March 18th. The Dorward Reserve Ride.

This ride was planned with our “Tuesday” riders in mind, a short distance and any type of bike, to have the option of on or off road. There were 15 riders and considering the wind’s force, this was a great turnout and with five non-riders meeting us at Dorward Reserve, this was a great response. Most left from the hall, but re-grouped at Stenross’s and picked up more riders. Some went onto the Parnkalla Trail here, others at Lions or Haigh Drive an a couple stayed on the road. We all enjoyed the challenge the wind presented, (or not), but as it was straight off the water, there wasn’t much protection for anyone. Some of our members had not experienced our “back-up” support, so Kingsley took our trailer out and provided a typically fantastic pit-stop for us, ably assisted by Carol. They set up in a perfectly sheltered spot and by the time riders started arriving, the kettles had boiled, chairs were in position and food was on the tables, (with tablecloths of course). There was much socialising and plenty of jaw exercises being done, but all good things must come to an end. It would have been easy to stay, so a group photo was taken, we packed up and prepared to head home....until....a flat tyre. Yep, if we’re doing 5kms or 55kms, we can get a puncture and this was the second one for the day. This isn’t a problem if our spare tubes or puncture kits are in order, but if not, it can be a nightmare. Once on the way, we all rode our chosen route back and re-grouped at Stenross’s for a head-count before going our separate ways.