TRAMPS: Heyfield - Coongulla 01 December.

Fifteen riders gathered at Heyfield for a day in the foothills. Of note was that a third of those present were Sadsac members. Not that surprising, I suppose, given the location. To put the following into context I was chosen as ride leader.
The ride advertised was a bit different on the day as the route was reversed to cover the greater distance prior to lunch. I also recommended some quieter roads that reduced the traffic, but not the distance. The change of direction did have one significant outcome in that the ride now took us up Rowley's Hill.
Initially the going was pretty easy on the flattish ground that covers the Newry/Tinamba flood plain. It was not until we reached Upper Maffra West that we arrived at Rowley's and the start of the hills. I was very impressed that reportedly all riders managed to ride up Rowley's. As the group was to discover the real test was still to come on the Coongulla Road. It was just after the T intersection that the increasing gradient tested some riders to destruction. That was the last big effort. The following plunge to the lake and short climb into town was all that remained. I though I was being considerate offering the group a flat dirt road or the more hilly asphalt alternative for the last 500 metres. This seemed to work for all but one member who overshot the park and was not seen again for some 30 minutes. Eventually Maurice found his way back to us before we thought of packing up. He may have even scored a slice of apple pie that Tony had on the menu. A prominent Sadsacer remarked that such delicacies did not appear on her club rides.
The ride home was less challenging but still required some effort. The initial climb up from the lake was not easy but the following drop to the river was. The climb back up to the weir reserve was manageable. We stopped off there for a short break. The road then tended to undulate somewhat until connecting with the Licola Road. The final run into Heyfield tends to be fast and as the group did not call faster or slower the pace, reaching the mid thirties at times, must have been about right.
At the end a couple of seniors were waiting for us in the park. Bridie and Graham joined us for coffee.
Overall a fitting end to the Tramps ride calendar for 2013, just the lights to go. I must commend Peter for putting together a very enjoyable selection of rides for the year. Despite his busy lifestyle he seems quite motivated to continue his good work into 2014.

Vance to the fore

Helen sings for the boys

A couple of tarts

Walhalla revisited

George on the throne

The whole group on final leg

SADSAC: Woodside - Port Albert 24 November.

A solid roll up of around twenty riders made the effort to get to Woodside for the last ride of the Sadsac calendar. The weather for the ride was always in doubt and as it turned out was considerably kinder to the group than if they had stayed at home.
Just before the start the most significant precipitation occurred raising some worries for the rest of the day. These concerns were unfounded as it turned out as the rest of the day was relatively dry. The route to Port Albert covers some rather nice quiet roads which tended to lend themselves to social riding. The usual run out between Tarraville and the outskirts of the Port did not take place this year due to lack of interest. There did seem to be some urgency in the final run into town but this may have been due to the slightly wet conditions at the time.  Due to the possibility of more showers over the break, suitable shelter was found a short distance from the port itself. Once all those that desired some of the local hot produce were in possession of said items, the group congregated at the park. While it remained cool for the break the fish and chips helped raise the temperature. Marg had provided a good selection of delicious cakes to those unable to survive on chips alone.
Just before we launched off on the return we sang Happy Birthday to Shirley just to brighten her day.
The run home did include some slightly busier roads through Alberton and on towards Yarram. Once onto Pound Road the traffic dropped right off and the expected headwind was fortunately all cross. On to Old Sale Road the tailwind appeared again making easy riding back up to the highway. Since we missed out on the run out on the morning leg I made the offer of a run out over the last 8 km. This did allow some of the group to put in for the final part of our final ride.
It appeared that the overall feeling was that the day had been a good one.
Our next Sadsac ride will be the last Sunday in January.

Rest stop enroute the Port

George leads the rest

Safest to leave the hats on

Where are your plastic gloves

Pound Road break

OK tallest on the left

TRAMPS: Traralgon South - Balook 17 November

Due to interstate family commitments unable to attend ride, But Vance did.
Here is his report and photos.

We had a lovely ride today.
The early start was very popular and the weather was perfect. It was overcast for most of the day and not very hot.
The 14 riders made good progress up to the Red Hill Road turnoff where we had an extended rest.
Janette handed out rum balls then we continued to the lunch spot at Balook arriving at 12:30 p.m.
There were no breakdowns on the way up so we were earlier then expected and able to have a full hour for lunch.
The cruise back down allowed us to admire the spectacular views of the Valley.
Lorraine could not come for the whole day but rode quite a long way up the mountain to meet us on the way down.
Cappuccinos were consumed in the very pleasant surroundings outside the local super market at Traralgon South.

Before the fun part

Best part of the day.

Munching at Balook

Official eaters

Resting at Red Hill Rd

The fearless leader

SADSAC: Maffra Bike Rally 10 November

We managed to do a bit better with the attendance at this year's rally, just.
The weather had been threatening for the last few days but still managed to hold off for this event.
Defending champs, the Cathies, seemed keen to repeat their past success and were the first off. As with previous rallies I had attended, Ray had put together a challenging course with some out of sequence questions to try to separate the top performers. It appeared that those teams had not showed up on the day as most of the contestants only scored the odd difficult question through luck. The distance covered on the day was as expected around 30 km and a pleasant ride in it's own right. The overall result had the entire field was separated by only 2 questions. The former champs could not reproduce their performance on this day and had to settle for last place with the bulk of the field. The unlikely victors were the old fellas, Denis and Alister. Denis's solving of the pump manufacturers question at the last minute had them jump ahead of the Pickering and Petersen combinations. Ray then went to great effort to separate the two second place teams.
This was no easy task as both groups had some difficulty answering the tie breakers. Eventually the Petersen's lucked out and took the silver medals. Due to the generosity of our sponsoring bike shops, namely Alexander Cycles and Push'n Pedal Cycles, there were enough prizes for everyone to be a winner.
Ray had once again organised a top bike rally and has agreed to continue his efforts with next year's event being based in Sale. It should be around the same time of the year so think about any new people who may be interested in such an event. Once again a top ride.

The Cathies tried hard

Atop tip hill

Winners can't believe it

Denis explains winning move

Loser takes advice

Happy second place getters