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

SADSAC: Longford - Seaspray 13 October.

There was a good roll up at Longford for the replacement ride to Seaspray on Sunday.
Around thirteen riders braved the threatening weather to have a go. The conditions at the start were quite pleasant and the group headed up past the School Fair without incident. The climb up the South Gippsland Highway is steady but manageable. After the regroup at the top we had only ridden a few hundred metres before Dave managed to puncture. The rest of the group continued on into a light headwind to maintain a steady overall pace. The group then reformed at Stradbroke. From this point the riding became much easier as we picked up a tailwind on the run across to the Seaspray Road. On arrival the weather was closing in and due to modern technology we could see the level of rainfall approaching our position. After limited discussion the call was made to abandon the luncheon by the sea and make a retreat to Longford.
Once again the wind was on our tail along the Seaspray Road and good time was made. In the end all but the back markers managed to make it back to the hall before the heavens opened. Only a few hundred metres from home the tail end encountered a familiar figure who we thought was very kindly warning us of glass on the road. In part he was, but Dave had also fallen victim to said glass and had to spend the last few minutes of the ride in the backup.
I had hoped that the riders would not be too damp and that they would stay for lunch at the hall. This was the case and we were able to utilise the solid shelter shed beside the tennis courts. Despite the shortened ride we ended up with 50 km while keeping most of the group dry. A good day out under those conditions.

The sun shone early on 

Boys enjoying tailwind

Looking even worse on radar

Not Seaspray but dry

Attentive group

Old farmers tales