This was the first Rag tag event that the Cricks had managed to go along to and organise, the previous events clashing with other group rides. 

We started at the previous event meeting point at the Willunga Rose garden with a great turn out with six kids and eight adults all ready to ride to McLaren Vale and back. The kids had a quick play whilst we organised the bikes, then we were ready to roll.

Team Dobson all set for the ride - Rob, Hazel, Liam and Robbie

 Team Jones - Lauren, Matt, Lynn and Mia

Matching outfits for Mrs & Mrs Ellison

Nathan all excited to be riding with his mates

The three boys set off like rockets along the trail towards McLaren Vale giggling all the way, closely followed by Lauren having only just learnt to ride without training wheels.

It was a great ride and all the kids behaved themselves at road junctions and watching out for other path users.

We had originally planned to follow the previous route along the cycle path to the McLaren Vale visitor centre, however we reached the main road in McLaren Vale and decided to turn round and head back to Oxley farm winery and cafe and have a rest and re-fuel. Great Muffins and hot chocolate.

The boys with too much energy!

Yummy - Despite the cold Mia having her chocolate Gelato :-)

The gang along the path heading back to Willunga

Poor Lynn Ellison had trouble dodging all the little people on the ride, she was a magnet for them wherever she went, they seemed to follow, having four directionally-challenged kids riding around will make anyone nervous!

Matt giving up his roadie and pulling Mia back to Willunga

Robbie motoring along, won't be long before he beats the old man!

Team Crick heading back to Willunga

After the refuel, the little legs started to get tired, poor Liam succumbed first and needed a long rest, Hazel stayed with him whilst the rest pedalled on. Next to tire was Nathan and Lauren who both slowed right down but managed to get themselves back to the park at Willunga with enough energy to run around and wait for Liam.

It was a great afternoon for the ride, if a little chilly but hey it is winter and I don't think I heard any complaining from any of the bunch. I think the next ride will start and finish at the Oxley farm winery and cafe just off Kangarilla road and ride towards Willunga and back - the reverse of the route today. Cutting out some of the distance and the main road crossing in McLaren Vale. 

Everyone is welcome, it's a great way to spend the afternoon with the family and friends

Thanks

Michelle, Phil, Nathan and Libby

Total distance: 16km (approx)

Metres climbed: 80m

Average speed: 10.1kmh

Grin factor:  10/10 

Next Rag/Tag event yet to be scheduled pencil in for sometime in the school holidays

SSRC rides run every week, alternating L and P ride routes. Next weeks ride will be a P ride on Sunday. Event details here