Ride the Night

On January 31 at midnight, or is it technically February 1?, I took part alongside around 2500 riders in the inaugural Ride the Nightevent.  I rode with Caroline and Diane, and we all signed up when we read that the ride would take us over the Westgate Bridge during the night.  The Westgate is not open to bicycle traffic and having ridden it during a couple of daytime events we were all keen to go over at night.  The anticipated views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay at night would be spectacular - especially in clear weather.
Sadly the bridge was removed from the route about a week before the ride as no permit could be approved to take us over it.  The changed route went round the Northern outskirts of the city.
At around midnight we took off, and as is usual with mass rides the start was slow.  It stayed slow for a little while as we all bunched up at various traffic lights on our way bayside.  After a while the group spread out and we didn't feel quite so crowded and a bit safer.  The biggest danger was perhaps from the occasional drunk leaping into the road asking for a lift and laughing at his own joke.
It was with some delight that we saw a police car alerted by riders to the behaviour of a van driver on Beach Rd take off in pursuit of said van at increased speed. It is always encouraging to find a police car on hand when you need one.

coffee queue 0300

At the first rest stop we decided to press on and have coffee at the second - this proved to be a mistake as we had not long joined the queue when we were told that the van was closing in a few minutes to head to the next rest area. (Organisers take note - more coffee providers please so less movement required). Ah well, through town we go, with no trams to distract us, heading towards Edinburgh Gardens via a circuitous route past the silent Zoological Gardens to join the next coffee queue. Success at last, coffee at 0300.

Have I mentioned the rain?  For a summer evening one might have expected balmy conditions, but this is Melbourne and we are known for four seasons in one day - and perhaps one night.  The temperature plummeted after days of mild weather and with the cold wind came patchy drizzle and rain. I don't know if many people dropped out but there were a lot of us on the road in spite of all that. We alternately got wet and dried out all night, and then riding home up the river and the creek Caroline and I got drenched. Diane had headed to the station and with any luck was sheltered and dry. I don't think I've enjoyed a hot shower quite so much in a while.

view at the end

We reached our final destination, Albert Park and Lake - and the queue for breakfast, just before dawn. Wandering around and inspecting the "village" we happily came across and took advantage of the free massages.  I am sure my shoulders improved in the few minutes they were worked on, I had spent too much time hunched against the cold and wet.  It was good to stretch out.
Home up the river and the creek to arrive just as the first train of the day would have been leaving the city. 80km/50miles in all, a good night's effort. Wet, tired, cold, happy. Couple of hours very sound sleep and I think I can face the rest of the day before keeling over early tonight - after the Barbecue Festival at Queen Vic market.
Next year?  maybe, will have to wait and see.    ridethenight