First rides for 2014.

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.

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.

Eric sets the mood

Diners at the far end

Not quite dark

Tim on trike

Riders back lit

Plenty to see

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.

Some of the revelers

More stories to tell

Bye Bye George and Betty

Expecting something big from Santa

Cathie, this is your life

Santa departing

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.

Vance to the fore

Helen sings for the boys

A couple of tarts

Walhalla revisited

George on the throne

The whole group on final leg

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.

Rest stop enroute the Port

George leads the rest

Safest to leave the hats on

Where are your plastic gloves

Pound Road break

OK tallest on the left

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.

Before the fun part

Best part of the day.

Munching at Balook

Official eaters

Resting at Red Hill Rd

The fearless leader

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 Cathies tried hard

Atop tip hill

Winners can't believe it

Denis explains winning move

Loser takes advice

Happy second place getters

TRAMPS: Traralgon - Rosedale 03 November.

Sixteen riders assembled at Traralgon despite the threat of deteriorating weather conditions.
The conditions had not gone unnoticed by the ride organisers and a more appropriate alternate route had been developed. The main concern for the day was the strong west to southwesterly wind. The published route traversed some very exposed countryside and regardless of the direction of travel there would have been some serious headwinds encountered on the second half. The revised route was both shorter and more protected and was a good call. The new places to be visited included Tyers, Thoms Bridge, Morwell with a return via Hazelwood Road. I had intended to drive the backup the whole day, then just the second half, but ended up riding the whole way with Ann as backup. The initial conditions for the run out through Tyers and on to Thoms Bridge were OK with some occasional light showers and moderate headwinds. We chose to have a rest break just short of Thoms Bridge and while we were there the weather put on a show for us. Apart from the heavy rain we were also treated to thunder, lightening and small hail. Despite our cover looking rather flimsy we managed to come out of the experience with dry socks. One of our group did not fair so well as the sandaled Richard had gone down the road somewhat and returned during the downpour. I guess though his socks were still dry, being safe at home in a drawer.
Once the action had subsided it was on to the final leg to Morwell and lunch. The venue chosen was well protected from the prevailing conditions and provided relative comfort. Ann had provided a range of tasty items for the group. After a good break the group was coaxed, some were reluctant, to remount and brave the inclement conditions. Good progress was made initially, with the fresh tailwind, until some confusion with the route caused a slight delay. Once sorted it was on to the undulating terrain of the Hazelwood Road before the group was treated to the fast run down Mattingley Hill. There was some crosswind and precipitation during this exercise but as official photographer I was able to shelter from the worst in order to document the enthusiastic riders. Once on to the Highland Way conditions had moderated but at the next turn, whilst on corner duty, I noticed that Colin, our tail end Charlie, was no longer riding. He had encountered a regular hazard on wet roads, namely a puncture, with the end in sight. I sent on the back up, now equipped with local guide, and pursued the rest of the group only to notice my tyre deflating. Luckily a quick pump up saw me to the end.
Overall the day turned out to be a good ride, success grabbed from the jaws of failure.

Enroute Tyers

Tyers stop

Climb out from Thoms Bridge

No wet socks for me

Surviving Mattingley

Sunny Highland Way

SADSAC: Cathie's Mystery Ride. 27 October

Twenty riders assembled at the Port for a day of mysteries.
We had a solid role up from the valley, complete with Tim on his trike. One new rider joined us, being Lionel from Stratford.
The day was always more along the lines of visiting places of interest rather than a serious ride and that was reflected in a total distance traveled of only 21 km. From the Port we headed out along the recently upgraded path to the swing bridge. While most of the path is still smooth gravel, the section along the old highway is quite wide hot mix. The swing bridge had been a feature of a previous visit but the area had a new exhibit containing a model bark canoe. From this point we returned to the port before taking the bike path to Wurruk and the recently upgraded Herb Guyatt Nature Reserve. Very few of the group knew of the existence of this small but attractive reserve. The route now took us back into town and on reaching the houses we paused to inspect an old cemetery that dated back to the earliest of days of the town.
By this stage there were some who were starting to get hungry so the the next place, being the lunch venue, was most welcome. Cathy's choice of a lunch stop would have to rank as our most impressive for the year. Set in beautiful gardens the private residence is used for outdoor weddings and the owners were good friends of some of the group. By this stage of the day the weather had brightened up and conditions were close to ideal.
After a relaxing lunch it was a short walk next door to our last destination. This took the form of a work in progress museum run by Peter and Rose. Apart from information from the owner the group had within it a wealth of knowledge of all things old. The size of the collection was very impressive and the display will be open to the public on a more regular basis next year. As the plans for the museum were as extensive as the collection I commented to the owner that it was fortunate that he was still a young man.
This ride has set a new standard and Cathy will find it difficult to top it next year, but no doubt she will try.

What is it?

Under and over

Mixing with nature

I see dead people

Queen Ann and admirer

A shed within a shed

TRAMPS: Foster Weekend. 19/20 October.

By my count 18 riders headed off from Foster on a sunny Saturday morning. Some of the group had stayed the previous night to be well rested for the first day of riding. The run to Sandy Point started with a climb to Fish Creek. Some chose the easier path up the rail trail but the bulk of the group went the more demanding road option. After regrouping just over the ridge the total number took to the road for the quick run into Fish Creek. After a short rest stop it was on to the scenic undulations prior to the drop on to the flat ground and Sandy Point. The day was heating up by this stage and shade was the place to eat lunch. Some had a quick walk to the beach only to find it missing under the waves. It is usually around 150 m wide. The run home had a headwind to start with, just to increase the effort. Once we turned off the wind the rest of the run back to camp was more relaxed. A rather successful first day.
Fully rested the group headed off to the local hotel for a slap up dinner.
Day two required the group to relocate to the Prom gates for the start. We had expected some extras to join us but they were a no show.  This day was always going to be the more challenging and it lived up to that in spades. Initially we enjoyed a tailwind as we traversed the scrubby countryside. The profile showed some hills prior to the Darby River and despite some false flats we did eventually find them. Tim even had a closer look at the first one after a gearing mishap. Just after the river the main climb commenced. In spite of the wind there were some protected spots on the climb where the temperature spiked. Once we finally made the saddle a large group of fundraising walkers greeted us. We even scored some fresh mandarins. The run to Tidal River was not all downhill, as I had alluded to in my previous post. In fact the first kick up was quite severe. On this leg Peter managed to puncture but we did not have to wait too long for his return. From here the final run was easy. After a pleasant lunch by the shop we headed off via the beach. The first climb up past Lilly Pilly into the wind prepared us for what was to come. The main climb from Whisky Beach to the saddle was quite hard. Even so, all those that made it looked rather good. After a rest stop by the river the group headed off into a light headwind. The leader was setting a healthy pace and a few of us, starting to feel it by this stage, appreciated the tow. At the final regroup at 7 km some of those in the backup rejoined for the final leg. It was then a short drive to Yanakie and coffee.  
Many thanks to Vance for the backup. He services were in demand on the Sunday.
No shortage of images from the weekend. I had to choose 6 from 50.

Leaving Fish Creek

Enjoying lunch, Sandy Point

Thanks for the sweets, mister 

Crossing the river

On the way home

2013 Foster Team, 4 missing