TRAMPS: Dumbalk - Koonwarra 19 May

The weather for the ride to Koonwarra was on people's minds and rightly so.
Despite the worries a good number of riders made the effort of getting themselves to Dumbalk for a mixed day of road and rail trail. We had a new rider in John who told me that he had only ridden a maximum of 25 km in recent times. If one was to attempt a longer distance, in this case 51, then this was the group to attempt it with. As it turned out he handled the distance without any real worries.
The ride started with a short warm up flat before the 6 km climb to the Mardan Road. While a significant climb the gradient was not excessive and we had a stop on the way up. Also, the choice of our strongest rider as leader meant that all other riders could go at their own pace on the climb. Long timer Tim had lost his shoe cleat at the start of the climb and was considering retirement. As it turned out I just happened to have a spare left hand pedal, due to my own untrustworthy new(cheap) pedals, so we had him back on the ride. Once clear of the main climb some bumps were encountered along the ridge before the downhill run to Leongatha. This was the point where the rail trail started and the fine weather ended. We initially sheltered from the steady rain before heading off on the now soggy trail.  Those sporting mud guards had big grins on their faces as they watched the others cover their backs in sandy spray. Even so it was a good surface and we were soon at Koonwarra.
The facilities at the lunch stop included a couple of shelter sheds, of sorts. The structures were sound and despite lacking windows they did have a flushing devise. We therefore had to share lunch with the odd passing shower. The cakes provided by the rarely seen Ann were rather special though.
The run home started on the rail trail before jumping off onto the road and then back on the trail. Despite this it was a pleasant leg to Meeniyan. The final run on the road back to Dumbalk was generally uneventful.
One particular rider from Longford, who was not having a birthday, made the day more memorable by falling off her bike a lot. Once before the start, another just before lunch and almost a third at one of the many rail trail gates. Luckily all the tumbles were made with the bike stationary. The resulting bruises were quite colourful. Even so the day was rather successful and I had a good time.

On the trail

A wet bridge

Through the trees

Quite a spread

Meeniyan regroup

Small trains only

SADSAC: Longford-Golden Beach-Seaspray 12 May

We managed to attract sixteen riders for the Mother's Day ride to Seaspray.
The weather again behaved itself. This should not be a big surprise as the area has only managed 150 mm of rain so far this year, well below average. The ride numbers were boosted by Tramps Richard, Tony and Colin (on his way back to Blaze Aid). We also had member Dick return to the group. We ended up with five mums on the ride with a recovering Shirl driving the backup.
The initial leg out to Golden Beach did not have the usual tailwind but the light crosswind was hardly noticeable. The stop at Golden Beach allowed the group some relief and the backup crew to grab some milk. Just as well as the shop at Seaspray appeared to be shut. The run to Seaspray, along the dune, was quite relaxing. Due to the nature of the route lunch was always going to be a bit later than normal and turned out to be around 1:30. As was my plan we utilized the club table for drinks and cakes. Ann had it well adorned with tablecloth and flowers for the day. I think we will use the table on future rides, thanks for the idea Vance. Mums also received a small gift for sharing their day with us.
Being so close to the shortest day for our longest ride the lunch stop could not last too long. We still had a good 30 km to get back to the start. This leg also contained the bulk of the undulations as well. Even so we arrived back at Longford just after four, well before last light. Total distance for the day a solid 88 km.
Even though about 10 km longer than our usual Seaspray run it was generally enjoyed by all.
For those not able to make it on the day Tramps are doing a shorter Seaspray run in August.

Club table in action

Enjoying Mothers' Day

On the run home

Whose mother is this?

Regroup on Stradbroke Road

Mums on bikes

TRAMPS: Morwell - Morwell National Park 05 May

A good number of riders fronted at Morwell for what turned out to be a fine but cool day.
The club's ride co-ord was in attendance but after learning of his new temporary residence status I fear he will not be able to benefit too often from all the hard work he put into planning the current routes. Hopefully he will be able to return to this state on a more permanent basis in the not too distant future.
The route on the day was reasonably flat for the first 20 odd kilometres before heading off into the foothills of the Strzelecki Range. As per my suspicion the lunch stop was at the National Park. After a reasonable climb we arrived at the picnic spot to find it almost deserted. As it turned out the other visitors were Jos and Rhonda joining us for lunch. I noted that the club table is put to work on every ride now. It does free up the existing tables for the riders I must admit. After a relaxing lunch aided by some rather delicious offerings from the Maurice (although I prefer the BMC version) Team we were ready for stage two.
The first kilometre after lunch was the steepest of the day and a few started the ride home with a walk. Once at the high point it was a quick downhill plunge to the flatlands near the pondage. A short climb to Churchill had us into the slightly bumpy ground prior to the final run home to the carpark. As a number of riders had made their way to the start under their own steam, they were given a small shortcut to the after ride coffee stop, read McDonald's. The rest returned to the car park to record an enjoyable ride in the mid fifties.
This was my first National Park loop and I regard it as a ride quite suitable to introduce new riders to the club. The hills were not too taxing and the roads reasonably quiet. A good day of riding.

Skirting the pondage

Almost at lunch

Rhonda and table

How good is this?

