Well from verbal reports conditions in the Maffra/Stratford area were similar to those that I encountered in the Albury area, they being rather hot and uncomfortable. Even so those that made the effort had a good time on the bikes. The first half of the day went pretty much to plan with the riders following the route though the back of Boisdale, through Valencia Creek and Bushy Park on their way to the lunch stop at Briagalong. Over the lunch conversations it was decided that the run up Bill's Hill and the Stockdale corner was a bit too much in the heat so a plan B was formulated. The end result was a shortcut along Crooked Lane before the Weirs Crossing/ Nordens Lane return to Maffra.
Despite the less than ideal weather conditions it seems that those attending had a good ride.
No pictures available.
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Monday, 17 November 2014
TRAMPS: Boolarra - Dumbalk 23 November
Our Chief Statistician managed to calculate using his simulated HP15 application, on his new smart phone, that we had 19 riders at Boolarra. It was good to see so many riders, as the day was ideal and the route in top shape.
The threat of showers was quite hollow and we spent the day in full sunshine, My face reminded me of that all night, despite the sunscreen. The actual route was the same as previous and started with the gentle climb up Limonite Road. Once over the ridge it was the major descent of the day to Mirboo. Yours truly was keen to test the velcro fastening of my pod mounted solar panel. With an indicated maximum of 64 kph it passed easily. Once out of town we paused to take in the countryside before pressing on to the lunch stop at Dumbalk. Despite missing out on the main shelter shed, we can not always have these places to ourselves, we managed to find a shady spot to enjoy our lunch with friends. We were also treated to a pictorial account of Leah's big adventure on the Alp d'Huez.
Once all the resting and refreshing was over it was back on the bikes for the second half. The run from the Tarwin River (East Branch) to the Mardan Road was always going to be the main test for the legs. Even with a break half way, the climb was a challenge. Once most had recovered at the peacocks it was off onto the undulations that are the Mardan Road. The final pinch into Mirboo North has not reduced in gradient over the years, in fact it appears to be the opposite. By the time the corner marshals had joined the main group in the park there appeared to be a complete lack of movement. Eventually the group stirred and we headed off for the final leg to Boolarra. Not far into the descent phase one of our group managed his second puncture for the day, the first being on the way to the start. It was not the best day for Richard. Once people had assisted with his repair back at the cars, it was off to the local coffee shop for a well earned coffee and fried food. I know that I am rather biased when it comes to this area, but this was a top day on the bikes.
The threat of showers was quite hollow and we spent the day in full sunshine, My face reminded me of that all night, despite the sunscreen. The actual route was the same as previous and started with the gentle climb up Limonite Road. Once over the ridge it was the major descent of the day to Mirboo. Yours truly was keen to test the velcro fastening of my pod mounted solar panel. With an indicated maximum of 64 kph it passed easily. Once out of town we paused to take in the countryside before pressing on to the lunch stop at Dumbalk. Despite missing out on the main shelter shed, we can not always have these places to ourselves, we managed to find a shady spot to enjoy our lunch with friends. We were also treated to a pictorial account of Leah's big adventure on the Alp d'Huez.
Once all the resting and refreshing was over it was back on the bikes for the second half. The run from the Tarwin River (East Branch) to the Mardan Road was always going to be the main test for the legs. Even with a break half way, the climb was a challenge. Once most had recovered at the peacocks it was off onto the undulations that are the Mardan Road. The final pinch into Mirboo North has not reduced in gradient over the years, in fact it appears to be the opposite. By the time the corner marshals had joined the main group in the park there appeared to be a complete lack of movement. Eventually the group stirred and we headed off for the final leg to Boolarra. Not far into the descent phase one of our group managed his second puncture for the day, the first being on the way to the start. It was not the best day for Richard. Once people had assisted with his repair back at the cars, it was off to the local coffee shop for a well earned coffee and fried food. I know that I am rather biased when it comes to this area, but this was a top day on the bikes.
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| Early on the Limonite |
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| This girl displaying altitude |
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| Just checking those rider numbers |
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| More paperwork |
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| It was a joke about the Danish |
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| Don't get too comfortable |
Monday, 10 November 2014
SADSAC: Cathie's Mystery Ride 16 November
You would have to say that the main mystery for this year's ride was, where are the bikes?
As it turned out we had 17 riders (loose term) arrive at the port, some ready to ride, others not at all. Had the ride started a few hours later we may have actually made it onto the bikes but the system that had dumped over an inch on the district overnight still had the odd shower to deliver.
