Tramps starts off the year with the Meals on Wheels ride on 19 January. I assume the format is the same as last year which if so, will require those attending to advise Jan or Vance for catering purposes. If this is not the case I will make a correction in the first post next year. I noticed that the route is somewhat different this time as it starts in Traralgon but has lunch in Morwell. The route looks similar to the dry socks ride in 2013.
Sadsacs kicks off the program on Australia Day starting at the Stratford Railway Station. It takes the form of a loop that has us in Maffra for lunch. This will be quite an easy ride to start the year.
Keep an eye out for the new blog sadsacnews2014.
I will get the Website links updated when the new blog is up.
To all Merry Christmas and a happy New year.
Monday, 16 December 2013
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
TRAMPS: Christmas Breakup dinner and lights tour. 15 December.
The Christmas dinner was a great success going by the comments extracted from those that attended. Although judging by the lack of frolicking in the pool the group managed to keep their composure. The venue seemed somewhat upmarket when compared to some of the previous versions that were located in Vance's shed. The two of us and one or two others arrived at the end to take in just the lights ride. I also noticed that some of the dinner goers considered themselves unsuited to night riding and had an early night.
Even though the ride did not start until 8:30 the night was still young and the first display home was only just starting to be illuminated. As we progressed further into the ride the houses became more impressive. Some of the riders had gone to some effort to add to the standard lighting of their mounts with additional flair. As has been the case in recent times the stand out was Tim and his masted trike. This year we managed to cover both sides of the town and by the end we had traveled nearly 20 km. Throughout this journey we were accompanied by a small white truck complete with Vance. This vehicle managed to add to the night with its unique blend of sights, sounds and smells. Fortunately it turned out the rescue vehicle was not required on this occasion as all riders completed the evening without incident.
At the completion we retired to the dinner hall for supper. Here I took the opportunity to quiz key members as to the usefulness or otherwise of this blog. From their responses I have decided to continue into 2014. As with last year I will start a new blog with the suffix 2014. This has been a good year for both clubs and while they could both use a few more members, the numbers are enough to ensure a solid future.
The ride calendar for Tramps is already out and the Sadsac calendar will go public early in the new year. I will publish a last post with the first two rides of next year.
Even though the ride did not start until 8:30 the night was still young and the first display home was only just starting to be illuminated. As we progressed further into the ride the houses became more impressive. Some of the riders had gone to some effort to add to the standard lighting of their mounts with additional flair. As has been the case in recent times the stand out was Tim and his masted trike. This year we managed to cover both sides of the town and by the end we had traveled nearly 20 km. Throughout this journey we were accompanied by a small white truck complete with Vance. This vehicle managed to add to the night with its unique blend of sights, sounds and smells. Fortunately it turned out the rescue vehicle was not required on this occasion as all riders completed the evening without incident.
At the completion we retired to the dinner hall for supper. Here I took the opportunity to quiz key members as to the usefulness or otherwise of this blog. From their responses I have decided to continue into 2014. As with last year I will start a new blog with the suffix 2014. This has been a good year for both clubs and while they could both use a few more members, the numbers are enough to ensure a solid future.
The ride calendar for Tramps is already out and the Sadsac calendar will go public early in the new year. I will publish a last post with the first two rides of next year.
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| Eric sets the mood |
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| Diners at the far end |
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| Not quite dark |
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| Tim on trike |
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| Riders back lit |
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| Plenty to see |
Sunday, 1 December 2013
SADSAC: Christmas at Mirrambeek. 08 December.
The weather was rather kind to all those that made the drive to Mirrambeek for this year's Sadsac Christmas breakup. In the end we had 32 riders and family share the day. Despite providing both map and written directions to the venue there were still some that overshot by some kilometres, I must remember to take them off the ride leader list.
The day was always going to be warm and some thought went into providing sufficient shady spots for the group. As it turned out the high cloud rolled in just after midday and that took the bite out of the sunshine.
