SADSAC : Bike Rally - Sale 02 November

The day for the rally was somewhat threatening, weather wise. Even so we ended up with eight riders prepared to take on the elements and the complex task ahead. Ray had managed to out do himself this year. Memories of three way ties had encouraged him to up the level of difficulty. Those who were doing their first rally were in for a challenging day. For the others, past events should have made them wise to Ray's tricks.
The teams ended up being the ladies (Linden and Katie), the Stratford Seniors( Denis and Alister), the G's ( Geoff and George) and team Mirrambeek (Ann and I).
I have to admit to a home town advantage. With over 30 years experience of Sale I had noticed the odd thing or two. We had not gone past the lakes before I had most likely picked up a few points on the competition. As previously mentioned Ray had upped the number of out of sequence questions to test the contestants. Careful reading of the question sheet was vital to reduce the backtracking otherwise required. As it turned out, despite leaving last, we did not see many other teams during the two and a half hours the event took to complete. Expecting to be last we ended up being the first ones back. Some had traveled considerably more than the 21/22 km that the route instructions provided.
In the end everyone was a winner with Ray skillfully providing enough prizes for all comers.
It was a bit disappointing that more members did not share in the day as the effort that Ray had gone to was considerable. As it turned out Ray did not have to endure the long wait for the confused observers alone as he had our president, Colin, to help pass the time.  Hopefully Ray will be kind enough to continue his fine work into the future. 

Ray and George reflect on event

These two happy to find the port

Official overseer

Out of towners surprise winnings

Betty was 'ere

Winners are grinners

TRAMPS: Moe - Willow Grove 26 October

A few words from Vance:
A cool, over-cast day with very little wind and beautiful scenery should have attracted more than 12 riders.  Someone forgot to remind Tony that we were having an early start. However Daryl kindly stayed behind and waited for him, and anyone else.  It didn't take long for the two to catch up with us. At times the road was busy but the drivers were usually courteous and our leader Linden often removed us from the road so the processions could pass.  After a toilet stop at Willow Grove, in case the toilets were shut at the dam, we glided down the hill to the picnic ground at the dam, where the toilets were open.
Linden's dad Max came over to check us out as he lives near by.
The scenery towards Trafalgar was magnificent and the terrain mostly down hill.
Bruce tried to turn in the gravel on the side of the road and decided he wanted a closer look at the beautiful country.
The farming people, like Eileen, were over excited by the rural environment and explained why silage has such a rotten smell. Something I always wondered about.
We rode from North Canal Road to Waterloo Road and when we arrived in Moe we stopped at Apex Park to consume the rest of the hot water and slices Noelene (Darryl's better half) had made for us.
One of the nicest rides we have done. A wonderful experience.

Linden providing encouragement

Lunch prep at the dam

All at the one table

A serious discussion

Substitute Maccas at the end

The punch line was good, for once

SADSAC: Walhalla/Rawson Weekend 18/19 October.

A few weeks ago I thought that this ride would end up like last year, cancelled. However, Shirley managed to put together a top program for those available to come. In the end we had thirteen riders and two backups, with Shirley and Betty doing the driving. George was unsure how much riding he could do due to recent sickness but ended up doing about half. Our numbers were boosted by Linden, Colin, John and Maureen who also kindly let up use their property as a car park and base. We also had some one day riders who did the round trip from Traralgon on the Saturday, some 97 km. These were Pat, Gillian and Denise, all strong riders. The ride was delayed a bit at the start as yours truly did not notice the 9 am start on the flyer. As it turned out we were on the road before 10.
The weather for the whole weekend was very pleasant indeed. The 7 km warm up to Tyers was most helpful to prepare us for the hills to come. Due to the lunch stop being Walhalla, the morning ride was always going to be the longest. Even so we were there just after one. After a relaxing lunch we took the time to ride up to the top of the town to see the start of the Alpine Walking Track. It was then off to the Thomson Station to tackle the main hill of the ride. Everyone managed to ride the accent so it must not be all that steep. After that it was not far to the overnight stop at the Rawson Caravan Park. The accommodation at the venue was basic for some but comfortable all the same. The evening meal at the Stockyard was more difficult to complete than the day's ride. We seemed to be all eating for two, most impressive. After a long sleep it was off to breakfast and another big feed, surprisingly for first up in the morning quite appropriate.
The ride back was somewhat shorter and easier than the outbound. Not far from Rawson we met up with Pat who had ridden up to meet us. The final run to Tyers for morning tea was a breeze. After more coffee and cake the return via Thoms Bridge and the Old Melbourne road was assisted by a following breeze. Once we had repacked our cars we headed off to the food court at the centre for lunch. This was a top weekend and all thanks go to Shirley for her organisation prior and support on the weekend.

Relaxing after a hard ride.