But our trusty ride leader was not to be beaten and had come up with a plan to visit the venues by alternative transport. So we all organised ourselves into groups for a motorcade around Sale. As the new arrangements meant that the transit times were significantly reduced we had time for a coffee and birthday celebration before we headed off. As I mentioned in my previous post the mystery ride is similar in length to the rally. It turned out that the route was almost the same as well. I suspect though, that this was not obvious to most of the participants from two weeks ago.
On arrival at our first point of interest, Wondela Homestead, we were taken by the image of an historic building being slowly surrounded by the suburban sprawl of the City of Sale. Luckily the owners had managed to provide a reasonable buffer to this sea of roofs. The house itself was most impressive. The period building, with its truckloads of history, had been transformed in recent times to a rather modern building on the inside. Despite some areas being the latest, others still had the air of the original construct.
From here it was only a short run to the Grassdale Homestead. I must say that this building looked far more historic. Cathy had organised for the family owners to join us for lunch to provide some of the history of this building, and also the one we had just visited. There was plenty of room on the old verandah for the group. The eastern one even had a view. The McLaughlin history was really something with narrator, Allan, furnishing the information in what could be called a relaxed style.
Back in the buses and it was off onto the final leg to the port. On arrival it appeared that South America had discovered Sale, even if only for a short leg stretch. The group managed to lure some of our number to join them with the offer of music and dance. I suspect that they would have been released when their bus driver broke up the party to continue their journey. Being my final ride with the club I had to say that it was certainly different. Thank you Cathie for your efforts.
As it turned out we had 17 riders (loose term) arrive at the port, some ready to ride, others not at all. Had the ride started a few hours later we may have actually made it onto the bikes but the system that had dumped over an inch on the district overnight still had the odd shower to deliver.
But our trusty ride leader was not to be beaten and had come up with a plan to visit the venues by alternative transport. So we all organised ourselves into groups for a motorcade around Sale. As the new arrangements meant that the transit times were significantly reduced we had time for a coffee and birthday celebration before we headed off. As I mentioned in my previous post the mystery ride is similar in length to the rally. It turned out that the route was almost the same as well. I suspect though, that this was not obvious to most of the participants from two weeks ago.
On arrival at our first point of interest, Wondela Homestead, we were taken by the image of an historic building being slowly surrounded by the suburban sprawl of the City of Sale. Luckily the owners had managed to provide a reasonable buffer to this sea of roofs. The house itself was most impressive. The period building, with its truckloads of history, had been transformed in recent times to a rather modern building on the inside. Despite some areas being the latest, others still had the air of the original construct.
From here it was only a short run to the Grassdale Homestead. I must say that this building looked far more historic. Cathy had organised for the family owners to join us for lunch to provide some of the history of this building, and also the one we had just visited. There was plenty of room on the old verandah for the group. The eastern one even had a view. The McLaughlin history was really something with narrator, Allan, furnishing the information in what could be called a relaxed style.
Back in the buses and it was off onto the final leg to the port. On arrival it appeared that South America had discovered Sale, even if only for a short leg stretch. The group managed to lure some of our number to join them with the offer of music and dance. I suspect that they would have been released when their bus driver broke up the party to continue their journey. Being my final ride with the club I had to say that it was certainly different. Thank you Cathie for your efforts.
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| Birthday Girl (queue Beatles music) |
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| Where are your bikes? |
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| At the Hobbit house |
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| Plenty of photo ops. |
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| Three lovely girls |
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| Scary tales from the lighthouse |
SPECIAL: CGHS Bike Relay 8/9 November
According to the organisers around eighty riders registered for this year's CGHS Relay.
The route for the two days was pretty much as it had been for the last two years except for a small detour on the Sunday.
The first day was always going to be the most challenging and not just because of the length. The forecast temperature of 35 degrees seemed hours away as we headed off from Sale just after eight.
I usually get a lift to Maffra with some stronger riders but they appeared to be on a go slow as it took them around 17 km to catch me. I only rode with them for a short distance before handing over to my buddy. By the time the main group was out past Fernbank the northwesterly and the temperature had kicked in. By Bairnsdale the temperature was in the mid thirties. After lunch I am sure everyone was suffering to some extent. After a run on the rail trail my co-rider was spent. I continued on to the Bluff but this forced my retirement. Had we been able to continue we would have been late for dinner as some stronger teams found. The temperature though at Lake Tyers was much more pleasant as we all enjoyed the evening meal together.
