First rides for 2014.

Tramps starts off the year with the Meals on Wheels ride on 19 January. I assume the format is the same as last year which if so, will require those attending to advise Jan or Vance for catering purposes. If this is not the case I will make a correction in the first post next year. I noticed that the route is somewhat different this time as it starts in Traralgon but has lunch in Morwell. The route looks similar to the dry socks ride in 2013.

Sadsacs kicks off the program on Australia Day starting at the Stratford Railway Station. It takes the form of a loop that has us in Maffra for lunch. This will be quite an easy ride to start the year.

Keep an eye out for the new blog sadsacnews2014.
I will get the Website links updated when the new blog is up.

To all Merry Christmas and a happy New year.

TRAMPS: Christmas Breakup dinner and lights tour. 15 December.

The Christmas dinner was a great success going by the comments extracted from those that attended. Although judging by the lack of frolicking in the pool the group managed to keep their composure. The venue seemed somewhat upmarket when compared to some of the previous versions that were located in Vance's shed. The two of us and one or two others arrived at the end to take in just the lights ride. I also noticed that some of the dinner goers considered themselves unsuited to night riding and had an early night.
Even though the ride did not start until 8:30 the night was still young and the first display home was only just starting to be illuminated. As we progressed further into the ride the houses became more impressive. Some of the riders had gone to some effort to add to the standard lighting of their mounts with additional flair. As has been the case in recent times the stand out was Tim and his masted trike. This year we managed to cover both sides of the town and by the end we had traveled nearly 20 km. Throughout this journey we were accompanied by a small white truck complete with Vance. This vehicle managed to add to the night with its unique blend of sights, sounds and smells. Fortunately it turned out the rescue vehicle was not required on this occasion as all riders completed the evening without incident.
At the completion we retired to the dinner hall for supper. Here I took the opportunity to quiz key members as to the usefulness or otherwise of this blog. From their responses I have decided to continue into 2014. As with last year I will start a new blog with the suffix 2014. This has been a good year for both clubs and while they could both use a few more members, the numbers are enough to ensure a solid future.
The ride calendar for Tramps is already out and the Sadsac calendar will go public early in the new year. I will publish a last post with the first two rides of next year.

Eric sets the mood

Diners at the far end

Not quite dark

Tim on trike

Riders back lit

Plenty to see

SADSAC: Christmas at Mirrambeek. 08 December.

The weather was rather kind to all those that made the drive to Mirrambeek for this year's Sadsac Christmas breakup. In the end we had 32 riders and family share the day. Despite providing both map and written directions to the venue there were still some that overshot by some kilometres, I must remember to take them off the ride leader list.
The day was always going to be warm and some thought went into providing sufficient shady spots for the group. As it turned out the high cloud rolled in just after midday and that took the bite out of the sunshine.
Unfortunately one of our group may have been affected by the conditions and took a bit of a turn. Our nursing staff were concerned enough to call the ambulance. Due to the remote location the ambulance took some time to arrive and when it did, so too did the much anticipated arrival of Santa. Once the ambulance had departed Santa could get to work on the excited kiddies. Once everyone had their presents and fun the hard working red suited gentleman disappeared off into the bush on his sleigh? It was then Cathie's turn to amuse and embarrass those assembled with well earned certificates to worthy members. Cathie then took her turn to receive one herself. In this case a possibly overdue recognition in the form of a life membership to the club. A quick check of the last 20 plus minutes of the club had her name appearing regularly as an office bearer. She was also one of the original founders back in the very early nineties.  
Overall the day seemed to go off well, at least I did not receive any complaints.
As a follow up Betty appeared in good health today, Monday, although her partner George was still not sounding too good.
 Bring on 2014.

Some of the revelers

More stories to tell

Bye Bye George and Betty

Expecting something big from Santa

Cathie, this is your life

Santa departing