Pot-luck pedalling

Where Marrickville to Homebush

Why Keen to offset the excesses of the Easter long weekend (evidence: a grease-thumbed copy of Thomas Keller’s ad hoc at home and a well-nibbled gold Lindt bunny that’s missing its mate) but both feeling as rusty as my weather-battered bike chain, we set off towards the Cooks River without a set food destination in mind – being a public holiday, there was no guarantee anything would be open, and being out of practice we weren't sure how far we'd make it.

After a quick detour up Canterbury Road to Charlie's Pizzeria & Bakery (closed), we made it to the holy grail: Rams (Shop 17C, 16-20 Henley Road, Homebush West).


Gusto learned the whereabouts of this Sri Lankan takeaway at a masterclass taught by Carol Selva Rajah. Ravenous after an hour or so’s pedalling, we were rewarded with yummy spicy smells and the sight of deep-fried deliciousness.


From the short menu we grabbed a pack of dosai (pancakes) with sambhar (lentil gravy) and sambol (fresh coconut chutney), plus the last few samosa-like mutton patties, then took them to the park across the road for an impromptu bench picnic.




How Take the bike path from Marrickville Station towards the Cooks River and follow the cycleway west in the direction of Strathfield South and Homebush Bay. From Freshwater Park, follow the bike-friendly roads and go past the golf course on Mitchell Road; cross Arthur Street and turn onto Henley Street, then climb up the hill to the shops.


Damage $22 including dosai (seven pack), idly (lentil cakes, 10 pack), sambhar, sambol, chutney, three mutton patties, bhuja mix and chilli cashews. The excess food (for tomorrow's dinner) travelled well but the last mutton patty we thought we'd save for later didn't make it all the way home.

Distance About 18km (one way)

Tips
• The Cooks River route is super easy, but watch out for off-leash pooches, kids (on and off wheels) and hardcore cyclists.
• A park picnic is a great idea, but scooping up sambol and sambhar with dosas alone is pretty messy – better bring a spoon (and some wet wipes).


• Remember, that Mitchell Road hill is a breeze to ride down, but climbing back up on low gear with a full belly is no picnic.