TRAMPS: Erica - Thomson Dam 22 June.

Well the attendance even beat the last ride from Erica. I had to check my records for the date of the last run to Thomson Dam and was quite surprised when I found it was over four and a half years ago. It must have made quite an impression as it seemed like only last year.  The group this year seemed prepared for the exercise, but even so the backup, Tim, had made enough room for any tired legs. The weather on the day was as good as one could wish for in the depth of winter. We had some recent starters with the club with Eileen and Mark making the start. Another occasional rider and almost a local, Denise, was on hand to display her mountain climbing ability.

The group, led very well indeed by Paul, had not traveled far when Tony managed to blow his front tyre off the rim. Once we managed to put it back on we proceeded to the South Face Road for our first stop. From this point the hills turned into mountains. Towards the bottom of the first major descent the ride leader tried to discard his radio. Despite the high speed fall the recovered unit was still operational.

After climbing for some time we took a break at the Mt Erica Road.

From here it was only a few more kilometres to the high point for the day. It was then a case of “don the jackets” for the high speed run to the dam. Around 1 km from the dam we propped at the entrance to Silvertop Reserve to give the riders the option of the dam visit, with the return climb, or the short run to lunch. About half took the extra distance to marvel at the structure.

Lunch was enjoyed in the sun with the view out over the water. Tim had lain on his top notch fair which a few of us had also enjoyed last week.

Once we had lingered long enough we found our bikes for the run back up the hill. It appeared that Daryl thought we could use a few more minutes’ preparation as he discovered his front tyre was flat.

Back on the road it was a case of all roads lead straight up the mountain. It was as steep as I had remembered it. Some found a few of the grades more suitable for walking. I am glad that I had added the shoes comment in my preview. Back at the top we regrouped and rested for the long descent down past the Erica Road. During the run down the hill the high speed leaders managed to startle a Lyrebird. It was through a cutting and the bird had some difficulty getting away. Once we had rested again at the South Face Road it was just the final run back to the start. We did find the final few kilometres a bit easier by using a by-pass road through Erica; it was pity that we were not aware of it for the departure. The local cafe was most pleasant with the option of either inside or outside dining. The president would have appreciated the real chips as well. Overall it was an impressive way to end my riding days with the club. All the best for the future.

Second week observing

Denise departing dam

Lunch in the sun

Don't tell me your problems

Should have worn my KT-26s

Jodie leads up last hill

SADSAC: Rosedale-Gormandale 15 June.

A solid turn out of eighteen riders was at Rosedale for the run to Gormandale. The numbers were better than I expected with the rather wet conditions that morning in the Sale area. One extra rider was Geoff from Bairnsdale, a former regular rider from some years past. Of note also was our backup, Tim the Tramper, which in my time with Sadsacs was the first Tramps member to do this task.

Unlike the Sale area, conditions were fine but cool as we headed south towards Willung. One of our Tramps visitors was Leah, who was on her final training ride before jetting off to France to tackle the Alp d’Huez. We wish her well in her endeavours. For this ride we had our full, well not counting the McKimms, compliment of electric bikes with Alister and Ann. Some of the other riders could have used that assistance later in the ride. At the Merriman’s Creek stop we lost one of our number, with Shirley having to head back for another engagement. After covering another 10 km we arrived at the Willung South Road.

At this point riders had to make the call as to whether to take the short cut to Gormandale. As with last time three chose the shortcut. For the others it was off on an adventure. The road is rather gentle for the first few kilometres before pitching up for most of the last seven. The group spread out somewhat with only lingering sickness in the front runners limiting the gap. By the top around 25 minutes was the damage. Linden was up front ensuring the mountain climbers still put in an effort. As expected Alister whirred past near the summit. Once we regrouped at the bus shelter just the plummet to Gormandale was left prior to lunch.

The advance group must have been on their third coffee by the time we arrived. Lunch by the oval was very pleasant with Master Chef Tim providing all the sweet treats that he is famous for. It certainly is my cup of tea.

Once we had finished relaxing it was back on the bikes for the final run to Rosedale. After we had cleared the climb and run down onto the flat we were surprised with ideal conditions in the form of a solid tailwind. Our average speed over the last ten kilometres was outside the generally accepted limits for a Sadsac run. Suitably packed, we retired to the adjacent coffee house to relax after a big day.

preparing for "mun tun clam"

Former club men Bob and Geoff

Bringing up the rear

It felt like my birthday

On the comfy chairs

With the wind on our backs

TRAMPS: Traralgon - Toongabbie (via Cowwarr ) 08 June. Note. Route change.