Unfortunately one of our group may have been affected by the conditions and took a bit of a turn. Our nursing staff were concerned enough to call the ambulance. Due to the remote location the ambulance took some time to arrive and when it did, so too did the much anticipated arrival of Santa. Once the ambulance had departed Santa could get to work on the excited kiddies. Once everyone had their presents and fun the hard working red suited gentleman disappeared off into the bush on his sleigh? It was then Cathie's turn to amuse and embarrass those assembled with well earned certificates to worthy members. Cathie then took her turn to receive one herself. In this case a possibly overdue recognition in the form of a life membership to the club. A quick check of the last 20 plus minutes of the club had her name appearing regularly as an office bearer. She was also one of the original founders back in the very early nineties.
Overall the day seemed to go off well, at least I did not receive any complaints.
As a follow up Betty appeared in good health today, Monday, although her partner George was still not sounding too good.
Bring on 2014.
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| Some of the revelers |
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| More stories to tell |
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| Bye Bye George and Betty |
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| Expecting something big from Santa |
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| Cathie, this is your life |
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| Santa departing |
Monday, 25 November 2013
TRAMPS: Heyfield - Coongulla 01 December.
Fifteen riders gathered at Heyfield for a day in the foothills. Of note was that a third of those present were Sadsac members. Not that surprising, I suppose, given the location. To put the following into context I was chosen as ride leader.
The ride advertised was a bit different on the day as the route was reversed to cover the greater distance prior to lunch. I also recommended some quieter roads that reduced the traffic, but not the distance. The change of direction did have one significant outcome in that the ride now took us up Rowley's Hill.
Initially the going was pretty easy on the flattish ground that covers the Newry/Tinamba flood plain. It was not until we reached Upper Maffra West that we arrived at Rowley's and the start of the hills. I was very impressed that reportedly all riders managed to ride up Rowley's. As the group was to discover the real test was still to come on the Coongulla Road. It was just after the T intersection that the increasing gradient tested some riders to destruction. That was the last big effort. The following plunge to the lake and short climb into town was all that remained. I though I was being considerate offering the group a flat dirt road or the more hilly asphalt alternative for the last 500 metres. This seemed to work for all but one member who overshot the park and was not seen again for some 30 minutes. Eventually Maurice found his way back to us before we thought of packing up. He may have even scored a slice of apple pie that Tony had on the menu. A prominent Sadsacer remarked that such delicacies did not appear on her club rides.
The ride home was less challenging but still required some effort. The initial climb up from the lake was not easy but the following drop to the river was. The climb back up to the weir reserve was manageable. We stopped off there for a short break. The road then tended to undulate somewhat until connecting with the Licola Road. The final run into Heyfield tends to be fast and as the group did not call faster or slower the pace, reaching the mid thirties at times, must have been about right.
At the end a couple of seniors were waiting for us in the park. Bridie and Graham joined us for coffee.
Overall a fitting end to the Tramps ride calendar for 2013, just the lights to go. I must commend Peter for putting together a very enjoyable selection of rides for the year. Despite his busy lifestyle he seems quite motivated to continue his good work into 2014.
The ride advertised was a bit different on the day as the route was reversed to cover the greater distance prior to lunch. I also recommended some quieter roads that reduced the traffic, but not the distance. The change of direction did have one significant outcome in that the ride now took us up Rowley's Hill.
Initially the going was pretty easy on the flattish ground that covers the Newry/Tinamba flood plain. It was not until we reached Upper Maffra West that we arrived at Rowley's and the start of the hills. I was very impressed that reportedly all riders managed to ride up Rowley's. As the group was to discover the real test was still to come on the Coongulla Road. It was just after the T intersection that the increasing gradient tested some riders to destruction. That was the last big effort. The following plunge to the lake and short climb into town was all that remained. I though I was being considerate offering the group a flat dirt road or the more hilly asphalt alternative for the last 500 metres. This seemed to work for all but one member who overshot the park and was not seen again for some 30 minutes. Eventually Maurice found his way back to us before we thought of packing up. He may have even scored a slice of apple pie that Tony had on the menu. A prominent Sadsacer remarked that such delicacies did not appear on her club rides.
