WOODFORD TO PEACHESTER RIDE – 28 JUNE 2013

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.

Louise's beautifully (to be gazed upon) decorated coffee
Apparently it tasted as good as it looked

The well-deserved coffee break

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!

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)