sadsacnews2014: 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.