Monday, 24 June 2013

TRAMPS: Traralgon - Cowwarr Weir 30 June

I predicted an easy ride and I was spot on. twenty plus riders followed leader Maurice on one of the club's more relaxed outings. After a rather damp June the last day was anything but. The sun shone and the wind remained light for the duration.
The route for the day tried to stay clear of the busier roads of the area and generally succeeded. While there was some traffic on the Traralgon /Glengarrie Road there was enough room on the side to feel comfortable.
The flat terrain had us at the lunch stop at the Weir Reserve at a respectable hour. The setting was even better than I remembered. With full sun and no wind the lake was looking it's best. We even had a short explanation of the mysterious construction on the far side of the lake from the club's historian. The only small minus of the location was that the reserve's management had not given us access to the local conveniences.
The return journey started off smoothly enough until we encountered a nervous horse and rider. Some riders thought that they we about to be pushed off the road by said beast. One of our bearded riders was confused by the rider appearing to be very tall as he claimed that he did not notice the horse. The events did not stop there, however, as more was to unfold at Toongabbie. It appeared that one of our back markers had taken a mysterious tumble just short of town and an ambulance had been requested. The rider's condition seemed to be on the improve by the time the medical appliance arrived quite some time later. Having seen the rider and partner off we continued on to the finish without further delay. In fact there were some in the group that seemed particularly keen to reach their vehicle in the last few hundred metres. Perhaps the rider thought that time was running out for him or maybe he was just reliving the good old days.
Overall I can not imagine a more relaxing ride for the team.
Care for a hot beverage Vance?
A perfect lunch spot, almost
On the run home
A stop beside the River
On the Glengarrie Road
Beware the Red Baron in your 6


Monday, 17 June 2013

SADSAC: Heyfield - Cheynes Bridge 23 June

What a day to tackle the hills. Around sixteen riders assembled at Heyfield under clear skies but cool airs.
We had a number of visitors for this ride with four extras from Sale as well as three Tramps, although those riders are almost regulars. We also had a new rider from Sale, Allen.
The ride started out easily enough with the first stop just over the new? Glenmaggie Bridge. For most it was their first time riding over the structure. My knowledge of the item (only 40 years) does not go back far enough to recall it ever being a bike friendly roadway. This stop gave us the chance to remove our extreme weather gear as the hills were upon us. Despite some spirited riding up the hills at the front, the group did not seem to spread out all that much. After the final morning stop at the top of Blanket Hill all that was left was the rapid descent to the river. One curious event just prior to the summit was the sight of around sixteen MX-5s zooming past. I had not realised that Mazda had sold that many.
The lunch stop by the river was as glorious as ever. While not at the exact date we were close enough to celebrate our senior members birthday again. Unless we move the timing of this ride I see no end to this event taking place.
The return journey was just as enjoyable as the trip out. While we did encounter a slight headwind, it was not significant. Despite some comments about the condition of the leg muscles by the time we reached Glenmaggie, most riders still seemed in good spirits. The ride itself was incident free although there was a tumble from one of our office bearers at the end but technically the ride had finished. A four o'clock finish for a ride of this difficulty was rather impressive for the group. Yet another good result for the Sadies.
Les Mandy Pat near Monds
Blanket Hill stop
Ladies log sunny lunch
All sparkles for party hat boy
Riders clear Green's Gully
Final rest stop ( for some)

Monday, 10 June 2013

TRAMPS: Trafalgar - Warragul 16 June

Around sixteen riders presented at Trafalgar for what was predicted to be a rather wet day.
How wrong could they have been? The day turned out to be one of the best, weather wise, for this time of the year. The route itself was somewhat front loaded in terms of hills and distance. It started out flat enough with a run along the North Canal Road before heading into the hills for the run through Shady Creek. While the group did spread out a bit on the hills the lead bunch minimised the gaps by encouraging the leader to tell us a story on the main climbs, hardly a difficult task. Once clear of the serious climbs only a couple of pinches were encountered on the run into town.
Lunch was enjoyed in the sheltered area of the park as the mandatory birthday party was being held in the sunshine. Some locals, who shared our lunch location, did cause the team captain some distress as they appeared to discard half a box of perfectly good chips. Hopefully the cakes and Tim Tams managed to calm him down a bit.
The return journey was very enjoyable with the weather behaving itself and the countryside far more relaxed.
By the time we reappeared at Trafalgar the group seemed rather happy with the exercise. It was another worthwhile event.
North Canal cruising
Shady Creek regroup
Nilma North climb
Lunch with the team
Much happier this year
No chips for the boyfriend

Monday, 3 June 2013

SADSAC: Maffra - Glenmaggie Weir 09 June

Due to my absence from the ride Dave has kindly provided an account.

12 riders
Cold start about 4 Deg in Maffra
All enjoyed ride up Rowley's Hill at Maffra West - a couple of riders walked near the top.
Lunch at the weir was a surprise for some, as they had never been there before.
Sunny but still cold.
Lunch at 11.40am back at Maffra by 2 pm then a hot cuppa at Maffra's Cafe L'Attitude.
No flat tyres or spills.
Total distance of ride 50 km 

Jim talked a lot about his overseas trip and now knows how to say bike in about 5 different languages.

Photos are courtesy of Liz with my best guess. 
Leaving Newry
Welcome lake views
Preparing for Pine Hill
Riders with L'Attitude
The whole group sans Rick