30 Mar

Thursday Social Ride – Woodend – 30th March 2017

10 riders assembled in Woodend this morning for today’s ride. Conditions were very cold and the question was whether to rug up or not. Riders wore a variety of long knicks, arm warmers and wind vests to protect against the cold. We rode one of our regular 53km routes out to Newham via Bryces Lane, Chases Lane and back via Batters Lane. As the ride progressed the wind began to strengthen and when we turned back to Woodend at Batters Lane we rode into a very strong head wind. The ride was enjoyable even in the colder conditions.

Once back at the cafe it was warm clothes on and not a very long time before riders were heading homeward.

 

29 Mar

Ride News

Sunday Social Ride – Romsey – 26th March 2017

16 riders assembled at Romsey for today’s ride. Conditions were cool and very foggy at the start of the ride. During the ride conditions improved and finished in sunny weather.

10 riders rode the longer ride and the remainder rode the medium and short rides. Also good to see Lawrie back riding again following his mishap.

The usual fun and banter was held at the cafe following the ride before members headed home.

 

19 Mar

Ride News

Sunday Social Ride – Kyneton – 19th March 2017

15 riders arrived in Kyneton this morning for today’s ride. Conditions were ideal with the sun shining, a light breeze and the temperature being still mild.  9 riders rode the longer ride, 3 the medium ride and the remaining 3 the shorter ride.

All rides enjoyed the same conditions of a slight head wind till the turning point of heading back to Kyneton and then having a tail wind for the finish. By the time the medium and longer rides finished the temperature began to warm up.

Once back at the cafe all members had a good time with plenty of laughter.

17 Mar

Ride News – 7 Peaks Challenge Climbs

Wednesday 15th March – Mt Hotham

On Wednesday morning Brett, Ken M, Luke and Mark H drove to Dinner Plain to tackle two of the 7 Peaks climbs. As Brett was climbing Mt Hotham for the first time we stopped in Harrietville with Brett and myself tackling the climb with me acting as backup. Mark & Luke drove on ahead and waited past the (Meg) the first very steep section to ensure Brett was OK. Then they continued to Dinner Plain and proceeded to ride back to Mt Hotham to meet up with us. Brett was near the top of the Dimanteena ( the last steep climb at the finish ) and Mark joined up with him with Luke continuing on looking for me. I was 1km or so short of the same section when Luke arrived. Once safely in the Mt Hotham Village Brett had his 7 Peaks Passport stamped and we then rode on to Dinner Plain.

Thursday 16th March – Dinner Plain

We departed Dinner Plain for the descent to Omeo at about 8.30am. We had refreshments at a cafe in Omeo and then commenced the climb back to Dinner Plain. Unfortunately with about 15km left to ride it began to rain. Then it was rain jackets on for everybody with climbing all the way to the finish. The rain stopped with about 6km to go, and it was jackets off. Once back at Dinner Plain we all had our Passports stamped followed by hot showers for all.

Luke and I have now completed the 7 climbs for the season.  Brett and Mark still have Mt Baw Baw left to complete their 7 climbs. Good luck to them both for the final climb.

 

12 Mar

Ride News

Sunday Social Ride – Woodend – 12th March 2017

19 riders arrived in Woodend this morning for today’s ride. Conditions were cloudy with a shower of rain 30 minutes before the commencement time of the ride. The weather improved during the ride with the sun shining mid way through the morning and dry roads after the first few kilometres.

5 riders rode the medium ride and the remaining 14 the longer ride.  We also had 3 members riding with the Femmes and Velos group of ladies also. Punctures were the order of the morning with 1 before the ride commenced, another during the ride and when I arrived home my rear tyre was flat. The ride became a little disjointed due to the many groups on the road plus delays due to punctures but everyone arrived back at the finish after having an enjoyable ride.

Once at the cafe it was the usual good time before heading home.

09 Mar

Thursday Social Ride – Woodend – 9th March 2017

11 riders arrived in Woodend this morning for today’s ride. Conditions were ideal with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine and no threat of rain. We rode a 44km loop out to Carlshrue via Anderson Rd, then on to Central Rd, Chanters Ln and back via Ashbourne Rd. The wind began to pick up as we rode out to Carlshrue but as that portion of the route was mainly downhill the pace was still brisk.

Once we then turned to head back to Woodend we enjoyed a nice tail wind all the way back. One rider had the misfortune to cut a tyre which necessitated a rider having to return to Woodend and drive his car back to collect him and bike.

Everyone then enjoyed a refreshing break and a good chat at the cafe before heading home.

05 Mar

Ride News

Sunday Social Ride – Gisborne – 5th March 2017

22 riders arrived in Gisborne for today’s ride. Conditions were cool, cloudy and some mist. 13 riders rode the longer distance and the remaining 9 rode the medium distance. We also had many new faces riding this morning plus one former member who had not ridden with us for some years. Good to see him back riding.

During the ride the weather improved with sunshine later in the morning. Roads conditions at the top of the mount were slightly damp but OK.  Ride distances were shortened to avoid the traffic in Gisborne due to Market Day in the town.

Back at the cafe after the ride it was the usual smiling faces and good conversation before everybody left for home. All riders present had a good ride and enjoyed the conditions.

 

02 Mar

Thursday Social Ride – Woodend – 2nd March 2017

8 members arrived in Woodend this morning for today’s ride. Conditions were ideal with the sun shining and little wind and before the heat. It was good to see John H. back riding again after missing the last 7 weeks. We rode one of our regular 52km loops out to Carlshrue via Newham and back along Batters Lane, Clancy’s Lane to Woodend. By the time we started the ride back the wind had begun to strengthen which slowed the average speed for the ride and conditions had also warmed up.

Once back at the cafe it was the usual banter and chat plus the singing of happy birthday to one of our riders. Definitely not something to brag about as there were not many good singing voices present. After everybody had their refreshments it was time to head for home.