TRAMPS: Xmas ride/Dinner/Lights tour 16 December

I missed the afternoon ride so this report and photos courtesy of Vance.


Thirteen of us had a short afternoon ride to Koornalla.
We started in rain but the weather quickly cleared and was fine and cool for the rest of the cruise.
The support vehicle supplied sausage rolls for afternoon tea, which were quickly consumed.
Near the end of the route we came to some temporary traffic lights our bikes were unable to activate properly and changed while were between them.
So for the return journey, we used our radios to anticipate traffic and ignored the lights.

Ride group at a rest stop

sausage rolls in the new shelter shed 

I did manage to make it to the dinner and lights. The dinner was very well attended with some old faces making an appearance, well perhaps they were all old. The predicted speech did occur with Vance taking the floor. He had on display the newly procured defibrillator. He gave thanks to the other committee members for their efforts throughout the year and also received a heartfelt thank you from the group for the efforts of both he and Jan. Anyway the dinner went off well.

It was on to the lights tour. Around twenty bicycles (term used loosely, 2 trikes) assembled for the 8:30 or so start. A number of the riders had gone to some effort to turn their mounts into mobile Christmas trees.
The night was fine and dark, just the conditions for good viewing. As with previous years the road also contained some locals in cars attempting the same exercise. The combination of flashing bike lights and car headlights added to the overall sensory attack. As always a good fun ride. The ride leader at times almost disappeared into the darkness, no doubt still fit from the GVBR. Thanks for the tour Jan.
We had time to unwind and catch up after the ride at the supper. A fitting finale.

popular first stop

Tim under lights

A group of flashers

Another hard to miss residence

I intend to return next year with my blog. I will let everyone know when it is back up and running.
To all a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year, keep turning those pedals.

SADSAC: Christmas Party 09 December

The final event on the 2012 SADSAC calendar was the Christmas party.
Around 20 saccers enjoyed a relaxing BBQ with a view of the lake in pleasant weather conditions.
Thank you Liz for the lend of your house and yard. I had no idea what a nice place you have.
Santa's helper appeared to have been to rehabilitation during the year and had a new image.
This no doubt gave Santa a much more relaxing time.
The day capped off a successful year for the club with good rides and a few new members.
Hopefully we can build on this in 2013 and increase our numbers even more.
The first ride back next year will take place on 03 February from Maffra.
I hope to see you all there.

TRAMPS: Traralgon-Rosedale 02 December

The report for this ride is pending.
However.

Great Vic Bike Ride update.
As most of the regular Tramps plus a couple of Sadsacs were on the ride I have an update.
At my last report the ride was at Rosedale. The following day along the Grand Ridge Road was always going to be a challenge. The fact that the weather wanted in on the action just upped the ante. Most of the riders started the day in the rain and stayed in it all day. This made the 10 km dirt section of the Grand Ridge a bit slippery in places, the Balook lunch stop somewhat soggy (complete with leaches) and made for an exciting descent of the mountain in the fog. After all the dramas the rest day in Traralgon was just that.
Activities included the Vance Bicycle Tour of Interesting Places, movies in the park and finished with an impressive fireworks display.
The second half of the ride had us in the hills, in the fog through Willow Grove and ending in the heat at Yarragon. After a hot night Day seven was again foggy and hilly but just stayed humid all day. The dirt section of the Grand Ridge on this occasion was even more exciting than the last as it was mostly downhill plus a good deal rougher. Day eight was the highlight of the ride for me. The 108 km run down out of the hills and along the coast was conducted in mild weather conditions although there were some headwind legs.
The final day was a run around Phillip Island and while I found it a bit busy, with the odd shower, it proved to be a good ending for the ride. The chaos at the pick up point was also fun to watch. All the local starters finished the ride in good condition and appeared to have a good time.  A worthwhile exercise.

crossing the line

just before the rain

that was some ride

Jim loading his mount

Willung South rest stop gloom

the band was everywhere

SADSAC: Cathy's Mystery Ride - 25 November

I should be in Rosedale with 4000 others but scored a night at home through circumstances.
As I was enroute Bruthen to Briagalong on Sunday, Cathy has sent this report.

We started at the park at Heyfield, went the back way to Cowwarr via the Dawson -Cowwarr road stopping at a tree with a sign saying "Dawson's Den" which had a little door on the tree with a dog kennel,mailbox,little pebble path & garden. After a bit of research I found out that it was,not a memorial for a dead dog or anything, just a fun thing. We then went into Cowwarr to the Art Space Gallery at an old butter factory owned by Caroline Crossley & her partner Clive. Clive showed us his workshop where he does his magnificent marble or granite sculptures.

Then Caroline took us on a tour and very informative talk on the gallery and the artwork on display. After that we proceeded through Cowwarr main street where a lot of the buildings/businesses had their colourful cows made out of 44 gallon drums in front of their buildings.

Our final stop was at Tyson's Homestead now owned by Denise & Ron Reynolds. Katy Booth's great grandfather once managed the property for the Tysons. The Reynolds run cattle, sheep[coloured] , horses,chooks,ducks & even a peacock. Denise showed us old photos and gave a very informative history of the property.

