The U3A Peddling for Pleasure Cycling Group of which I am an active member, recently conducted a ride from Cleveland to Victoria Point and return. Conditions were perfect, sunshine, no wind and a high tide, making it a very pleasant ride. The weather this season has been extremely unpredictable with four seasons in a day experienced. This is more akin to our southern cousins in Victoria, however, there have been pockets of absolutely delightful weather and I have been lucky to have been riding these occasions.
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| Cleveland Harbour
The Railway Station, the starting point of this ride is adjacent to Cleveland Harbour and provides a most satisfying spot to gaze at the moored boats whilst waiting for the other members of the group to turn up.
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| A natural freshwater pond to the side of the shared path in Cleveland |
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| A shared path on this ride |
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This view was taken from a quiet suburban Street in Thornlands |
I love riding from Cleveland to Victoria Point because it involves riding on a variety of paths, bush tracks, quiet suburban streets and a short stint on a busy main road but one with a wide dedicated cycling lane. Riding on busy roads has the nasty habit of bringing one back to reality, where full concentration is required and this is pure anathema to the recreational cyclist whose whole existence is about enjoying one's surroundings.
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| Melaleuca forest at Point Halloran |
This is one of those beautiful rides where one minute you are travelling through natural dry eucalypt and melaleuca forest and the next riding beside the sea. It was a Saturday morning and there were walkers and cyclists everywhere enjoying themselves. Sailing boats and kayaks making the most of the pleasant conditions on the bay and lots of seabirds soaring and diving for a meal. Each corner turned revealed another amazing view to take in. It was great to be alive.
We arrived at Victoria Point and the group opted for a takeaway coffee sitting down by the sparkling water to enjoy it whilst relaxing and taking in the views.
On our way back to Cleveland we took an alternative route along bush trails and paths which lead us back to Cleveland Railway Station.
Distance: 41 km.
Surface: Varies from cement paths to bitumen surface to bush track. All of which are in good order.
Type of bike required: Suitable for most bikes.
Difficulty: Easy.
Family friendly: Suitable for older children under supervision because of the main road (1 km). The earlier the start, the less traffic.
Cheers and safe riding,
Jimmy Bee
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