Report by John
Updated with Video
All those with nothing better to do, and either no decent coffee machine, or indoor trainer turned up – i think there were 6 or 7. i waited in the rain hoping no one would turn up but alas they trickled in like drowned rats – equally disappointed in seeing a fellow cyclist…so we had to go.
someone murmured about going straight for a coffee – and thus a mutiny was hatched.
pete’s planned route was sabotaged before we even started.
i was little disappointed – i mean if you make the effort to go riding in the rain, may as well get hypothermia and make the most out of it. then again i must confess i was not totally unhappy as it started to ‘persist‘ down.
the ride up welshpool for me was better than anticipated – i kept in touch with the front guys (kept in touch at about 100m behind) for half the climb. todd was on my tail most of the way until he had a spell in front with me taking him on the last little kick before the finish.
the other climb up kalamunda hill felt good as well. trailed dr carl for a bit then took him. there is a flattish section about half way up that i’ve learnt to change into the big ring and scoot along. managed to keep about 35kmh for a while there but never caught sight of the front 4 guys. i reckon they must have been about 400m in front.
Pete and young Ben met us for a much needed hot drink (thanks carl for the $5) , and i think pete was filming us on the way back down the hill. at first glance i thought some cop was trying to make sure we weren’t speeding…no chance of that!
every time i climb it’s a learning experience balancing lungs, heart and lactic acid (”the kids in the back seat” ) with my brain telling everyone to “settle down”.
i think lance was right – we ride not for the pleasure, but for the pain. it gives us such a sense of achievement to ‘handle it’ – not matter where one is in group’s pecking order.
all in all, happy i did the ride (so nearly piked out), but very relieved to make it down the hill and back home in one piece.
apologies for not mentioning everyone who rode, but i have trouble enough remembering what i did let alone anyone else…
Apologies for not coming down to play. But I was very cosy in bed and the prospect of getting wet was not appealing. Nor was cleaning bike again. Winter is taking it’s toll on my bike, pedals are about to cease up (better for training I hear).
Sounds like you had a short and sweet ride though, I am envious.
gosh, sounds like that super glue we put on your pedals is taking longer to set in this wet weather…
must say it was a fun ride. 🙂
no folks that is not in slooooow motion – that was ‘sh*@ting my pants motion’ just to get down…
classic with ben giving a running commetary too!
you can’t see it, but the last rider down had no sunglasses and had to shut 1 eye all the way down – talk about bad day to leave the sunnies at home…!
I am so impressed…I was sitting there eating my breaky all kitted up, about to walk out the door and then the rain started. I remember thinking no one will go out in this weather. Very impressive guys, I hope it didn’t take long to defrost.
After watching the video, I am thinking I made the right choice.. Call me a softie but it looked miserable..
I am impressed though and looking to make ammends..
Uncle Pete, when do you post this weekend’s rides?
Yep. Kudos to each of you. I was actually at the Shell and saw Dr Carl and one other drowned soul ride past at about 10:30am looking very wet (but very very virtuous!) You know that if it wasn’t for the wife and kids, I absolutely would have absolutely been absolutely there for absolutely sure!!