It was quite a hot ride so I cut it short by 4 km making it a 31 km.

Great Vic update. As of Monday we are in Rosedale. The weather has been hot. The route is challenging with regards the terrain. We hit the hills in earnest on Tuesday with the Grand Ridge Road. The Sadsacs Jim, Dave and myself are all well, along with the Happy Trampers which Vance has sent a photo of, before the start.

Tramps 2012 GV team

pre ride activities

TRAMPS: Boolarra - Dumbalk 18 November

After a short delay caused by rain and hail 16 keen riders took to the Western Strzeleki Ranges for what promised to be a most enjoyable ride. The club boasted 3 new members for the ride, namely Eric,Darrel and Morris.
 The initial climb up the Limonite Road was steady but not onerous. After a brief stop at the Grand Ridge Road it was into the tuck for the high speed descent to Mirboo. The 40 kph roadworks speed limit towards the bottom would have drawn a significant fine had the radar gun been out.
Along the way to lunch there was some comment about the squeaky wheel getting the most oil. But in the case off the squeaky black beauty, as the commandant no doubt like it to be called, the support vehicle's dipstick barely provided a drop. The vehicle was given a much earned drink of oil over lunch.
Lunch was enjoyed in rather pleasant surroundings as the park and facilities at Dumbalk had just been renewed. Poppy-seed cake and chocolate muffins ensured the riders were most satisfied.
The refuel for the riders was put to good use as the climb out of Dumbalk was considerable. The lovely views of the valley seemed to go on and on. The run along the ridge on the way to Mirboo North also had some good views but the final climb into town turned out to be the most testing of the day. After a refresh at the park the run back to Boolarra included the enjoyable run down through the valley before the final drop to the finish.
Of note was the significant fitness improvement of some of the club members about to tackle the Great Vic. No doubt some serious training has been happening even since the last ride. Because half the club members are signed up for the 9 day event I expect numbers will be significantly reduced on the next club ride.
In the end however it was left to coffee and chips to round off the day.

climbing the Limonite

good food and friends

the two amigos

save the best for after lunch

a rest at the top

a local rider joined us for coffee

   

SADSAC: Stratford Bike Rally 11 November

Received a short verbal report from organiser Ray,

A total of ten (five teams of two) took part in the annual bike rally, this time from Stratford.
The group included a couple of visitors from Tramps - Madelon and Trev.
The winning team, despite covering some extra kilometers, was the Cathies, Booth and Wake.
Hopefully we should all be back on deck for next year. This is one of the rides that we should endeavor to bring along new riders. The other rides being the mystery ride and the new double loop.

Also on the same weekend.

The twentieth CGHS (GBH) Sale to Lake Tyers Bike Relay took place over two days.
A good attendance of around 100 riders left Sale at 8 am Saturday morning.
Conditions for the 180 km journey to Lake Tyers via the Howitt Trail were ideal with mild temperatures and a tailwind. While there were some riders who rode the entire distance most chose to tackle the ride as a member of a team. Distances between changeovers generally ranged from 10 to 20 km. By the time the final teams arrived at the finish there was not much time between the afternoon tea and dinner, just enough for a quick shower. The evening meal was up to it's usual high standard.
The following day the riders enjoyed a hearty breakfast (more beans please) before setting off for the 150 km  return to Sale. Again conditions were ideal and the wind had even swung around to give us a tailwind again. Due to the shorter distance afternoon tea occurred mid afternoon.
Many thanks to the organizing team - Shirley and Phillip Mowat and Ted and Marg Pickering.
They were ably assisted by a loyal band of volunteers who ran the kitchen.

Team Mirrambeek

 Shirl's Girls

TRAMPS: Yarram Overnighter 3/4 November

The weather was more than kind to the keen members of the club for what would be for most a trying weekend physically. A solid turnout of around 15 riders set out from Traralgon with a great deal of enthusiasm.
 The run out through Loy Yang and Gormandale proved to be a good warm up for the challenges ahead. Apart from the odd mechanical stumble this leg was uneventful. This meant that the riders were ready to tackle the main climb on arrival at Willung South Road. Having only done the climb four weeks previously it should not have been much of a surprise for most. Prior knowledge did not seem to make the hill any easier though and there were many who were happy to see the top. At this point the route turned south for the relatively flat run to Yarram. The flatness may have appeared more hilly for some riders especially as the short diversion to the lunch stop also involved a climb. It was worth the effort however as the lunch break was much appreciated and the setting rather comfortable. The final K's to Yarram were on quieter roads that enabled a more social style and this continued at the bakery that had kindly stayed back to look after us.
Once refreshed an enjoyable dinner was consumed at the Commercial.
   Day two had an extra rider with Len making an appearance. The run up through Tarra Valley was made even more pleasant with an earlier than usual stop by the river for morning tea. The event turned out to be a surprise birthday party? for Helen. I am not sure if the large quantity of creamy sponge cake was meant to fuel the riders for the approaching climb but it was enjoyed non the less. Apparently cream does not sit well with the support driver so Jan organised for items to be left at the motel in order that he spend some time in retrieval thus avoiding said cream. The arrival at Balook had us all in the shade enjoying a relaxing lunch. The final run down the hill is always enjoyable even though the road was a bit worse for wear.
Many thanks to all the cooks for their efforts, the cheerful support driver Vance (quick with a joke or a light up your smoke) and Richard the second for a good lead.

false summit stop

should have organised a dance

Yarram 2012

morning tea stop?