Betty kept us amused

A couple of gun riders

Pat on her longer ride

A working weekend for Shirley

Enroute Thoms Bridge

TRAMPS: East Gippsland Weekend Away 11/12 October. (plus 10,13 for some)

A big weekend in East Gippsland was on offer and a big weekend, for those who stayed the distance, would have been the outcome. As for me I only did the first two days, but I felt them.
The turnout for the Friday run to Buchan was somewhat larger than would have been anticipated. While unsure of the exact numbers I estimate around a dozen made the long journey to the start point at Red Knob. Due to some miscalculation of the time required to complete this effort by some, the ride started a bit after the normal time. The day was a cracker. Despite covering this bit of road a number of times before it is still a joy. After advising leader David that it was not a requirement to go slow down the hills the pace became more relaxed. The road has some nice long climbs but the highlight is the long run down into Buchan. After a quick stop, for some to buy lunch, it was on to the Caves Reserve for the break. The park was in top condition with only a hand full of other visitors to enjoy the scenery. After soaking up the atmosphere for a good while it was back in the saddle for the long climb out of town. Once back onto the flatter terrain is was not long before we turned onto Colin's recommended detour through Buchan South. What a great plan, as we had the experience of more hills. Needless to say by the time we arrived back at the cars we all knew that we had been on a bike ride. Just to extend the day a bit more we stopped off at Bruthen for a coffee.
Day two and another six or so riders joined in the fun. We had to ride back towards town to meet them at Howitt Park. From there Len led us all off onto the East Gippsland Rail Trail, destination Bruthen. Some of the group brought along two bikes to cover the road and trail legs, others made do with just the one. The trail to Bruthen was in good condition with some lovely views along the way. The bridge at Nicholson is still a wonder. While still a reasonable distance the time went quickly and we soon found ourselves at the rotunda at Bruthen. The weather was ideal for a picnic and some additional treats, in the form of a big bag of chips, kept everyone happy. The run back along the trail was generally uneventful until a few kilometres from the destination one particular member let his impatience have the better of him and caused a spectacle at one of the many gates. After recovering himself from the ditch he patched himself up and continued to the end at a more leisurely pace. Perhaps he did it to counter one comment that the trail was boring. Having stopped off at the Dutch shop for a coffee on the way back to camp, it was into our finery for the evening meal. We reassembled at the Grand (not Junction) Terminal Hotel to wrap up the day. I will let Vance continue the story from here.

Sunday morning four members of the group were unable to be with us.

Some car-pooled from Bairnsdale to Bruthen to the sports ground were the vehicles where left.

With Erik leading we thoroughly enjoyed the rail trail through the gentle inclines and declines through avenues of a variety of trees.  Sometimes we could look down into the bush below. The earthworks built for the train line are always impressive.

Every time there was a cross road Peter and Helen were there to provide support and chocolate coated lollies. Toward Nowa Nowa parts of the track required more careful negotiation as there were wash-outs and sand traps causing some colourful expressions to be absorbed by the bush.

We eventually came to the wooden railway bridge that was the largest in Victoria. It was in service for 60 years until it was damaged by fire. Colin and Darryl were brave enough to ride up the valley but I missed photographing the heroic event. Shortly after we arrived at Nowa Nowa to find that Peter had found a nice grassy patch for lunch near the shops.

Colin had it into his head that we should see the Boggy Creek Gorge, unfortunately it didn't have enough water flowing to make it impressive.

The return ride began with a long steady but shallow climb to about half way, then it was easy going.

Erik brought us back to Bruthen with sufficient time for a cuppachino at a local coffee shop.

To celebrate Jodie's birthday some ladies organized a BBQ at the camp site.

During the evening we were treated to a “Sound and Lights” show complete with hail so loud if was difficult to talk.We were so lucky that weather didn’t get us on the ride.

In the morning it was cold and raining and was going to continue be like it all day.

As we had enjoyed three fantastic days of perfect weather we decided to delete Monday’s ride and come home.

Climbing out of Buchan

I think my bike is bent

At the Serenity Seat

One genuine chip magnet

How is the time going Len?

A happy crossing

Is that what happened?

Not a bike in sight

A perfect place to eat

Wonderful so far

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.

Arrival in Heyfield

Making it look easy

Erik in supplements scandal

Liz and map

Lunch in the park

Jim and Erik approaching Stratford

TRAMPS: Traralgon - Churchill 28 September

Vance has kindly supplied this report and photos:

A modest group of 13 riders presented for a most pleasurable ride. All the threatening bad weather failed to happen. Lyndon was supposed to be the support, but instead she made her partner Peter drive the car so she wouldn't miss out on the ride. Mattingley Hill was no problem being in the morning part of the ride. The was then a slight detour from the main road along Jeeralang North Road to Church Road.  We stopped for lunch at the pretty Mathison Park. Darryl had been a gymnastics instructor in a past life and tried to demonstrate the use of the horizontal bars. I don't think the exercise was supposed to involve crashing flat on the back. Erik tried the monkey bars. There was a loud thump and he was also flat on his back. After lunch we took the bike track along the side of Lake Hyland bringing us to Switchback Road.  Tony wanted his photo taken and possibly put in the paper as his wife is yet to be convinced that he actually goes on these rides. We didn't stop at the pondage, instead we went north along Nadanbouschs Road to Brodribb Road. After a brief rest at Kernot Hall we cruised under the highway then beside the river to Crinigan Road and onto the Old Melbourne Road, with a nice tail wind, arriving in Traralgon at the West end of Kay Street. Some rides can be perfect and this was one.

Some waiting for others

Enjoying a beautiful day

Proof I was here

The doughnuts didn't last long

Gotta get them kids off so I can have a swing

In Mathison Park

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.

One happy tea lady

We need a larger tablecloth

No shortage of great views

George mingling with the riders

Arriving back in town

Cruising the Airly plains