We awoke to cloudy and rainy weather
but, despite initial concerns that this ride might have to be
abandoned, nine riders assembled at the start site just beyond
Woodford and were rewarded with a rain free ride through beautiful
scenery which was just made more interesting by the constantly
changing cloud patterns chasing across the blue sky. We saw a fair
bit of that as well along the way.
The route followed Old Cove Road, Cove
Road and Commissioners Flat Road to Peachester. We passed
picturesque paddocks with cattle and horses and numerous large dams,
surrounded by wooded hills with, occasionally, good views of Beerwah
in the background. A short forested section beside a muddy brown
creek added variety to the scenery.
The roads were mostly flat or
undulating and, despite the earlier rain, the unsealed sections did
not present any problems. At times, there was a bit more traffic
than originally anticipated but on the whole the roads were fairly
quiet.
A few of the hills proved reasonably
challenging and certainly got the heart pumping but it was generally
agreed that this was a good thing and made the ride more worthwhile.
Some rode up and others walked up but, as predicted, the downhills
were worth the effort.
At the characterful Good Old Days
Coffee and Tea House at Peachester we sat outside in the garden and
enjoyed coffee or hot chocolate artistically decorated with both
chocolate powder and chocolate sauce which was a novelty. Several
riders also partook of some yummy quiches or cakes and cream and a
good time was had by all.
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| Louise's beautifully (to be gazed upon) decorated coffee Apparently it tasted as good as it looked |
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| The well-deserved coffee break |
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| At The Good Old Days Coffee Shop |
After morning tea, we gathered in front
of a board map of the Peachester area and a hapless lady quietly
minding her own business in a little garden nearby had her reading
interrupted when she was hijacked into taking photos of the group
(which she did with a very good grace). Her comment that she never
had time to herself anyway as she had kids struck a chord with
several of those present!
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| Ready for the Return Ride to Woodford |
We returned via the same route which
nevertheless looked a bit different in the opposite direction.
According to my speedo, we had ridden 40km in 2 hrs 35 mins
(excluding the long coffee break). Following the ride we eschewed
the wonky picnic table in the park where we had left the cars in
favour of lunch at the covered picnic tables in the centre of
Woodford, where we successfully disturbed a gentle man quietly
minding his own business (and his dog).
The ride was unanimously voted a
success and will certainly be repeated when memories have faded
somewhat (we can then take advantage of the loyalty cards liberally
dispensed by the Good Old Days barista!). As for me, the ride lived
up to all expectations and I would be happy to lead it at any time,
subject to demand.
Isabel Cooper
29/6/13
Great ride and organisation, Isabel. (Sandra)