Twenty riders assembled in Traralgon for a day of trail blazing. After a briefing from Jan on what to expect from the day we were on our way. The day was fine but cool as we made our way out of town by a complex but interesting route. Once on the trail it was a case of follow the Richard to our first point of interest. The major development on the trail of recent times was the crossing of the Latrobe River and associated flood plain. With this final hurdle the trail was deemed to be complete, hence the recent opening. Unlike most other rail trails I have been on this trail managed to use the original bridges. Had this not been the case I suspect the Latrobe crossing would have been delayed, possibly indefinitely. This feature was highlighted at the official opening. The revamped bridges look very nice but are a bit on the narrow side, passing not recommended. They also had a loose surface of blue metal which could have used a seal. Despite these minor grumbles I thought they were great. After crossing the main bridge the group took the time to walk down underneath to marvel at the original construction.

Once back on the bikes it was off again towards our lunch spot. We did encounter the odd obstacle with the gates/restricted access devises causing the group to bunch up considerably. Their design ranged from not too bad to completely unrideable. They were tested by the group’s top bike handlers and fortunately only one fell into the later category. On the Glengarry/ Toongabbie leg there was one creek crossing that had become somewhat distorted due, no doubt, to some high water event. Despite its unusual shape the bridge was most rideable. Approaching the turnaround we stopped again to inspect an old railway carriage? That had only recently been put on display.  At Cowwarr we continued to the north side of the town to inspect the most impressive bridge over Rainbow Creek. Along the handrail local schoolchildren had added their thoughts in the form of poetry. A nice touch it was reported from those in the group who cared.

Lunch was enjoyed behind the town hall/beside the tennis court. The Richard/ Lorraine support team provided highly edible cakes/slices for all in attendance. We noticed, whilst having lunch, that the adjoining paddock contained a significant collection of slowly decaying classic British cars. I was asked as to the identity of the part aircraft fuselage in the collection. I had to admit that it was indeed a Canberra Bomber, the things you find in Cowwarr. The return journey was slightly quicker as we did not want to be caught in Traralgon after dark. At Glengarry some of the younger members of the group managed a few laps of the local BMX track. It was a pity that Vance did not bring his BMX bike along. We ended up back by about four so no worries with the light. Off to battle the crowds at McDonalds. This was indeed a good way to spend a Sunday and no traffic to worry us.

One way, if you please.

A multi-million dollar bridge today

Many recalled this item.

Some were over the Rainbow.

Taking the return ticket home.

No time to be cautious.

   

SADSAC: Briagolong - Maffra 01 June.

Back on deck at last.

Despite the threatening weather conditions around fourteen riders made their way to Briagolong.
The route itself was actually the same as the Saturday Morning Briag group's standard ride. While the speedsters from the Saturday group do it as a nice morning exercise, we chose to use the whole day.
The ride is generally flat with the odd hill thrown in. We had one new? rider with Max, a seasoned local, choosing to share his day with us.
 Due to the cool conditions it suited most of the group to wear their weatherproof gear for the duration. Fortunately these garments were only needed for temperature control and not precipitation. We had not gone that far on the ride before we noticed a couple in the distance that looked somewhat familiar. Bridie and Graham had ridden out to meet us and stayed with us till lunch at Maffra. The rest of the run to lunch was generally uneventful apart from Ted losing his tail light near the hill climb circuit. Approaching Maffra I tend to use the rail trail access track for the challenge. On this occasion I had some company,this never happens with the Wednesday group. We also had three of our number take a short cut via the trail from Tinamba. I had much difficulty restraining Denis who felt obliged to beat them. We had a tip off that something was on at our usual lunch venue so planned an alternate just in case. While the shed was set up, it was empty, but we decided to use the facilities at the nearby playground instead. Despite some money being spent on the shed in recent times some felt the venue chosen was better. Our backup, Lorraine, had provided us with some home cooked treats to raise the occasion even more.
As we were about to leave the ride leader, myself, noticed the rear tyre was flat. The onlookers made every attempt to destroy my confidence, but I was having none of it. Once on the way we took the back streets and the cemetery to make our way to the Boisdale Road. Along the Back Boisdale Road we met up the informative Phil who rode with us a bit. Spirits must have been high as some chose to conduct a run out towards the end. The leader was even overtaken by Alister approaching the outskirts of town. As we packed up the rain started, luckily the local coffee house was watertight. All agreed the day  was most enjoyable.

More like mild mannered Max

Tail light war stories

Denis with latest boxing gloves

Lorraine checks on riders

Crossing Banana Bridge

Leaving Tinamba

TRAMPS: Trafalgar - Warragul 25 May.

