sadsacnews2014: SADSAC: Woodside - Port Albert 10 August

I was not surprised that some of our riders were listed as missing at the Woodside Hall on Sunday as conditions that morning in the Sale area were not good. Even so we had 12.5 members take to the South Gippsland roads (Pickerings took turns in the backup). As I expected the weather was on it's way through Gippsland and by the time we arrived at the start the conditions had cleared up considerably. I did state that we had 12 members but I have to admit that Liz's friend Anthony was a visitor, although he has probably attended more rides than some members. One of the topics of interest at the start was the discussion between Ray and Ted as to who had the more desirable Ranger. One couple who presented at the start, but not to ride, was our faithful treasurer and lovely wife Betty who were out celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary. Hopefully they had a good day out.
Once we made it onto the ride the group quickly started enjoying themselves. We had not gone too far before the other part of the weather event quietened the mood slightly. The fresh westerly wind did slow the progress for most of the way to the lunch stop. While the weather did mostly behave itself, precipitation wise, we did have some activity, but fortunately we were at the only shelter enroute, Tarraville.
As the old pub at the Port is now a vacant lot the chip fanciers were accommodated at the establishment on the point. We recovered to the shelter shed by the ramp for lunch but some chose the outside dining as the sun was out.
The return trip was somewhat faster than the way out, particularly along Pound Road. While there was a run out of sorts towards the end most arrived back quite refreshed. By the time most had packed their bikes away the heavens opened and heavy rain and hail made us thankful we had not stuck to Sadsac speeds for the return.