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Surfing – Bike riding – Wineries – Theatre

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September ended with majestic swells that beckoned all types of water activity.

 

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Graeme enjoys his last supper at the Mollymook Beach Hut Cafe.

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Graeme enjoys his last supper at the Mollymook Beach Hut Cafe before departure for the promised land at Collette in the Port Stephens area. Parting words and blessings from above were offered by Raymundo. Word has it that his golfing partners all chipped in and bought him a new ‘wood’ for a parting gift. Its understood that Graeme is thinking of a visit in the near future in the hope that his gracious golfing partners may be gracious once again as he is in need of a new ‘chipping iron’.

On a more serious note, Graeme’s departure is like loosing a family member. Everyone loved his wit, he was a respected and valued member of the swim group, a man of principle, never did a bad word proceed from his mouth, he was prudent with his money and a Sydney Morning Herald reader. Upon departure he took time out to thank Teresa for being so ‘gracious’ allowing him to drink from his thermos in the cafe confines. Teresa in her normal jovial way laughed and wish him well. A surprise to all on his farewell was seeing him finally buy a cup of coffee.

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WODONGA AND RUTHERGLEN BIKE TRIP 2015

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Planned itinerary

Monday 28 September. Ride Beside Lake Hume east to Old Tallangatta on part road then mostly gently sloping rail trail, returning on the same track. (Distance approx. 75km)
Tuesday 29 September. Ride some rail trail but mainly country back roads south of Wodonga to Chiltern for lunch, then on to Rutherglen.
Wednesday 30 September. Ride around Rutherglen and the Wahgunyah wine area. Distance 20 km or more depending on what you do. Options: Corowa rail trail? Wine tastings ? Lunch ? Rest day ?
Thursday 1 October. Ride Rutherglen area wineries. Many options. Short or longer rides include lunch. Later planned dinner in the pub that night.

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Recapping some of the bike ride highlights

John L. gives a run down on their bike riding highlights;

Day 1, Monday, was full of adventure. Sue declined an early morning dip in near freezing Lake Hume before we set off on a 60km round trip to Tallangatta. Big John White had two punctures and then rounded off his ride 15km from the finish by breaking a rear suspension fork during a jump. Nikki was awarded the yellow Jersey that evening for staying with the broken bike while Big John rode her bike back to get the car. Jacqui, Kathy and Lyn rode together on the last leg and overcame magpie attacks and a meeting with a brown snake. The snake came off worst as Jacqui made a split second decision to ride over its head rather than risk a strike.

Day 2, Tuesday, we moved camp to Rutherglen. Bob, John L and Steve rode the 60Kms over an unplanned mountain pass arriving at Chiltern, rather worn out, to meet the others who had transferred the vehicles to our new camp site and ridden back from Rutherglen to meet us. Steve received the Yellow Jersey this day for his heroic effort on the mountain pass and resisting the temptation to kill Bobby for taking us there.
Weather has been absolutely fantastic.

Day 3, Wednesday, 30Km ride consisted of coffee stops and lunch at the Cofield Vineyard’s Pickled Sisters restaurant. Bobby had to take a picture of the Vineyard Lunch Platter for Ken’s gallery. Lots of blood spilled today though as Magpies gave us another hiding. Chris was so distracted waving them away that he rode into a ditch and came away with bloodied knees and hands. Jacqui took a hit on the ear while John and Super fit Sue, busy chatting a few metres ahead, failed to hear her shouts of dismay and calmly peddled on oblivious to the carnage behind them.

Today and our group of 10 became 8 this morning as Kathy and Steve left for Canberra to attend the theatre.

Day 4, Thursday, we have visits to a few more wineries to round off the tour. A message for Louise from the girls …. ” No saddle soreness this year. These contoured saddles certainly work.”

Best wishes are extended from Rutherglen to the swimmers back in Mollymook. Pictures are supplied by Bob and Kath.

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Some of the crew rode along a beautiful trail following the lake to Tallangatta for lunch. Then back to Lake Hume park, about 60km. (Roving reporter Kath)

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Swimmers at the Canberra Theatre for the Tim & Jeff Buckley ‘State of Grace’ tribute concert. Kath reported that it was an amazing concert!

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