sadsacnews: 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.