the city, Stephen and I will be at Richmond Station to catch the Glen Waverley train departing Platform 9 at 10:12am. It takes 30min to arrive at Syndal Station.

• Meeting location: Syndal Station (Fiander Ave & Coleman Pde, Glen Waverley)
• Meeting time: by 10:45am
• Ride length: approx 20km
• Ride duration: 75-90min
• Lunch reservation: 12:15pm
• RSVP: required

Average speed will depend on who joins this ride, but I anticipate it will be within our usual range of 15-20kph. Being a downhill ride increases the likelihood of a faster ride, but if less confident riders wish to join, then we may split into two groups.

Both Scotchmans and Gardiners Creek Trails can be a bit technical – winding and narrow in places, so a good understanding of how your gears work will be beneficial along this route. It’s good practice if you’re still getting the hand of it, but you may be quite glad to reach the end.

Who Can/Should Come?

Anyone is welcome to come who:

• is mostly confident to ride with one hand whilst using the other to signal (turn, stop etc)
• feels well balanced on their bike
• can brake safely when riding with others
• understands the principal of how your gears/shifters work, even if you need a bit of practice when riding
• obeys road rules and is friendly and polite to everyone else
• doesn’t feel the stated distance/duration is beyond their abilities

What To Bring?

• Your bike in good working condition
• MYKI (unless you’re riding back to the start or have arranged a pick up)
• Clothes appropriate for the weather
• Water bottle
• Spare tube & toolkit (if you have one, just in case)

If you aren’t on Facebook (or prefer not to use it) please email your RSVP for this ride to me (Dayna) at melbournebromptonclub@gmail.com

Please only use the comment option below to make a public comment (don’t include private details). You don’t need to let me know if you’re not coming, but if you’d like to say hi, you’re welcome to email me – please don’t use the comment option; I probably won’t respond because it will make your comment and details public. 😀

And finally (yes, it’s been a long one this month) here’s a reminder of How To Use Hand Signals Whilst Cycling. As they explain, it’s pretty important for everyone’s safety. Please watch before you attend the next club ride.

Happy riding and hope to see you soon!

Dayna : D