Ride leader instructions

Regroup at main road

SADSAC: Fernbank - Den of Nargun 28 April

The day turned out as one of the best, weather wise, for those who made the long trek to Fernbank for the ride to the Den. Some even managed to combine the ride with a bush walk with the local Ben Cruchan club.
The couple chose to stay the night in Fernbank in their new? mobile home. Madie and Trevor conducted tours of the bus prior to the ride. We also had Linden who had traveled up from the valley. All up the count was fourteen. I was a bit surprised at the number of ten speed racing bikes in attendance as the ride had 10 km of dirt, standard unknown.
The ride itself started off easily enough with the flat run to the Fingerboards. After this, however, the Dargo road was anything but flat. After a couple of long climbs we arrived at the turnoff and start of the dirt. At least this 5 km was mainly downhill and Ann and I were pleased, at least for this leg, to have our comfort bikes with their chubby tires. The thin rubber brigade still managed to reach lunch with their mounts and bodies intact. One regular couple chose, in error, to swap bikes for this leg. This was due to the bikes being similar looking and had nothing to do with their age. It was a pity they were not the same height.
The lunch in the shelter shed was a welcome rest for all concerned. I noted that none chose the option of the short (90 min) walk to the Den and back, perhaps next time. This was most likely due to the very nice carrot cake, slice and Anzac biscuits on offer.
The return leg involved the climb back up the dirt to the Dargo Road. Again the racers were pleased to see the asphalt again. Once the hills were concurred yet again the final flat run was a breeze. Overall a rather pleasant day of riding and despite only 50 km the hills meant that all felt that they had made an effort.

Just a quick update from the Tramps Cheynes Bridge ride. The rather pale faced member that ended up in the backup vehicle for most of the day is now the proud owner of two new stents. It appears that the wisecracks about using the high voltage device were not that far off the mark. He is now, however, quite well and any enhanced performance on future rides will be drug free.

On the flat

Bridie on her own bike

After lunch wash up

Rest stop on Dargo Road

Shirl at the Den

Reading report from unlucky ones

TRAMPS: Heyfield - Cheynes Bridge 21 April

The weather was ideal for a run in the hills.
More than I was expecting turned out at Heyfield for what turned out to be, as predicted, a solid day of riding. A couple of second timers, Leanne and Kate, must prefer the climbs as their previous appearance was at Callignee. The president had an image change in his new outfit. Perhaps the plan was to blend in with the common folk on the ride.
As covered in the preview the repaired bridge at Glenmaggie was open for business. The finished product was well worth the wait. It was almost too good to use. Once over the marvel it was into the hills. Unfortunately for Ann, her electric assistance package turned into an 8 kg handicap due to a failure somewhere in the system. As it turned out it was not needed anyway. On the run up to Blanket Hill one of our former regulars gave us some concerns after consumption of a performance degrading substance. Some of us were keen to give the new magic box a run but the patient declined.
Once the group cleared Blanket Hill it was the fun downhill run followed by a leisurely flat section to lunch. The picnic area under the bridge was back to it's former glory and the even more enhanced club table had us looking in all directions. The return journey seemed to have more hills, but I suspect that the legs just noticed them more.
On reaching the Seaton Road the group did not seem to believe that the route had us back via more hills. The adjudicator took note of the reducing light and made the decision to take the shorter run home, a popular call. The temperature was dropping quickly as we approached the finish which made the coffee shop very comfortable. One of the better runs to Cheynes. I liked it anyway.

Oh What a bridge.

Pixie leader

Club foreman facing south

Chums enjoying the lunch break

Beginning the main climb

A near Blanket finish

SADSAC: Rosedale - Traralgon 14 April.

Well the Traralgon loop enjoyed fine weather for the most part.
Fifteen riders presented at Rosedale for run to Traralgon and back. As well as the regulars we had the still recovering Richard to test his current state and newly crowned Tramps champ Trevor as well.
Also feeling more confident was Alistair and his repaired electro bike.
The run to Glengarry was rather easy after tackling the initial climbs out of Rosedale. On arrival at Glengarry we encountered Richard the third? ( I can get the numbers mixed up at times) who had tried to ride to the start but had suffered two punctures. He joined us for the short run to Traralgon. The lunch spot in the park beside the river was most pleasant and we were just settling in for the day when concerned weather watchers stirred the group into action for the return to Rosedale. The shortened break did not save us though as the showers caught up to us just past the power station. The precipitation was short lived and few felt the need to don the raincoat. The expected tailwind on the final leg was replaced by an easterly so a crosswind was the go.
Despite the 70 km distance we were back by a reasonable hour.
A good day out for the flatlanders.

The true Gippsland Plains

Senior gents enjoying lunch

Ladies, busy as usual

Richard departing Traralgon

Regroup at Rosedale

The other half

TRAMPS: Giro d' Glengarry 07 April

The real Giro riders could only dream of our flat course.
A solid turnout of riders enjoyed fine conditions for the first Giro d' Glengarry.
The day attracted a couple of new riders in Ray and Trevor.
It was also the first ride back for the recovering Richard, and he put in a good effort.
The morning ride was a bit shorter than advertised but allowed for a relaxed lunch break.
The serious part of the day did however come to pass and riders were all prepared for the challenge ahead. The riders on the time trial were sent off in the order they signed on at the start of the day. The actual start was slightly unconventional with a short grass section and fence avoidance before reaching the tarmac. The 9.9 km course was flat as and had been mostly covered on the morning run and therefore should not have presented any navigational problems. The early starters did manage to find a mob of sheep on the back straight and this did delay some of them significantly. I think that this occurrence was listed under "environmental factors" and affected riders were advised to harden up.
The final result was a win for the local lad, though he now lives in Traralgon, Trevor. I had my money on Eric. I should have backed him for a place.
First lady home was Linden followed by Helen, I think Janet was still counting sheep.
Mystery time winner Richard thought he was a bit slow but we hastened to disagree.
The compilation of results was a rather involved process with type of mount and longevity somehow factored in. The judges sent the riders off for the end of day coffee to allow for this activity.
Numerous prizes were handed out thanks to the hard work of Vance. Thanks also to Beth and Norm for running the event. As there was no novelty event this year the trick cyclists missed out.

The morning snooze, sorry cruise

Former BMC member leads bunch

Numerous rest stops

Fueling up for the race

Pre event stretching

Richard awaiting mystery prize