Tramps:Heyfield-Cheynes Bridge 03June

Once again I felt like I was on a proper Tramps ride - wet weather and hills.
No doubt these two  "attractions" may have kept the numbers down a bit, but 11 hardy souls presented on the day for a dose of "harden up". Conditions on the morning leg, apart from being seriously cold, were reasonably dry for the most part. This did allow us to wear our waterproof gear without overheating. The one weather event that did not eventuate was the forecast wind. This did make the ride easier to handle.
The outbound leg, while challenging at times, was done in a relatively short time frame meaning that lunch was consumed at lunch time. Fortunately the lunch spot came with a well proportioned shelter shed that came in rather handy as eating and socializing in drizzle is not ideal.
After consuming lunch and cakes and biscuits (having to make up for those absent), we struggled back onto our bikes for the return journey. The prediction of a wetter afternoon was accurate but as mentioned previously the lack of wind made this more bearable. The hills were strangely similar to the outbound route, only the strength in the legs changed. The light was starting to fade by the time we arrived back at Heyfield despite the clock indicating it should still be daytime. Luckily the pizza/fish and chip shop was well heated and the coffees warmed our hands. All that was left was a drive home in the dark. A successful ride.

where is the blanket?

sermon on the log

brother offended rain god

happy pedallers

enjoying a dry break

reflecting on the climb

Maffra - Coongulla 27May

A dozen riders took on the challenging ride to Coongulla on Sunday.
The ride started off easily enough with a rather flat section from Maffra, out through Newry and Tinamba, before the first real treat of the day- Stone Hill. Despite stretching out the group somewhat all managed to crest the climb without too much drama. It was then along the weir road with it's ups and downs before the descent to the Macalister River. A warm up climb just after the bridge did not really fully prepare us for the main event.
This hill is affectionately known as Roger's Hill as our friendly neighbourhood dentist lives at the top. Riders may well have thought it reminded them of the dentist's chair. What followed was a pleasant run down to the lake before a short climb into town.
Lunch was enjoyed at the local reserve with the Sec providing us with ample biscuits and slices and even a birthday cake. What more could one wish for.
Relaxation is only temporary however and the team was itching for more of those hills. No doubt the mood dropped at we hit Upper Maffra West and the serious hills were over. Apart from the final run over Pine Hill, flat ground and tailwinds were all that was on offer. Maybe it will be back to the Macalister next week.

leader cresting Stone Hill

Tramps and gypsies?

Where old bikers go to lunch

RH man mocks minor achievement

over Pine Hill

Coongulla Bandito-recently renamed

  

Tramps Boolarra-Thorpdale 20May

A good role up of the regular riders was on order to tackle one of the hillier rides on the calendar.
Weather on the day was cool but fine. This is not that common for this particular part of Victoria, it takes more than sunshine to grow all those potatoes and grass. Some of the previous attempts at this ride were quite wet.
Apart from a puncture on the Great Vic bike the run to Mirboo North was uneventful. The town was busy as usual for a Sunday. After a short rest stop it was on to Thorpdale. The run along the Highway was also busy and it was good to turn off the main road for the climb to Thorpdale. It was on this stretch that the best views were to be had. The final pinch just short of the town tends to give the legs that extra challenge.
Jokes about a coffee in Thorpedale fell flat on arrival with the appearance of an open bakery. Looks like the place is returning to its former glory.
Lunch in the park was very relaxing with good food and company.
The return leg started with some undulations before the long descent to the highway. The final part of the ride was relatively flat. Even though we did put our lights on after Yinnar they were not needed. We must be getting quicker as we did last time.

regroup after first climb

leaders on Thorpedale climb

lady of the lake

lunch time gathering

a wave from the boss

life looks good at the tail end

Briagalong - Stratford 13May

By all accounts a good day for Mum to stay in bed. The weather men were very close with their predictions apart from the amount of rain. This was rather fortunate as a wet day may have caused a cancellation.
As it was 12 starters lined up at Briagalong wearing all the cycling gear they owned. One of our senior members was also sporting his newly modified " electrified bicycle". This certainly had a significant impact on his standing in the group, transforming him from tail end charlie to social butterfly.
Shortly after starting the ride we encountered a local secret admirer on the side of the road, quite a surprise for the first lady. Hopefully all the other Mums on the ride took on the message. While the ride certainly had its share of ups and downs the clouds held their moisture until  mid Bengworden Road. Luckily the ride leader had found us some vegetation to shelter us from the rain and hail. That was the last significant rain for the day.
Due to the cold and windy conditions Dennis kindly allowed us to use his entertaining area for the lunch stop. The park would have been somewhat exposed to the elements.
The afternoon run back to Briagalong was modified slightly to avoid some of the more exposed sections of Crooked Lane. It also took a few K's of the already over budget distance.
This would be the last ride, for a while, for some of the regular riders as they prepare for their winter retreat to warmer climates.

What day is it?

Electrons rule OK

A day out for the Mums

A Jolly place for lunch

A mother and daughter moment

Like some hill property Jim?