SADSAC: Sale - Marley Point 04 May Note: Route Change

Thirteen brave riders turned out in less than ideal conditions at the Port for a run to the Point. As I had foretold the conditions were much cooler than the first time this ride was planned. While the day stayed dry the wind was the main player. As least it was not gusty but it remained fresh all day. We were fortunate on the day to have yet another new member for the club.  Pat had brought along Roz to join the club and ride on an occasional basis. Hopefully we will see her more than that. We also had along our regulars from Tramps to make the day.

The prevailing westerly wind meant that the run to lunch was always going to be easy and quick. The only time we had to put in some effort was on the short upwind leg around the back of the base. The rest of the way was very comfy cruising. Once at the lake we were fortunate to have the shelter shed to ourselves. This made the lunch break far more pleasant as the breeze was cool. We were treated to some serious slices courtesy of Pat. Also joining us at lunch and providing a lift for one of our number was Phil. Shirley was apparently only rated for downwind on the day.

As we started on the return I noticed it was only 12:30. We had only gone a few hundred metres before the headwind made its presence felt. Despite none of the riders making light work of the conditions our senior citizen found the going quite tough. We tried to provide shelter as best we could and stopped as often as required. Once onto the crosswind leg of Hagans Road Alister had already requested some track shortening, and after some consultation, I decided that the whole group could also do without the extra 4 km into wind that was our original plan. Even with this shortcut we covered some 57 km for the day and the general mood for the day was positive. Despite my pre ride concerns the day turned out OK.

Jackie and team still in the burbs

Somerton Park cruising

Back at the port

Can we keep this guy?

To the bikemobile

Titanium is expensive, you know

TRAMPS: Heyfield - Cheynes Bridge 27 April

Despite my realistic assessment of the ride to Cheynes Bridge we ended up with eighteen riders assemble at Heyfield for the event. The day was meant to be fine and sunny with cool temperatures. I guess two out of three ain't bad, to borrow from the loaf man. The sun really only shone up until start time. We had one new rider, for Tramps, with Harry from Rosedale joining us for the day. Also along, perhaps as part of their honeymoon, were the newlyweds Helen and Peter.
Due to a flat tyre prior to the start we headed off slightly late, led by the boy from the peninsula, Eric.
The cool conditions are a bit of a bonus on this ride as with some of the climbs being quite protected, overheating is a strong possibility. The run out through Glenmaggie and across the new bridge was a good warm up for the road ahead. Ride Director had plans to keep the group together but in this terrain riding at the pace of the slowest rider is a big ask. A couple of riders made use of the sag-wagon for the major climbs which I considered a wise move. For the rest the effort of the climbs was rewarded with some impressive views and exciting descents. We did encounter another tyre failure on the run out but luckily Richard had donated an old tyre for the trailer so we were able to replace the offending item at Blanket Hill. Being the end of a long weekend some additional traffic was expected. There were a few more four wheel drives returning from the hills than normal but they were mostly well behaved.
Lunch by the river was it's usual relaxing experience. Janette had put on quite a spread for the assembled so everyone was fully refueled for the return.
The return journey was incident free although there may have been the odd concern about the arrival time and the approaching darkness. As it turned out we still had light to spare by the time Heyfield appeared over the horizon. This is a top ride that, while difficult, always attracts a good number of club members. The length of the day was more obvious once we left the coffee house and put our headlights on for the drive home.

Just prior to the weir outbound

Big smile from newlywed

Director issuing team orders

Eric leads prior to main climb

Atop Blanket Hill

Clear of the last climb

SADSAC: Stratford - Maffra 20 April

A relatively large number of riders turned out on Easter Sunday for an easy ride through the Stratford/Maffra countryside. Sixteen was the starting group with a solid turnout from the valley and local rider, David, joining us for a second time. As was my plan I was able to nominate Denis as the ride leader to break the Easter curse. Having just spent nearly two weeks following a bunch of riders all the way from Sydney to Newry I felt Jim was well prepared to take on the tail end Charlie role.
 A couple of potential route problems were checked out prior to the start. The ride had planned to use Blythe's Road. It has unfortunately fallen victim, as has the Long Waterhole bridge at Longford, to the project commencing and then deciding to take long service leave. Hopefully the workers will return prior to Christmas to finish them both off. The other worry was Weirs Crossing that had spent most of the previous week under water. In that case the road was open. The day was somewhat cooler than expected with a number of the riders happy to keep their raincoats on for the duration, despite the lack of rain.
The ride itself was rather easy, terrain wise, with just the occasional rise to wake us up. We did strike the light but steady headwind for a good deal of the run to Maffra. Dick had done well at the lunch stop with plenty of cakes and the requested hot cross buns, although not actually hot.
The return to Stratford started off with the initial loss of one of our senior riders from the valley. I was able to spot the missing Richard and had him back with the group before the edge of town. From there it was the rapid descent of Nordens Lane and the run across Weirs Crossing that had us back at the start before we knew it. The total distance was a bit shorter than advertised at 55 km but the majority were happy enough with the day. It was then off to Wa De Lok for coffee.

Denis stays in front this Easter

Second time David with Linden

Our own valley riders

One a penny, notes treasurer

2 T's from Tramps

Three men and a tub

TRAMPS: Giro d' Glengarry. 13 April.

While not quite in the same league as the Italian event, the Tramps Giro d' Glengarry was a complete success. As mentioned in the preview this year the format was somewhat different with a ride to the event location rather than a local ride prior to the main event. We had nineteen riders assemble at Traralgon in fine weather conditions. We did have a somewhat unusual occurrence with a new member joining prior to his first ride. The new boy, Bruce, must have had some strong recommendations from somewhere to take such a brave step. He must have also heard that you are not allowed to ride with us unless someone with your name already exists within the group.
Onto the outcome of the day's activities. The ride to Glengarry was rather easy going although the leader had trouble keeping the group together. It seems that the sight of other riders heading off down the road after a stop is not always enough to encourage others to follow suit. Despite arriving at the park slightly early for lunch the group was still hungry. Once lunch, coffee and cake was consumed the organisation was set in train for the time trial. Beth chose to help Michelle with the official duties so 18 riders were listed for the start. The 30 second gaps between riders ensured that people managed to finish all over the place. The course was clear of livestock this year so that excuse was off the list. While some of the competitors claimed the loop course was uphill and into wind the whole way, the overall outcome produced few surprises. The new boy did not emulate the new rider from last year, Trevor, as despite giving the appearance of a Pro rider he seems more suited to downhill conditions.  All of the riders, well two anyway, were well pleased with their efforts. The prizes were even better than last year in that you could eat them.
Once the equipment was packed away all managed to remount for the short run back to Traralgon. We almost had a full house at the local McDonald coffee house.

Riders preparing for the race

Yellow jersey taunts race favourite

1 second boys conduct carbo loading

Early finishers scrutinize officials

Crossing the line

Presentation of "eggcupingent"award