sadsacnews2014: SADSAC: Stratford

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.