sadsacnews2013: 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.