No...its a birthday party

lunch amid the flowers

SADSAC: Buchan Weekend 27/28 October

The conditions were kind to the 30 odd riders for the run to Buchan and back on the weekend.
The forecast tailwind on Saturday arrived on cue and gave the riders an easy run through the hills.
The Sunday conditions were milder than expected and helped those who suffer from overheating.
We had a good spread of riders with a large number of starters from the Bairnsdale area as well as a good roll up from the valley. This in turn helped fill the gaps from our own ranks.
The weekend was also yet another organisational success thanks to the efforts of Shirley and Phillip.
These two have ensured that the whole show goes off smoothly and the riders feel they must be the team's "favoured rider" as in the tour. The Buchan Hotel again provided another high standard meal for the participants.
While there we no significant incidents on the ride, the sight that I encountered on arrival at the backpackers had me somewhat puzzled. The appearance of an upturned bicycle, minus a wheel, is certainly not rare. A group of fellow cyclists looking over the scene is also rather common. The young rider tackling what looked like a puncture repair seemed to me to be encountering, going by her actions, a completely new experience.
The onlookers, from my past experience, tend to offer no end of advice, but this group was somewhat silent. I concluded that either they were being mean to her or they did not know either. I concluded that it was most likely the latter and assisted said rider with the fitting of the tube/ tyre combination. She claimed that in her five years of riding, this was her first puncture, a serious case of lady luck.
Having done my usual of choosing what most would claim to be an inappropriate mount for the ride, I was not surprised to see the Schwinn tandem on the support vehicle after the first leg to Bruthen. Despite my attempts to encourage the stronger riders to ride their "clankers", they still seem to roll up on their TDF replicas.
 Once again a rather outstanding weekend.

Bruthen morning tea

Enjoying the climb

I asked for smiling not crying

Arrival at Buchan

Buchan 2012

Red Knob break

TRAMPS: Traralgon - Moe 21 October.

This report and photos courtesy of Liz.


17 riders left Traralgon in cool spring weather for a 66 km ride. Numbers were depleted as many doing the Around the Bay ride + Vance was at home suffering with toothache. We took the scenic road, north of the highway, to the lunch spot at Moe. After cycling into a gusty wind all morning, lunch, rest + yummy cakes were very welcome.
The afternoon ride was assisted by a tail wind + some rain squalls. This rider used all gears + registered a top speed of 55 km/hr.
(Sounds a bit like a theme park " Wet and Wild".)

chairs and tables in Moe

On my own again

Say goodbye to Moe

Good looking livestock

Who's off colour

cresting Hernes Oak

SADSAC: Lindenow - Annie's Cottage 14 October

Report as seen in Gippsland Times.

A small group of SADSAC riders enjoyed a pleasant day with warm sunshine and excellent ride conditions for the annual Sale and District Sunday Afternoon Cyclists ride from Lindenow to Annie's Cottage for lunch.

Judy Robbins welcomed the group and gave a talk about the cottage and the many families who have benefited from a much needed family holiday.

SADSAC member Colin Langshaw's birthday was also celebrated on the day.

After lunch riders crossed back over the highway, over the Wuk Wuk bridge, travelling via Calulu and then tackled some very steep hills to enjoy the view over the Lindenow Flats before the short ride back to Lindenow and a much welcomed afternoon tea.

Pedals will add some pictures if I can get hold of them.

TRAMPS: Rosedale - Gormandale 07 October

It would appear that few members studied the ride profile as 21 riders made their way to Rosedale for a solid day of cycling. A new boy, Eric the Viking, added to our ranks complete with evidence of his ancestry.
The ride started out harmlessly enough with a flat section before entering some rising ground with added showers. Luckily this was the end of the wet weather for the day, it did remain cool however.
The road remained relaxed until the arrival of the Willung South Road. We now had ahead of us the main challenge of the day. The first few kilometers were a gentle rise with the odd climb thrown in. The road then pitched up for the remaining 7 or 8 k's. The group was told to go at their own pace and very quickly the gaps formed. The lead riders were caught before long, however, as they stopped on a false summit. The chasers continued on, only to be caught by the pipe lady, Maree, at the real summit.
Once reformed it was the fast decent of Powers Hill to the awaiting lunch break. The lunch venue was most relaxed with ample quantities of delicious cakes and the required tea and coffee.
The run back to base, after the initial climb out of Meriman's Creek, was just a breeze, literally.
Stories were then exchanged at the Cafe. A hard but rewarding ride.

Eric in casual head wear

Who will fix these potholes now?

lunch at the oval

not my fault

looks good on paper

time for a quick dance