Day two was always forecast to be the better for riding. The run to Nowa Nowa and up to the Knob was great stuff. Spirits were running high for the next leg to Bruthen. The final run to lunch over the lumpy ground would have been keenly fought over.
After lunch the southeasterly had developed providing a cooling crosswind for the run home along the Bengworden Road. As I had found in the past the other riders seemed to be on another route for this leg. We felt we had the road to ourselves. Back at the hospital a well received afternoon tea capped off a great weekend.
Many thanks to the Mowat and Pickering teams for their efforts organising a top event.
The route for the two days was pretty much as it had been for the last two years except for a small detour on the Sunday.
The first day was always going to be the most challenging and not just because of the length. The forecast temperature of 35 degrees seemed hours away as we headed off from Sale just after eight.
I usually get a lift to Maffra with some stronger riders but they appeared to be on a go slow as it took them around 17 km to catch me. I only rode with them for a short distance before handing over to my buddy. By the time the main group was out past Fernbank the northwesterly and the temperature had kicked in. By Bairnsdale the temperature was in the mid thirties. After lunch I am sure everyone was suffering to some extent. After a run on the rail trail my co-rider was spent. I continued on to the Bluff but this forced my retirement. Had we been able to continue we would have been late for dinner as some stronger teams found. The temperature though at Lake Tyers was much more pleasant as we all enjoyed the evening meal together.
Day two was always forecast to be the better for riding. The run to Nowa Nowa and up to the Knob was great stuff. Spirits were running high for the next leg to Bruthen. The final run to lunch over the lumpy ground would have been keenly fought over.
After lunch the southeasterly had developed providing a cooling crosswind for the run home along the Bengworden Road. As I had found in the past the other riders seemed to be on another route for this leg. We felt we had the road to ourselves. Back at the hospital a well received afternoon tea capped off a great weekend.
Many thanks to the Mowat and Pickering teams for their efforts organising a top event.
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| This group caught me |
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| Linden near Boisdale |
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| Team Darrell round Boisdale corner |
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| Later I caught this group |
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| Ready to depart Day 2 |
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| Ann alone on Bengworden Road |
Monday, 3 November 2014
TRAMPS: Tyers - Rawson 09 November
The day began with 16 riders who steamed up the Tyers hill to rest at the lookout and read that the town was named after Charles James Tyers, a government surveyor, slightly before my time, I think.
The weather was perfect, which was wonderful considering the hot day yesterday.
The route climbs slightly all the way but it's generally not difficult.
Every time I lost concentration Maree would catch up and I found it becoming difficult to get away from her.
Colin rested us appropriately and after the last stop at the Walhalla turn-off, the short climb to Rawson was steep but food was at the top. We had our lunch at the recreation reserve, not far from the toilets in the shopping center.
The cruise back was a dream, with roller coaster hills; down one side and up the next, well sort of.
At one rest before the final drop, Bill, walking around amongst us, complained that he hadn't had his 5 minute rest. For a very short time I was very concerned, then remembered that Bill was driving the support vehicle.
The total drop is about 450 m and there is a point at which it's realized that there's no more pedaling for the last 6 km of the ride.
The scenery and the tall trees were magnificent and it's a privilege to be able to ride through it.
As we had some hot water left over, the end-of-the-day coffee was had at the Tyers car park.
The weather was perfect, which was wonderful considering the hot day yesterday.
The route climbs slightly all the way but it's generally not difficult.
Every time I lost concentration Maree would catch up and I found it becoming difficult to get away from her.
Colin rested us appropriately and after the last stop at the Walhalla turn-off, the short climb to Rawson was steep but food was at the top. We had our lunch at the recreation reserve, not far from the toilets in the shopping center.
The cruise back was a dream, with roller coaster hills; down one side and up the next, well sort of.
At one rest before the final drop, Bill, walking around amongst us, complained that he hadn't had his 5 minute rest. For a very short time I was very concerned, then remembered that Bill was driving the support vehicle.
The total drop is about 450 m and there is a point at which it's realized that there's no more pedaling for the last 6 km of the ride.
The scenery and the tall trees were magnificent and it's a privilege to be able to ride through it.
As we had some hot water left over, the end-of-the-day coffee was had at the Tyers car park.
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| Mate, we're in it together |
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| Nancy and Dave |
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| Jodie, happy with what she's done, so far |
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| Most are still with us |
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| We make do with what turns up |
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| Oh Maurice, you didn't |
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