sadsacnews2014: SADSAC: Stratford

Sadsacs started off the year with a lap around the district to commemorate Australia Day.
Twenty riders assembled at Stratford for a rather pleasant day of riding with mild conditions and light winds. We had our now usual group of Tramps that are making the journey on a regular basis. We also had Harry from Rosedale who we thought we may not see again after his initial ride with us up the Willung South Road.
With our backup trailer suitably adorned with an Australia themed flag we headed off across the Avon and onto the quieter roads in the area. While the pace was kept to a comfortable level we were soon in Maffra for lunch. The shelter shed at the Port was in good order having been recently refurbished and the company and home cooked treats were well appreciated.
After lunch we headed off towards Newry before cutting up past the cemetery. It was here that we fare-welled Bob who had ridden over to the start to spend the day with us. Another couple of recently absent riders in Bridie and Graham also left us at this point to shorten their return. It was good to see them back out on the bike again although Graham is still not back to his former self. The rest of the group continued around the undulations and regrouped just short of the tip. It ended up being a lengthy stop as Harry had managed to puncture on this leg. We were also treated to a horse and buggy while we waited. Once the others returned it was down tip hill and onto the flat lands of Beet Road. Here we did encounter a light headwind but it was more of a cooling breeze. Safely back at the station it was off to Wa De Lok for coffee. Overall a successful start to the Sadsac year.