Triffin Dalikouras

25km Done and dusted

Sunday 23rd Mar What a gorgeous day in the most beautiful city in the world.  Starting at the heart of town and at the crack of dawn, I started my first Spoke to a Bloke 25 km walk.  Winding our way down the Yarra river and through the city, you can’t help admire some of Melbourne architecture and city views as you start having some great chats with your mates.  From Southbank, we then headed to the Shrine of Remembrance via the Tan, where we had our first pitstop.  A smorgasbord of fruits, water, sugar fixes and health bars awaited us, thanks to the volunteers that generously donated their time to set it all up.  We continued our walk on the Tan, over the river and hit the north side of the Yarra track heading towards Richmond.  Leaving the city behind us and in what felt an instant, the scenery has changed from skyscrapers, glass and metal to water, trees, boats and fitness fanatics.   About halfway through and I didn’t even notice, such was the enjoyment of the company, vista and weather.  Good morning’s from both participants and non participants were heard all morning and some of the public even stopped us to ask what we were doing and what the cause was all about.  The printed shirts were worth it.  We continued walking through Richmond  and Burnley besides Yarra Boulevard and following the Yarra River on the Main Yarra Trail.  Following the trail we made our way to Nicholson Street, Abbotsford, where the vista turns again to a more suburban sprawl.  Started to feel the pick a little here with soles burning and the facial feeling of blisters starting to appear, but momentum and sheer will power to finish keeps me moving forward.  Head to Trenerry Cres and get a glimpse of the the old home of the Magpies,  Victoria Park.  Head under the freeway and now we are in Clifton Hill with the end in sight.  Walking through some beautiful sporting ground with people of all ages practising different sports, inspires me to push through.  I see the Collingwood Athletics Track ahead and know I’m not far now.  Wind our way down the Merri Creek Trail for our last view of some water and the anticipation of finishing supplies the last bit of energy to keep going.  Up the final steps and the Terminus Hotel in Fitzroy is in sight.  And so after 25 km and 4hrs and 50 mins, there, greet me with rounds of applause and congratulations, are the volunteers and all the participants who finished before me.  What a way to end the walk.   What a great experience and day I’ve had,  can’t wait for next year and I really hope more can join me.  Thank you all involved in organising this event.   Share