TRAMPS: Morwell - Newborough. 06 July.

Vance's account from Sunday

Fifteen riders started then one more caught up with us later. Dave had taken our starting place too literally. Being a local he interpreted “The Post Office Car Park” as written, when we meant the car park opposite the Post Office.  It had rained all night and was cold to begin with. The weather for the day turned out to be excellent for bike riding. As Latrobe Road was closed our ride coordinator routed us along Holmes Road to Maryvale Road then down past the paper mill.  Colin’s rear tire collected something sharp so he sagged until lunch where he repaired it.  Our enthusiastic ride leader took some of us on a slightly extended path though Newborough before arriving at the lunch spot in Hearn Park.  Those of us who were early tried to consume the fruit cake and the orange flavoured lamingtons supplied by Bruce, before the wayward riders turned up.

The tour through the winding road to the south side of the highway was, as usual mostly an exciting coast down hill before the sharp rise over the bridge.  We were presented with some “heavy sea fog” or fine mist near the end of the ride, but the slightly leaking cloud very soon passed.  It was a great ride finishing in good time for the obligatory cuppachino at Maccas.

Enjoying a warm cuppa

SADSAC: Heyfield - Cheynes Bridge 29 June. Cancelled.

This ride was cancelled due to cold, wet and very windy conditions.
When being keen is not nearly enough.

TRAMPS: Erica - Thomson Dam 22 June.

Well the attendance even beat the last ride from Erica. I had to check my records for the date of the last run to Thomson Dam and was quite surprised when I found it was over four and a half years ago. It must have made quite an impression as it seemed like only last year.  The group this year seemed prepared for the exercise, but even so the backup, Tim, had made enough room for any tired legs. The weather on the day was as good as one could wish for in the depth of winter. We had some recent starters with the club with Eileen and Mark making the start. Another occasional rider and almost a local, Denise, was on hand to display her mountain climbing ability.

The group, led very well indeed by Paul, had not traveled far when Tony managed to blow his front tyre off the rim. Once we managed to put it back on we proceeded to the South Face Road for our first stop. From this point the hills turned into mountains. Towards the bottom of the first major descent the ride leader tried to discard his radio. Despite the high speed fall the recovered unit was still operational.

After climbing for some time we took a break at the Mt Erica Road.

From here it was only a few more kilometres to the high point for the day. It was then a case of “don the jackets” for the high speed run to the dam. Around 1 km from the dam we propped at the entrance to Silvertop Reserve to give the riders the option of the dam visit, with the return climb, or the short run to lunch. About half took the extra distance to marvel at the structure.

Lunch was enjoyed in the sun with the view out over the water. Tim had lain on his top notch fair which a few of us had also enjoyed last week.

Once we had lingered long enough we found our bikes for the run back up the hill. It appeared that Daryl thought we could use a few more minutes’ preparation as he discovered his front tyre was flat.

Back on the road it was a case of all roads lead straight up the mountain. It was as steep as I had remembered it. Some found a few of the grades more suitable for walking. I am glad that I had added the shoes comment in my preview. Back at the top we regrouped and rested for the long descent down past the Erica Road. During the run down the hill the high speed leaders managed to startle a Lyrebird. It was through a cutting and the bird had some difficulty getting away. Once we had rested again at the South Face Road it was just the final run back to the start. We did find the final few kilometres a bit easier by using a by-pass road through Erica; it was pity that we were not aware of it for the departure. The local cafe was most pleasant with the option of either inside or outside dining. The president would have appreciated the real chips as well. Overall it was an impressive way to end my riding days with the club. All the best for the future.

Second week observing

Denise departing dam

Lunch in the sun

Don't tell me your problems

Should have worn my KT-26s

Jodie leads up last hill

SADSAC: Rosedale-Gormandale 15 June.

A solid turn out of eighteen riders was at Rosedale for the run to Gormandale. The numbers were better than I expected with the rather wet conditions that morning in the Sale area. One extra rider was Geoff from Bairnsdale, a former regular rider from some years past. Of note also was our backup, Tim the Tramper, which in my time with Sadsacs was the first Tramps member to do this task.

