sadsacnews2014: SADSAC: Maffra- Blue Pools 27 July

A reasonable turnout of eleven riders found their way to Maffra for the run to the pool.
The mild weather conditions even allowed our "fair weather riders" to join in.
Due to circumstances beyond our control Ann missed the ride but we had ridden the route on Wednesday so all was not lost. We did have one birthday rider with Maree showing us that being 70 does not mean that you are only fit for the old people's home. She is still rather spritely on the hills.
The ride itself was somewhat undersold as the the distance was closer to 75 than 65. On our mid week ride we did not do the extra run to the pool but still managed 60 km. There was one new? official member with Geoff from Bairnsdale taking the plunge, in the club not the pool.
The ride started and finished with a few bumps as predicted but for the most part was reasonably flat. The run out through Boisdale, Bushy Park and Valencia Creek was most pleasant. Once onto the narrow winding road up to the pool the group was looking forward to a lunch break. At the picnic area we had the place pretty much to ourselves. The back up team had provided more than enough cakes and biscuits and my prediction was half right in that the snowballs were on offer but not from the previously well dressed chef.
Bridie's driver was just in his normal street clothes.
Towards the end of the break I went with Geoff to check out the pool. It was bigger than I remembered it and the atmosphere beside the water was incredible, empty and silent.
The run home was expected to find some headwinds and they did appear but were not too demanding.
The run up Norden's Lane is always a good test of current physical condition. Competition for points on offer was fierce with the youngster taking the climb just ahead of the birthday girl.
One surprise was that the old chap from Stratford was by no means the last. It turns out he has been putting in some training and it looks as though it is paying off.
Back at home plate it was off to the Red Rose for some coffee and chips.