SADSAC: Briagalong-Stratford 31 March.

As expected numbers were down somewhat for the Easter Sunday ride from Briagalong.
Even so we still managed to find ten keen riders for the day. The weather forecast was threatening a 90 percent chance of showers of less than one millimetre. As it turned out it was right in that at one stage we donned our raincoats for seemingly feeble precipitation. I was expecting the wind to turn mid way through the day but it had already turned to the southwest before the start so some headwind was encountered on the run out through Valencia Creek. Our two electric bike riders were on classic mounts for the day but still managed the distance OK. Our departure was delayed by the boys from the valley, Tony and Richard, who had found numerous detours on their way to Briagalong.
By the time we reached Stratford, riders were keen to tuck into lunch, some very keen. There was ample extras food on hand though with Betty and George putting on a special Easter spread complete with chocy eggs and hot (cool) cross buns. We could have used a few more riders to help us eat it all.
The run back was mainly in tailwind conditions and as such quite relaxed.
Overall a pleasant day out, thankfully avoiding the dramas of the last Easter Sunday ride.

Riders on the Beet

Another view

Leaving the lunch stop

The rest of the group

TRAMPS: Melbourne Weekend 23/24 March

As I was not at the Melbourne ride this report is courtesy of Vance.


About 20 riders arrived for the hugely successful Melbourne weekend.

Saturday was easy with a cruise from the accommodation in Coburg along the Capital City Trail, and eventually under all the roads and railway lines for lunch at Southbank. The floating bike path along the Yarra is an engineering achievement as is many of the spectacular overpasses and tunnels provided for the intricate network of paths around Melbourne.
We went under and over an impressive range of different sorts of bridges.
Our return to the accommodation took us along the Merri Creek path to Coburg.
After relaxing with a fun night at Zagames we were ready for the longer next day.

Sunday began at Hays Paddock East Kew and along Anniversary Trail and Schotchmans Creek Trail. A brief stop at Hartwell Station was interesting to us as an interpretive sign indicated that the station came from Walhalla. Many times it became difficult to believe that we were in the middle of a large city; we we surrounded by many different sorts of bushland with exciting water-ways and little bridges to cross.
The trails are heavily use by bike riders, joggers, walkers and many young families.  Jells Park has a large picnic ground and kiosk, which was where we had lunch before going North East on the Eastlink Trail to watch parts of the Melbourne Triathlon being carried out next to us. We were not riding at quite their speed. To complete the 60 odd km and be back at Hays Paddock by 4 p.m. was an achievement to be proud of.  Apart from the occasional chain coming off sometimes, the expedition was disaster free with not even a flat tire.

I have chosen a selection of the photos provided by Vance.

SADSAC: Swan Reach Weekend 16/17 March.

A successful weekend saw 20+1 riders take in the East Gippsland countryside.
Apart from our regular club members we had 4 extras join us from the valley, namely Pat, Colin, Linden and Peter. While some of the group arrived on the Friday the bulk turned up on the Saturday.
The Saturday ride was increased in length from last year and riders enjoyed ideal weather throughout the day. The first leg to Nicholson was mainly on the highway but even this was not a problem. A morning tea break by the river refreshed us for the next exercise. We all, well nearly all, posed for a photo on the old railway bridge before heading up the short section of rail trail to the sealed road. Here the group split into two, being rail trail and others. Despite a dog leg for the asphalt team they still had a shorter, and considerably quicker run to Bruthen. The ones who chose the rail trail were far from disappointed with a very relaxed ride on a good quality surface. After our lunch stop it was onto the final leg to the camp.
This leg did include the significant Bluff climb. Despite some warm up hills in the lead up, the Bluff still took it's toll. The reining monarch was deposed on this occasion by ride co-ordinator Dave.
At the completion some of the group took advantage of the resort's pool. The weather prediction had spoken of late showers and these did arrive on cue as darkness fell at the BBQ. A wet and windy night was to follow but unlike Camelot did not disappear when the morning sun arrived.
The Sunday ride was touch and go for a while as observations and radars were checked. The ride director came up with a revised , read shorter, route that avoided the highway. This took us towards Metung and on to Nungurner School for morning tea. Some of the group chose to take the side trip to the jetty. Conditions by the lake were gorgeous but this was not to last. By the time the group set off for Metung the heavens well and truly opened and the group was rather soggy on arrival. Despite improving conditions the call was made to return to Swan Reach and the pub for lunch. The only change to this was the pub was at Nicholson due to space availability. Turned out to be a good call as they had a band, and a Sale band at that.
Overall the weekend was a great success and this was mainly due to the efforts of Dave in organising two great rides. Many thanks. There was even talk of a follow up next year.

Prior to start Day 1

Posing on the rail bridge

Serenity on the rail trail

Bluff King and Queen

Returning from Metung

Enjoying lunch with St Patrick

TRAMPS: Meeniyan - Foster 10 March

A good turnout at Meeniyan for the rail trail to Foster.
The day was fine and warm, as forecast, with little wind to speak of.
This rail trail is quite popular, as we discovered as we rode the route to the start point.
The only concerns were some sizable cracks that had formed due to the dry conditions and numerous piles of horse droppings that needed avoiding. Apart from these minor concerns the trail has a very good surface and is suitable for high pressure tyres, as some riders chose on the day.
Just to keep riders on their toes the road crossing involved some bike handling skills to clear the barriers. A couple of riders found these tricky. The ride itself did warm up somewhat as we made our way to Foster.
A stop at Fish Creek gave us a chance to recover before the final gentle climb to the ridge and the run down to the lunch stop. The backup vehicle did not have the usual slow drive as it could only meet us at the odd road crossing or town. It was good to see Richard, our backup, without his crutches. He still had a limp but was moving around quite well. He has had some rides on his exercise bike and hopes to be back on the road by mid month. Lunch at Foster was a welcome stop with Barb's mini muffins to enjoy. The even more advanced table had another run and is well and truly fit for duty. As a couple of us did the ride from Foster I asked Vance to provide details of the return. Here is his account:


Our return journey seemed easy. Some of us kept to the shady side of the track where possible.
We even enjoyed some of the views of the Prom. We kept filling up with water when we stopped at the crossings where the support vehicle met us.
Towards the end the sky became overcast which gave us some relief from the sun.
Almost all of us relaxed at Moos for coffee, ( some of it iced.)

Arrival at Fish Creek

Riding in the shade

The lunch break

Enjoying the view

A well earned coffee

A shady stop