29 Oct

Ride News

Sunday Social Ride – Woodend – 29th October 2017

33 riders assembled in Woodend this morning for today’s ride. Another excellent number of members riding now. The weather conditions were warm with a strong north wind blowing which meant a strong tail wind back to Woodend for the latter part of the ride.

12 riders rode the longer the ride and the remaining 21 all rode out together to the point where the medium and the short rides separated. The ride then split into 18 on the medium ride and 3 on the short ride. The 3 riders on the short ride was one of our mum’s with her 2 children who had just completed the club’s skills training course. We also had 2 members who had their first ride last week with us and turned up again today for some more punishment.

With the tail wind back to Woodend all rides were conducted at a brisk pace even with the amount of climbing at the finish in Ashbourne Road.

Once back at the cafe it was the usual good chatter before we all headed homeward.

26 Oct

Thursday Social Ride – Woodend – 26th October 2017

Today’s ride report will be very brief as only myself and Jennie arrived in Woodend for a ride. Conditions were wet, cold and very windy so we both decided not to ride. Jennie returned home where the weather was fine when she left and was going for a ride. I returned home and hoped for fine weather later in the day for a ride.

22 Oct

Ride News

Sunday Social Ride – Lancefield – 22nd October 2017

22 riders arrived in Lancefield this morning for today’s ride. Weather conditions were cool with light misty rain. Fortunately by the time the ride commenced the cloud had lifted and no further rain fell during the ride. There were also areas of sunshine during the morning. The Southerly wind helped on the outward climbing portion of the ride and the head wind return was mainly downhill.

11 riders rode the longer ride and 7 riders rode the medium ride and the remaining 4 rode the shorter ride. Riders on the longer ride were also joined by Luke during the ride. We also had 2 riders who were members of the autumn skills classes riding with us on new road bikes plus 2 first time riders as well. Hopefully they will all continue riding with us and further develop their skills. All of today’s rides included a fair amount of climbing and were difficult rides especially for the new comers.

Once back at the cafe after the rides it was the usual chatter before we all departed for home.

19 Oct

Thursday Social Ride – Woodend – 19th October 2017

3 riders arrived this morning for today’s ride. Weather conditions were warm with a Northerly wind blowing.

A word of caution for those members who regularly park near the cafe. Parking restriction signs were being placed when I arrived this morning. Also someone appeared to be checking cars as soon as the time ticked over at 9.00am. Copy of sign attached.

We rode a modified 42km version of our normal loop out to Carlshrue and back along Russells Road but did not ride along Chases Lane as we could see rain about. We rode into a head wind out via Newham and enjoyed a nice tail wind back from Carlshrue.

Once back at the cafe it was the usual chat before heading home.

15 Oct

Ride News

Sunday Social Ride – Kyneton – 15th October 2017

30 riders arrived in Kyneton this morning for today’s ride. Nearly a record number of riders on our social rides. Weather conditions were close to perfect, the sun was shining and there was very little breeze. It was good to see some of our members who have been missing over the cold months back riding with us again. It was still a little bit cool at the start so judging what to wear for the ride was a tricky.

18 riders rode the medium ride and the remaining 12 rode the longer ride with the group splitting into 2 with 7 in the faster group and 5 in the slower group. Riders on both rides rode modified versions of the rides by eliminating one or more sections to shorten the ride. Also one rider on the medium ride missed a turn off and rode an extra 2.5km before turning back to the correct road. No names mentioned ( Initial of J) and ended up riding an extra 5km’s.

About half of the riders were at the cafe when I arrived back.  There was considerable banter about everyone shortening the rides. Maybe as punishment I will have to include a 100km ride next week. (Joking everyone). After refreshments we all departed for home.

12 Oct

Thursday Social Ride – Woodend – 12th October 2017

6 riders assembled in Woodend this morning for today’s ride. Weather conditions were cold with a strong north westerly wind blowing. We rode a 43km modified version of our normal route by eliminating Chases Lane and including Russells Road instead.

The ride was at a good pace except for when we were riding along 3 Chain Road  toward Carlshrue directly into the head wind. Once on the return from there the pace picked up with the tail wind.

Following the ride we frequented a different cafe as our usual cafe was not open. After refreshments and a chat we departed for home.

 

08 Oct

Ride News

Sunday Social Ride – Woodend – 8th October 2017

14 riders assembled this morning for today’s ride from Woodend. Weather conditions were mild with a strong wind blowing. A short rain shower had preceded the start of the ride however the ride commenced with dry roads.

7 riders rode the longer ride, 3 rode the medium and the remaining 4 rode modified versions of the medium and short rides. The strong wind made riding conditions difficult early in the ride until all groups reached the point where the wind became either a cross tail wind or direct tail wind. The speed of the ride was then a lot faster from then for the trip back to Woodend.

As the riders on the longer ride arrived back in Woodend a shower of rain started so those remaining moved into the cafe where it was dry and warm. After refreshments we all departed for home.

 

05 Oct

Thursday Social Ride – Woodend – 5th October 2017

3 riders arrived in Woodend for this mornings ride. Conditions were mild and cloudy. We rode one of our normal routes of 52km to Newham via Bryces Lane, Chases Lane and back along Cobb & Co Road. As we started riding some very fine drizzle began to fall which became heavier by the time we reached Newham. The rain then began to clear and we rode most of the remainder on dry roads and increasing sunshine.

Once back at the cafe the sun was shining and warm enough to sit outside having refreshments. We then departed for home.

01 Oct

Ride News

Sunday Social Ride – Gisborne – 1st October 2017

15 riders assembled in Gisborne this morning for today’s ride on the first morning of daylight savings. Lower numbers than normal so I wonder how many forgot to put  clocks forward on Saturday night or were still recovering from Grand Final celebrations.  Conditions were overcast with a light wind blowing. Also good to see Lawrie and Therese back riding with us again. Reminds me of bears coming out of hibernation with improving weather. They had been riding but not so early in the mornings.

13 riders rode the longer ride and the remaining 2 the medium ride. There were 2 groups on the longer ride with 7 riders in the faster group and 6 riders in the slower group. One of the riders in the slower group had only climbed the Woodend side of the mount once before, and never all the way without a stop. (Well done to Kath) plus 2 others who had not ridden the climb without a stop. Also 2 of the riders had never been down the Gisborne side descent so another first. Apart from having fire trucks  backing into the fire station during the descent all riders got down safely.

Once back at the cafe it was the usual chatter and refreshments before heading home.