sadsacnews2013: TRAMPS: Tyers - Walhalla 06 October.

A solid attendance of eighteen riders assembled at Tyers for the run to Walhalla.
The conditions on the day were suited to the testing terrain with overcast and cool being the go.
The ride also brought out two electric bikes with Ann on hers and Sadsac Alister making his first appearance at Tramps on his. A couple of riders arrived a bit on the late side but not due to the introduction of daylight saving. The ride started with the 5 km climb up into the hills. I had suggested in my previous post that the gradient was gentle. I may have bent the truth somewhat as the first half required some effort. Once clear of this however the road flattened out considerably and the subsequent climbs were much shorter. The run from the turnoff is top bike riding country with the run down to the river given an extra challenge as the roads were still wet. After the river I was a bit surprised to find the traffic lights had gone but the stiff climb beyond their former location no doubt caught a few out.
We chose to set up at the rest area on the edge of town as per last year. We were joined by a couple of riders from last year that were not up for this ride. We had seen them pass us along the way and a "cyclists" sign made an appearance at the start of the Walhalla road. I quizzed Bridie on their early arrival into the ride area and she admitted that she had put the clocks forward twice. The extra eats were of a high standard and had been produced by Norm under supervision from the incapacitated Beth. As we were about to leave Vance complimented one of our newer riders shaved legs saying they looked like "girls' legs". I am not sure he took the observation well.
The run home included the highlight of the day, namely the Thomson Station climb. This year it was even better than last, at least for me on my single speed. Hopefully others were just as pleased to be able to enjoy one of life's simple pleasures. Once clear of this obstacle the rest of the ride was relatively easy. Throughout the ride we were followed by ex-racer Bruce whose current heart condition does not allow him to ride any more. It was as if we had our own Tramps groupie. It did mean we had a few false 'car back' calls however. This was one of the more successful rides on the calendar. I am still impressed by the number of Tramps riders happy to tackle what to most would be a rather challenging day out. All that was left was the run to Macca's for coffee.