Unlike the Sale area, conditions were fine but cool as we headed south towards Willung. One of our Tramps visitors was Leah, who was on her final training ride before jetting off to France to tackle the Alp d’Huez. We wish her well in her endeavours. For this ride we had our full, well not counting the McKimms, compliment of electric bikes with Alister and Ann. Some of the other riders could have used that assistance later in the ride. At the Merriman’s Creek stop we lost one of our number, with Shirley having to head back for another engagement. After covering another 10 km we arrived at the Willung South Road.

At this point riders had to make the call as to whether to take the short cut to Gormandale. As with last time three chose the shortcut. For the others it was off on an adventure. The road is rather gentle for the first few kilometres before pitching up for most of the last seven. The group spread out somewhat with only lingering sickness in the front runners limiting the gap. By the top around 25 minutes was the damage. Linden was up front ensuring the mountain climbers still put in an effort. As expected Alister whirred past near the summit. Once we regrouped at the bus shelter just the plummet to Gormandale was left prior to lunch.

The advance group must have been on their third coffee by the time we arrived. Lunch by the oval was very pleasant with Master Chef Tim providing all the sweet treats that he is famous for. It certainly is my cup of tea.

Once we had finished relaxing it was back on the bikes for the final run to Rosedale. After we had cleared the climb and run down onto the flat we were surprised with ideal conditions in the form of a solid tailwind. Our average speed over the last ten kilometres was outside the generally accepted limits for a Sadsac run. Suitably packed, we retired to the adjacent coffee house to relax after a big day.

preparing for "mun tun clam"

Former club men Bob and Geoff

Bringing up the rear

It felt like my birthday

On the comfy chairs

With the wind on our backs

TRAMPS: Traralgon - Toongabbie (via Cowwarr ) 08 June. Note. Route change.

Twenty riders assembled in Traralgon for a day of trail blazing. After a briefing from Jan on what to expect from the day we were on our way. The day was fine but cool as we made our way out of town by a complex but interesting route. Once on the trail it was a case of follow the Richard to our first point of interest. The major development on the trail of recent times was the crossing of the Latrobe River and associated flood plain. With this final hurdle the trail was deemed to be complete, hence the recent opening. Unlike most other rail trails I have been on this trail managed to use the original bridges. Had this not been the case I suspect the Latrobe crossing would have been delayed, possibly indefinitely. This feature was highlighted at the official opening. The revamped bridges look very nice but are a bit on the narrow side, passing not recommended. They also had a loose surface of blue metal which could have used a seal. Despite these minor grumbles I thought they were great. After crossing the main bridge the group took the time to walk down underneath to marvel at the original construction.

Once back on the bikes it was off again towards our lunch spot. We did encounter the odd obstacle with the gates/restricted access devises causing the group to bunch up considerably. Their design ranged from not too bad to completely unrideable. They were tested by the group’s top bike handlers and fortunately only one fell into the later category. On the Glengarry/ Toongabbie leg there was one creek crossing that had become somewhat distorted due, no doubt, to some high water event. Despite its unusual shape the bridge was most rideable. Approaching the turnaround we stopped again to inspect an old railway carriage? That had only recently been put on display.  At Cowwarr we continued to the north side of the town to inspect the most impressive bridge over Rainbow Creek. Along the handrail local schoolchildren had added their thoughts in the form of poetry. A nice touch it was reported from those in the group who cared.

Lunch was enjoyed behind the town hall/beside the tennis court. The Richard/ Lorraine support team provided highly edible cakes/slices for all in attendance. We noticed, whilst having lunch, that the adjoining paddock contained a significant collection of slowly decaying classic British cars. I was asked as to the identity of the part aircraft fuselage in the collection. I had to admit that it was indeed a Canberra Bomber, the things you find in Cowwarr. The return journey was slightly quicker as we did not want to be caught in Traralgon after dark. At Glengarry some of the younger members of the group managed a few laps of the local BMX track. It was a pity that Vance did not bring his BMX bike along. We ended up back by about four so no worries with the light. Off to battle the crowds at McDonalds. This was indeed a good way to spend a Sunday and no traffic to worry us.

One way, if you please.

A multi-million dollar bridge today

Many recalled this item.

Some were over the Rainbow.

Taking the return ticket home.

No time to be cautious.