Tramps Traralgon-Rosedale 06 May

Cool and breezy was the order of the day.
In order to keep members on their toes the route was reversed for the day.
About 16 riders headed off towards the power station to tackle the hills first up. Conditions were favourable
for the morning run with primarily a tailwind for the leg to Rosedale. What was not expected was the
significant drop in temperature with 13degrees being displayed on the support vehicle at the mid point.
Lunch at Rosedale was cool but well catered with mouth watering treats. We were also re-united with a
missing rider who, on requiring a replacement bike prior to the start, chased us down but via the clockwise route. His replacement mount also kept us amused.
The return journey to Glengarrie was expected to be a long slog into wind and the failure of the predicted wind to swing to the south ensured that it was. An impressive effort from Bill on the day should have had most of the riders shaking their heads. A good example of what is possible if motivated. The final stages of the ride could have been titled " Tim's Tour of Traralgon". I had no idea it was such a big place.

team manager admires players

cool conditions order of the day

I intend to sit this one out

I fear it is legally dead

lunch time attraction

flagman on his feet

Longford - Seaspray 29 April

The weather was fine but cool for the 18 riders that headed off from Longford on Sunday.
The fifteen minutes of climbing predicted was pretty close but this was followed by a comfortable run down to Stradbroke. Once the turn was made to the east a welcome tailwind made for easy cruising to the Middle Road. The rest of the leg down Middle Road and Owens lane was uneventful apart from Alistair's Chain problems and a chance meeting with our long lost riding partner, Reg. We eventually made our way to the Mouth of Merrimans Creek for the lunch stop (somewhat late for some although still only 12:30). The four sided shelter shed gave us options of sun or views with many opting for the warmth, it was a bit chilly.
After a comfortable break with plenty of good company and ample delicious cakes we managed to remount our bikes for the relatively short (30K) run back to Longford. We received a pleasant surprise with the completion of the widening of the northern 9Km of Middle/Giffard Road. It has taken almost 12 months but was worth the wait. As it turned out we encountered very little, in places no traffic, on some of these roads.
The final run down 3GI hill is always a good way to end a ride.
We trialed a slightly more relaxed pace for the ride after some comments received relating to recent rides. It did not appear to lengthen the ride significantly as we managed to complete our longest ride for the year by 3:30. It is really only sticking to our published pace of 20-22 Kph. We ended up averaging 19.

nervous passenger?

Oh I do like to be beside...

escape from the breeze

Tramps Bright Weekend 21/22April

Tramps had their weekend away in Bright over the weekend of 21/22April.
Activities actually started with a couple of daring riders taking on the Hotham descent on Thursday.
The following day 3 riders took on Tawonga Gap for a return ride to Mount Beauty. This was my first time over the gap and it was a suitable challenge. Back up joined us for lunch in Mt Beauty. It did not rain.

The first official ride was to Myrtleford on Saturday. 35 riders (I think one did not pedal) gathered at the park for the 65Km return adventure to the lunch stop. The ride started early in order to fit in a much needed break at the berry farm. Only the one slip up at a minor road crossing, luckily only minimal damage to bike and rider. Lunch at Myrtleford was most relaxing and the return to Bright went off well, although I sensed there were some starting to wilt towards the end.

Sunday had us all travelling to the start point, of which there were two. The keen riders (17 of) started from Myrtleford for the 90Km return trip to Beechworth. They joined up with a further 9 riders at Everton station for the 15Km climb to the lunch spot. At Beechworth it appeared that everyone in town was required to report to the Bakery to buy lunch. After the tranquility of the rail trail this  was a shock to the system. The fair tended to make up for it though. The 2:30 Myrtleford departure group had some late scratching s with 9 starters for the 45Km run to the finish. The descent was very pleasant for most and continued for those going past Everton station for another couple of kilo - meters (Vance speak). The long distance team did not need their lights.

Monday again looked like a wet ride with rain all night. It cleared up in time, however, for the easy ride to Wondiligong for morning tea. This was a rather nice way to end the weekend. The scones were well received and the setting was ideal. The final ride was the return to Bright for the farewell barbeque.
The six (+2) Sadsacers felt most welcome throughout the weekend, thank you Tramps.

a couple of gap students

       

Off to Myrtleford

lead rider in KOM jersey

Very little traffic

The main bunch

SADSAC scone scoffers

Stratford to Sale and return 15Apr12

A very solid turnout was the feature of the Stratford ride. Around 20 riders (too many to count) headed out from Stratford in rather pleasant conditions. The group included some riders listed as missing for some years - namely Bill and Allen. It was good to have them back, hopefully not for just this ride. The ride started with some stress as we had to depart Stratford on the highway to get to Bengworden Road. Once on Bengworden Road the traffic all but disappeared and more pleasing riding conditions were the order for the rest of the cruise to Sale.

While the group tended to spread out on the road numerous regrouping allowed for the slower riders to rejoin.
 I tend to feel that this type of approach to our rides is good as a bunch of 20 or so riders is more difficult for cars/trucks to pass and also lets the individual riders travel at a more comfortable speed. For those who have not attended the Tramps recently, they also take this approach. The ride to Sale was front loaded and most were looking forward to lunch. The lunch spot next to the Fauna park was very restful and Kathy's cakes were to their usual high standard.

The lunch stop ended up somewhat longer than normal with Alistair's rear wheel managing to eat his newly installed tube. This was a new one for the maintenance books. The drama continued, after half the group had left, with Shirley finding the park did not want her to leave. Luckily we had sufficient members left to rescue the rescue vehicle and we were soon? off looking for the others.
The return to Stratford was uneventful although somewhat slower due the the cross/headwind.

newest club member

comfy 60 year old chairs

let them eat cake

Shirley inspects her work

No. of SADSACs needed to?

End of the road

Rosedale - Traralgon 01April

Thirteen riders took part in the Rosedale ride. This was quite a good turnout considering the Ride for Sight plus a significant birthday party were on at the same time. Conditions on the day were reasonably pleasant with mild temperatures and generally fine conditions.
The lunch stop at Traralgon was well catered with some early Easter eggs on the cup cakes.
This was the last SADSAC/Tramps calendar clash for the year so hopefully we will see more of each other on future rides.
The return from Traralgon almost saw the support driver hit by a bus while trying the clear the road of discarded debris from someone, I must be more careful in future. The long run back from Glengarrie did manage a small headwind and cooling conditions. We almost had some rain. Another successful ride.

enough mosquitoes for everyone

just short of Highland Way

Peter back from beyond

Lunch at Traralgon

choosing the local ride

Eat more cake