Fourteen RATS headed to Bright in Victoria for a weekend of Rail Trail riding and a hit-out in the Bright Fun Runs last weekend, April 21-23. 

On the Saturday, despite a little drizzle, they rode 80 plus kilometres, taking in the stunning beauty of the local area, especially the autumn trees. 

They also checked out a couple of excellent cafes for breakfast and lunch stops, plus a winery en route.

(Pictured above taking a break from the trails at the Wandiligong Pub are, from left,  Dion Carter, Lauri Perino, Kim Waters, a local photo bomber, Richard Shearman, Gay Shearman, Max Hosgood, Wendy Smith and Martin Tomasini).

On the Sunday, most RATS took part in one of the road, or trail, Fun Runs on offer and most performed quite well.   

A number of riders then headed up Mount Buffalo in the gorgeous sunshine, while others were content with another flat ride, to the local berry farm.

Back in Ulladulla, the remaining runners headed up the Porters Creek Dam Road, but once parked near the top, they actually ran out to the Mount Bushwalker car park and about a kilometre beyond, to the natural rock platform, known locally for its spectacular crevices and view of the coast.

The local RATS were joined by Michael O'Mara, a Sydney member, who always manages to keep everyone entertained on the particularly tough hills.  Most runners covered 10km to 16km and earned their coffee after at Duke and Co.

The Ulladulla RATS welcome guests, visitors and potential new members to join them, for any of their runs. All standards catered for. There is no initial fee, just go along and join in. You are not obliged to run the full distance and can turn back at any stage.  For further information: ring or text Lauri on 0438 44 55 73.

Local Running - Next Sunday - April 30: Please meet at the Lions Park, Burrill Lake, at 6.30am, for a mainly off road run.  Distances can be adjusted to suit all abilities and training requirements.

Regular Running Training:

Tuesday: 6am, meet at Narrawallee Inlet, for flat interval training, hill or stair work.  Suitable for beginners and serious athletes, distances from 1.7km.

 Wednesday: 6am, meet at Macca’s car park, up to 10km.

Thursday: 5.30pm, meet at Mollymook Surf Club car park, about 7km.

Friday: 6am, meet at Mollymook Surf Club car park, up to 10km.

Saturday: 8am, Batemans Bay parkrun, 5km, is always on option.

Sunday: runs will generally start at 6.30am - Handicaps start at 7am.

For more information, see Ulladulla RATS on Facebook, or visit the RATS web page at:  http://ulladullarats.weebly.com/  On STRAVA > search Ulladulla RATS (Runners).