sadsacnews2014: 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.