Day 15: Melbourne to Melbourne Airport28 km (17 miles) - Distance travelled: Total: 1,307 km (812 miles)
Last night I went for a walk to South Melbourne for dinner. Decided I wanted fish and chips. Made a change from pasta. On the way back a small storm came over. It was so refreshing after the humidity building up all day.

It was a lot cooler this morning when I woke up. It is also a lot greyer than yesterday. Should have a bit of rain, but hopefully not to much. I then went to meet a fellow CGOAB, Ronald, for coffee. Ronald had caught the overnight train from Sydney and is going to being riding back over the next 3 weeks via the Snowy Mountains. You can follow his trip on http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/melbSydney2011
Ronald and I meeting up in Melbourne

After coffee, we went out to our bikes and it had decided to rain. Was going to do a little more site seeing, but as it was wet decided to make my way to the airport. For most of the ride I followed the Mooney Creek cycle trail. It is not as direct as going via the main roads, but it was certainly quiet and scenic. There were a few moments I weren't sure on which way to go. But was able to get back on track quickly.
The cycle trail which would take me to the airport

There were still some nice views to enjoy

It rained all the way to the airport, so I certainly didn't need to worry about hydrating like yesterday. I thought it was ironic that it rained on my last day, as it did exactly the same last year when I flew into Melbourne on my first day of my Melbourne to Sydney trip. And guess what, when I got to the airport it stopped raining. Those rain gods are out to get me each time I come to Melbourne.

I then spent the next 30 minutes dismantling the bike and putting her in the box for the flight back to Sydney. Pleased I sent the camping stuff home earlier in the trip, as it made packing a little bit easier. I then checked the bike in and was given a seat with extra leg room for no extra charge.
She's all boxed up and ready for the flight back home

The flight to Sydney left bang on time and I was happy to see my bike at the other end waiting for me. It was great being home after such a wonderful tour. Over the next few days I'll be updating the journal with maps, elevations and additional photos. Tomorrow i am having a day off riding the bike.