Riding with the Rutherglen Bunch

Rutherglen,although a reasonably small town has quite decent cycling scene. On Saturday and Sunday mornings there are bunch rides that leave from Parker Pies,at 7.30am sharp. Saturday morning the average speed is around the 30 kmh mark with Sundays ride a couple of kmh quicker. There are 2 bunches,the first is for experienced riders and the second is called the development group for those less experienced or those who want to ride a little slower. On Saturday morning I rode from my farm to Rutherglen, into a head wind, and was about 1 min late and I could see the group heading out the Chiltern road about 1 km in the distance. Bugger,already puffing from the head wind now I would have to chase them. So head down and heart rate up 6 km later I was on the back. I didn't count but my estimate would put the group at around 16,the developement group maybe 8-10.
The route varies a little, Saturdays ride went out the Chiltern Valley Road to Chiltern, returning to Rutherglen via the Indigo Post Office Road with a sprint for the 60km speed limit sign back at Rutherglen. I reckon it's about 45km. Back at Parker Pies for a coffee and a chat. They are very welcoming and friendly and I'm always greeted warmly even though I hardly ride with them.
Also on Saturday a large group from Wodonga pulled into Parker Pies, it was amazing, probably 40 cyclists in such a small town.I enjoy my Rutherglen rides and it was probably 3 months since my last one. So it was interesting to see a few new bikes in the peloton,a couple of BMC's and a Bianchi to name a few. So if your in the area and feel like a friendly group ride get yourself to Parker Pies in the Main Street at 7.30am,but don't be late,they are very punctual.
 

Those of you that have done a bit of racing a few years ago may notice "Digger Briggs" on the left. He's a stalwart of the Rutherglen riding scene.

Although the photo doesn't really show it. Parker Pies was nearly as busy as Cafe Racer in St Kilda on Saturday morning