sadsacnews2014: SADSAC: Stratford Double Loop 21 september

The ride on Sunday turned out to be one of the best of the year.
Despite only having eight riders, two of whom were visitors, the small group enjoyed a satisfying ride in ideal conditions. The change to the first loop that involved avoiding the Briagolong Road made for a much more relaxed morning leg. Our newest member, Bronwyn, on only he second ride, looks like heading to the local bike shop to upgrade her mount. Despite her uncle's abundance of top line cycles it appears that they are all prized possessions, so she will just have to find one for herself. There was no shortage of advice for her on the day. As the group was reasonably small we were able to stay together for most of the time.
The lunch stop in Stratford was relaxed as usual and the catering was well handled by Betty. She chose to spend the day with us, all be it from the copilot's seat in the backup vehicle. She commented that it was most enjoyable viewing the local countryside at the somewhat relaxed pace. She had heard of many of the places from her well traveled spouse.
After lunch the second loop had us out around Airly and Chinns Bridge. The breeze was present but did not produce any concerns. The run up the hill just after Chinns provided the only real challenge for the day. We tried to make the most of it. Along the way Liz was able to tell us of her adventures on the Queensland Bike ride. It sounded quite different to the Victorian version, not the least due to the lesser numbers involved. Three of the riders on this ride are signed up for the GVBR later in the year, they being John, Jim and myself.
After the ride it was off to Wa De Lok for a well earned coffee.