Due to my absence Vance has kindly provided report and photos.

A small amount of hydraulic sunshine during the starting set up disturbed some riders, however that was last we saw of it.
Although two new riders, Mark and Eileen, turned up it was a sad start as our friend Jim would never be riding with us again.
Eileen expressed the difficulty of remembering everyone's name, so we told her that to make it easy for her we had, two Daryls, two Bruces, two Janets and three Richards.
One of the riders who usually addresses everyone at the start, brought his bike and a dose of the flu and spent the day in the car. This left eighteen riders for the day.  With the brilliant leadership of Janet, the ride sauntered along Waterloo Road to Yarragon for a toilet break, then onto the Darnum - Shady Creek Road. As Number One Road was closed we continued along Bloomfield Road to enter Warragul via Queen Street. Warragul's Civic Park is a beautiful place for lunch and we all enjoyed it.
Trevor's truck has a lot of clutch shudder and behaved like an angry animal on the hill starts. The return journey, after leaving the town, was to the north along Nilma-Shady Creek Road, then Yarragon Shady Creek Road, we then descended to the plains of Yarragon and back to Traf. for the Cappuccinos.  It was a perfect day, everyone was happy; a very successful ride

Awesome view

Wot's so funny?

Great day so far

I WON"T have my foto took

Resting in natural beauty

Gorgeous chicks

SADSAC: Maffra - Heyfield 18 May.

Due to my absence Liz has provided both report and photos, thanks Liz.

A small group of Sadsacs left Maffra for Heyfield exactly at 1000 hrs with Jim reminding us that "we are the lucky ones". Mild weather and only a gentle breeze made for very pleasant cycling through the lush dairy farmland. Soon we were at the lunch stop enjoying Dave's famous carrot cake and Heather's yummy biscuits. Graham enjoyed showing us the Rotary History Pavement and the Keene family bricks in this paved area of the Heyfield park. The ride home took us over  Blores Hill with Dave's speedo registering 33 km/ hr as he crested the top of the hill after powering up the rise. Ken clocked 64 km/hr on the descent with the remaining riders in hot pursuit. The ride calendar advised us the total distance would be 65 km however we were back at the Port of Maffra in 50 km ( I think we followed the right route). No one was in any hurry to go home so we moved on to afternoon tea at one of the local Maffra cafés.
Next ride is from Briagolong on the first day of winter.

Catching up over lunch

Some of your finest, waiter

It is written, that's why.

The tablet in question

Homeward bound

The main bunch

TRAMPS: Traralgon - Tyers 11 May Note: Route Change

As I was not in attendance for the ride Vance has very nicely provided me with a report on the day.

15 riders overcame most of Mothers' Day to ride to Glengarry for the opening of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.
The normal route out of Traralgon needed to be changed as Marshals Road was supposed to be closed.
It didn't look too closed when viewed from Glengarry Road.
The park at Glengarry was filled with many people and very loud music.
Some past riding acquaintances were scattered though the crowd as well as Bruce.
With a jumping castle, Koko the clown to entertain and a sausage sizzle on option, I chose the food.
The speeches began.  With all the congratulating and thanking everyone, it seemed like the member for small businesses etc. Russell Northe, seemed to forget to actually open the Trail.
However Tramps got a special mention early in the ceremonies.
The riders quietly withdrew and facing a head wind, rode on to Tyers for lunch.
Janet did a great job driving the support vehicle onto the grass in the park, thinking at any moment she would sink to the hubs, but it didn't happen.
The return journey took us over Toms Bridge and ably lead by Richard Jeffery, through the winding roads around The Mill, to approach Traralgon from the west.
Tony thought his tires had stayed inflated long enough and must have ridden though some glass and let one of them down.  He then cleverly conned the support to drive him and his bike home so he could go to a soccer match.
With such perfect weather for bike riding and a successful day, everyone who could ended up enjoying a coffee at Maccas.

Just to add that while not in attendance for the ride I did put in an appearance at the opening for Sadsacs. I noted that the crowd was considerable, boosted no doubt by the Mothers Day Fun Run. The Briagalong Bush Band provided the atmosphere and the mood was also lifted by the former Sale Town Crier, now Councillor, Darren McCubbin. I also noted that the Latrobe City Mayor seemed to only want to open her bit to Traralgon. Also chairman Helen reminded us that there were still three bridges missing, so some work left for a final product. I am looking forward to doing the full length, but perhaps not over 3 days.
The photos are a mix of Vance's and mine, as per usual.

Action figures (plus Hobbit)

Local riders at the opening

Crossing the bridge

Daryl you tell some beauties

Lunch finished

Nice winter? afternoon