The ride home was less challenging but still required some effort. The initial climb up from the lake was not easy but the following drop to the river was. The climb back up to the weir reserve was manageable. We stopped off there for a short break. The road then tended to undulate somewhat until connecting with the Licola Road. The final run into Heyfield tends to be fast and as the group did not call faster or slower the pace, reaching the mid thirties at times, must have been about right.
At the end a couple of seniors were waiting for us in the park. Bridie and Graham joined us for coffee.
Overall a fitting end to the Tramps ride calendar for 2013, just the lights to go. I must commend Peter for putting together a very enjoyable selection of rides for the year. Despite his busy lifestyle he seems quite motivated to continue his good work into 2014.
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| Vance to the fore |
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| Helen sings for the boys |
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| A couple of tarts |
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| Walhalla revisited |
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| George on the throne |
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| The whole group on final leg |
Monday, 18 November 2013
SADSAC: Woodside - Port Albert 24 November.
A solid roll up of around twenty riders made the effort to get to Woodside for the last ride of the Sadsac calendar. The weather for the ride was always in doubt and as it turned out was considerably kinder to the group than if they had stayed at home.
Just before the start the most significant precipitation occurred raising some worries for the rest of the day. These concerns were unfounded as it turned out as the rest of the day was relatively dry. The route to Port Albert covers some rather nice quiet roads which tended to lend themselves to social riding. The usual run out between Tarraville and the outskirts of the Port did not take place this year due to lack of interest. There did seem to be some urgency in the final run into town but this may have been due to the slightly wet conditions at the time. Due to the possibility of more showers over the break, suitable shelter was found a short distance from the port itself. Once all those that desired some of the local hot produce were in possession of said items, the group congregated at the park. While it remained cool for the break the fish and chips helped raise the temperature. Marg had provided a good selection of delicious cakes to those unable to survive on chips alone.
Just before we launched off on the return we sang Happy Birthday to Shirley just to brighten her day.
The run home did include some slightly busier roads through Alberton and on towards Yarram. Once onto Pound Road the traffic dropped right off and the expected headwind was fortunately all cross. On to Old Sale Road the tailwind appeared again making easy riding back up to the highway. Since we missed out on the run out on the morning leg I made the offer of a run out over the last 8 km. This did allow some of the group to put in for the final part of our final ride.
It appeared that the overall feeling was that the day had been a good one.
Our next Sadsac ride will be the last Sunday in January.
Just before the start the most significant precipitation occurred raising some worries for the rest of the day. These concerns were unfounded as it turned out as the rest of the day was relatively dry. The route to Port Albert covers some rather nice quiet roads which tended to lend themselves to social riding. The usual run out between Tarraville and the outskirts of the Port did not take place this year due to lack of interest. There did seem to be some urgency in the final run into town but this may have been due to the slightly wet conditions at the time. Due to the possibility of more showers over the break, suitable shelter was found a short distance from the port itself. Once all those that desired some of the local hot produce were in possession of said items, the group congregated at the park. While it remained cool for the break the fish and chips helped raise the temperature. Marg had provided a good selection of delicious cakes to those unable to survive on chips alone.
Just before we launched off on the return we sang Happy Birthday to Shirley just to brighten her day.
The run home did include some slightly busier roads through Alberton and on towards Yarram. Once onto Pound Road the traffic dropped right off and the expected headwind was fortunately all cross. On to Old Sale Road the tailwind appeared again making easy riding back up to the highway. Since we missed out on the run out on the morning leg I made the offer of a run out over the last 8 km. This did allow some of the group to put in for the final part of our final ride.
It appeared that the overall feeling was that the day had been a good one.
Our next Sadsac ride will be the last Sunday in January.
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| Rest stop enroute the Port |
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| George leads the rest |
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| Safest to leave the hats on |
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| Where are your plastic gloves |
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| Pound Road break |
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| OK tallest on the left |
Monday, 11 November 2013
TRAMPS: Traralgon South - Balook 17 November
Due to interstate family commitments unable to attend ride, But Vance did.
Here is his report and photos.
We had a lovely ride today.
The early start was very popular and the weather was perfect. It was overcast for most of the day and not very hot.
