Report by Julian 

Another very cold start this week, but this didn’t deter the 22 riders that turned up.  The hour ticked past 7 and Lorraine made a quick call to see if Peter was on his way but when Lorraine rang off with the saying ‘have a good sleep in’ we knew we’d be one short today.  The trip down Albany Highway was quite cold and those who took turns on the front were all eager to get the back as quickly as possible as it seemed to be a couple of degrees warmer.  By the time we hit Mills Rd Mark D, fresh back from China, made the comment that he wished it was summer and that we were riding into a ferocious easterly, such was the cold. 

Starting the Kahuna ascent, a group of seven made a break and one by one this was whittled down.  About half way up the hill the temperature rose by at least 5°C, which certainly surprised us all and Ben and I made the most of the warmth by getting a good break.  At the ex-Koala Park Ben made his final break and went on the claim the 10 points.  Behind me, Adrian, Oliver and Ian rounded out the places, followed by the remaining group.  The re-group was fairly short as everyone made very good time up the hill and no one took the first short cut on offer. 

KOM 1 – 1. Ben,  2. Julian,  3. Adrian,  4. Oliver,  5. Ian 

We started toward the Urch road descent but stopped again as Adrian was having chain trouble.  Mark D and Hunter made good speed on the descent but once we hit Peet Road, Ben and I had a break on the field.  Behind us, the group climbed very well and again the regroup at the high school was only lengthened by Adrian with his dodgy chain. 

KOM 2 – 1. Ben,  2. Julian,  3. Oliver,  4. Ian,  5. Aaron 

The pace to Karragullen was very cvilised and there was good chatter within the pack.  The was no need for a stop at the Service Station and hardly any cars on the way up to Pickering Brook.  This, coupled with the sun finally getting some strength, led to a very enjoyable section of riding.  Mark S bade us farewell as he had to get home early and decided to take the short cut to coffee.  The rest of us turned right towards the Pickering Brook circuit and Patterson road climb.  During the circuit Adrian was very keen to find out where the next KOM was so I figured he and Aaron were keen to get more points.  I relayed this information to Ben in order so we could keep our old and watchful eyes on them.  On the second last rise the young guns made their move but were reeled in by Ben, who surprisingly kept going.  Just before the top of the rise he slowed and heading onto the last 200 m of the climb I made a move past Ben who had spent his chips early.  He confessed at the top that he was confused about the finish, hence his early burst.  The young lads came in behind us with Oliver getting fifth. 

KOM 3 – 1. Julian,  2. Ben,  3. Adrian,  4. Aaron,  5. Ian 

By this stage everyone was keen for coffee and a resounding relief was audible when it was announced that only one more hill had to be conquered.  The instructions for timing the last climb were given and we set off down the Observatory road and into Bickley valley.  Once we hit Mundaring Weir Road Rob made a quick start but was quickly reeled in.  The rest of the group started timers and settled in for the climb.  During the past few weeks I have discovered that I know within the first 500 m if a good time will be achieved and today my legs weren’t up to it.  I sat with Ben and Adrian (who was on a mission on the last climb) for just under 2 km then eased back to watch the duel from behind.  About 150 m from the end Adrian made his move and took the points.  Following me in was Mark D and Aaron and the rest of the group led by Lorraine, Anthony and Hunter in close quarters. 

KOM 4 – 1. Adrian,  2. Ben,  3. Julian,  4. Mark D,  5. Aaron 

We arrived at the cafe to find Mark S sitting at the table still waiting for his coffee!!  Russell had also joined the group as we recounted the ride and Mark regaled us with stories of the Chinese economic miracle.  Mark S departed early without his coffee arriving (It came about 2 minutes after leaving and was gratefully accepted by Karl).  Peter then arrived fresh from riding up Kalamunda Road on his mountain bike, with Ben on the front – very impressive – and we caught up with further news from the time trial championships the day before.  

The sprint down towards the Tonkin Highway lights was keenly contested between Lorraine and Mark D (I’ll call it a draw) and there was no need to re-group at the school as the 16 of us left held together well.  The next sprint towards McDonalds in East Vic Park was another keen contest.  Everyone waited for others to make the move until Rob, with his Adonis-like physique (yes Rob I said I would embellish this bit) and razor sharp reflexes took off to try and take the spoils.  However, the efforts of keeping two women happy in his house the night before took its toll and I overtook him before the lights. 

That was it for me a far as the ride goes as I took my shortcut home at George Street.  I therefore have no description of the final sprint but I’m sure it was carried out safely and Rob no doubt played a big part.