sadsacnews: 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.