The 14 riders made good progress up to the Red Hill Road turnoff where we had an extended rest.
Janette handed out rum balls then we continued to the lunch spot at Balook arriving at 12:30 p.m.
There were no breakdowns on the way up so we were earlier then expected and able to have a full hour for lunch.
The cruise back down allowed us to admire the spectacular views of the Valley.
Lorraine could not come for the whole day but rode quite a long way up the mountain to meet us on the way down.
Cappuccinos were consumed in the very pleasant surroundings outside the local super market at Traralgon South.
Here is his report and photos.
We had a lovely ride today.
The early start was very popular and the weather was perfect. It was overcast for most of the day and not very hot.
The 14 riders made good progress up to the Red Hill Road turnoff where we had an extended rest.
Janette handed out rum balls then we continued to the lunch spot at Balook arriving at 12:30 p.m.
There were no breakdowns on the way up so we were earlier then expected and able to have a full hour for lunch.
The cruise back down allowed us to admire the spectacular views of the Valley.
Lorraine could not come for the whole day but rode quite a long way up the mountain to meet us on the way down.
Cappuccinos were consumed in the very pleasant surroundings outside the local super market at Traralgon South.
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| Before the fun part |
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| Best part of the day. |
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| Munching at Balook |
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| Official eaters |
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| Resting at Red Hill Rd |
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| The fearless leader |
Monday, 4 November 2013
SADSAC: Maffra Bike Rally 10 November
We managed to do a bit better with the attendance at this year's rally, just.
The weather had been threatening for the last few days but still managed to hold off for this event.
Defending champs, the Cathies, seemed keen to repeat their past success and were the first off. As with previous rallies I had attended, Ray had put together a challenging course with some out of sequence questions to try to separate the top performers. It appeared that those teams had not showed up on the day as most of the contestants only scored the odd difficult question through luck. The distance covered on the day was as expected around 30 km and a pleasant ride in it's own right. The overall result had the entire field was separated by only 2 questions. The former champs could not reproduce their performance on this day and had to settle for last place with the bulk of the field. The unlikely victors were the old fellas, Denis and Alister. Denis's solving of the pump manufacturers question at the last minute had them jump ahead of the Pickering and Petersen combinations. Ray then went to great effort to separate the two second place teams.
This was no easy task as both groups had some difficulty answering the tie breakers. Eventually the Petersen's lucked out and took the silver medals. Due to the generosity of our sponsoring bike shops, namely Alexander Cycles and Push'n Pedal Cycles, there were enough prizes for everyone to be a winner.
Ray had once again organised a top bike rally and has agreed to continue his efforts with next year's event being based in Sale. It should be around the same time of the year so think about any new people who may be interested in such an event. Once again a top ride.
The weather had been threatening for the last few days but still managed to hold off for this event.
Defending champs, the Cathies, seemed keen to repeat their past success and were the first off. As with previous rallies I had attended, Ray had put together a challenging course with some out of sequence questions to try to separate the top performers. It appeared that those teams had not showed up on the day as most of the contestants only scored the odd difficult question through luck. The distance covered on the day was as expected around 30 km and a pleasant ride in it's own right. The overall result had the entire field was separated by only 2 questions. The former champs could not reproduce their performance on this day and had to settle for last place with the bulk of the field. The unlikely victors were the old fellas, Denis and Alister. Denis's solving of the pump manufacturers question at the last minute had them jump ahead of the Pickering and Petersen combinations. Ray then went to great effort to separate the two second place teams.
This was no easy task as both groups had some difficulty answering the tie breakers. Eventually the Petersen's lucked out and took the silver medals. Due to the generosity of our sponsoring bike shops, namely Alexander Cycles and Push'n Pedal Cycles, there were enough prizes for everyone to be a winner.
Ray had once again organised a top bike rally and has agreed to continue his efforts with next year's event being based in Sale. It should be around the same time of the year so think about any new people who may be interested in such an event. Once again a top ride.
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| The Cathies tried hard |
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| Atop tip hill |
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| Winners can't believe it |
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| Denis explains winning move |
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| Loser takes advice |
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| Happy second place getters |
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