sadsacnews2014: SADSAC: Lindenow - Annie's Cottage. 07 September.

The weather certainly smiled on the eight or so riders that made the journey to Lindenow for the annual Annie's Cottage ride.The "or so" was due to Shirley and Cathie sharing the driving in the backup. We had one new rider with Alister's niece Bronwyn joining us for the day. As her previous riding experience consisted of a six kilometre outing with the dog, she was in for a treat.
The ride itself starts out with the long slow climb from Lindenow, through Lindenow South finally peaking out at the highway. From this point the terrain is far more gentle to the turnoff to the cottage. The last kilometre, on the dirt, was in good condition, almost like fifty year old asphalt.
The cottage and surrounds looked a picture and fortunately for us the next guests were not due until later in the day. We were met by daughter Sophie and her daughter Saffron. They joined us for a coffee and cake. Alister had been tasked with the catering but had also enlisted Bronwyn to provided the home cooked touch. Her chocolate balls were indeed better.
Once those who either had not been before, or just wanted to catch up on the latest changes had finished the tour we were almost ready to go. After the handing over of the cheque we launched off in the general direction of Lindenow. Once over the highway it was very much downhill to the flats. Despite being given the choice the group stayed together for the Calulu leg. Apart from Bron the others knew what was in store. The scenery was even better than I remembered. The climbs could not have presented themselves any more favourably than if they were the finish of a stage of the Veulta.
Once we had had our fill of the hills it was back onto the flat for the run to the start. Fortunately there was the last climb into town to stretch the legs. It just capped off a great Fathers Day out. A special mention must go to Bronwyn who held on, on a far from sporty mount, to finish with the group.