sadsacnews2014: SADSAC: Stratford - Heyfield (via rail trail) 05 October

The day was fine but breezy for those assembled at Stratford for a day on the rail trail.
I think we ended up with ten riders that included, for the first time, Erik. He was staying at Lakes so took the opportunity to have a ride with us. I hope we did not spoil him too much. We also had John and Maureen who are in training for the Great Vic.
The main feature of the day was the steady westerly wind. As the route to lunch was mostly to the west, the morning was always going to be a struggle. The trail itself was in reasonable condition for the most part. The previously washed out section at Boggy Creek had been repaired since our last visit and the only section that was below par was in the last few kilometres into Heyfield. Here the new surface was a bit soft in places.
Lunch at the park was most pleasant. We even had a musical atmosphere with the Wine Festival at the Wetlands Centre just audible. Katie had provided her signature jelly slice which was the main reason for the Erik spoiling. While at the park Bill Redmond arrived with a group of friendly riders. They had trained to Traralgon and were doing the full length. A good day for it as the wind was on their backs the whole way.
The return leg to Stratford was via the road and obviously much easier. The run to Maffra was over quite quickly. From Maffra the call was made to do the last leg on the rail trail again. The final run with the wind and downhill was easy as. This certainly capped off a successful day in the saddle.