Ride to Coal Creek - 23rd August

 

There were lots of great things about today's ride to Coal Creek. The two important ones were the record turnout of members and guests and the fact that no-one came off their bike.

 

About 30 assembled at Baxter with around 20 bikes including new members Kim and Dawn, plus a few pillions and 4 cars with members, partners and guests including Janette and Margaret. After the obligatory greetings and cups of coffee, Ride Leader Alan "Tom Tom" Lindley called everyone together to advise the route of the "short" ride ahead to Korrumburra, with estimated arrival time of 11-30 am. Peter Baulch won the volunteer lottery for Tailend Charlie.

 

Off we went via Tooradin, Koo Wee Rup, Bayles, Cora Lyn, Garfield, Longwarry, Drouin and Poowong, (encountering at least 2 other ride groups along the way) arriving on schedule due to a very strong tail (sometimes side) wind. Even "250-Kim" surprised himself just how fast he can go down hill with a strong tail wind !!!!.

 

A leisurely wander through the magnificently maintained historic Coal Creek Mining Village held everyone's attention. A terrific example of century old history preserved for posterity so close to home.

 

A BYO Barbecue followed, with the electric barbies proving up to the task. Seems like Ron Olsson will be eating salad for the next week as the huge bowl of salad dutifully prepared by Geraldine last night is STILL in the fridge at home.!!!!!

 

At least we know where the salad is.............  not so for the location of Robin Abery's keys to his new bike...!!!  Seems he and his keys became separated sometime between arriving at Coal Creek and attempting to depart.  Oh, that 2nd set of keys can be a life saver (even if they are 150 kms away at home).

 

The little hiccups continued on the return trip, with total confusion prevailing at an important corner mark, with the mix-up of two  riders wearing identical fluro-orange safety vests. Those in the know have been predicting such a stuff-up and now it has happened. Perhaps we need to look at a system where Ride Leaders and Tailend Charlies ONLY wear fluro orange and other riders wishing to be more visible wear fluoro yellow/lime green. This should avoid any confusion at corner marks causing people to take wrong routes and/or getting lost.

 

Eventually we all reassembled at Tooradin for afternoon tea and following farewells, everyone set off for home after another eventful and thoroughly enjoyable day ride which was well lead by "Tom Tom" Lindley.

 

Tailend Charlie.

Email

Hi,

Just a short note to thank everyone for making my first ride with the club to Coal Creek such a fan-dam-tastic day.  I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie, socialising and riding with a group.  I will be back so be warned.

Cheers Kim (AKA Phantom)