Team B Byford Report by Shun

The day started off at 7am for the drive down to Byford. When reaching Mead Rd, I was surprised to find an empty housing estate rather than the start area.

After going around the block (or hectare?) I eventually saw the cyclo-sportif sign lying next to a fence.

Crawling down the side road I found a parking and it started to rain lightly. Not a good start to the day.

Amusement for the next hour as cars turned up and did 10 point turns to backup to Warrington Rd to find a parking space.

Eventually the SPR gang started to turn up in and we all met at the briefing point.

After the usual briefing and pinning the tail on the donkey with the numbers we all huddled together waiting for the start.

Lorraine hobbled up and helped us with our misc car keys and wallets.

Finally the B team got to the line and started off.

As we went down the road, the wind from the right kick in and Doug assumed the position to let me half wheel him for some shelter.

Snuggle’s must have started to get frisky and moved up to the front for some long pulls, and then dropped to the back for short breaks.

After the 3 time, I yelled to him that we needed to get a blood/urine sample from him after the event.

I think he snorted and me and went even harder???

It was about 13k’s in when I heard ‘ease up’ from the back and I relayed the message to Snuggles (phew).

As we approached the climb up to the Serpentine monastery we decided that the best approach would be to go up the climb at our own pace and regroup.

I went off the front at my own pace expecting to be passed eventually and didn’t want to hold everyone up too much.

As I went around the first corner, the first of a couple riders from other teams had already dismounted and started the long walk up.

About 50 meters and I dodged a few who were zigzagging.

As I got to the 3/4 point, Tim and Paul went past and I met them at the top a minute later.

When I found out Tim had a fair about of body weight on me, I vowed to join in more Sunday hill rides! Great effort from the big guy!

After a quick break, BD said hi to his breakfast again, we were off.

I rode my brakes for most of the descents and Melvyn kept an eye on me to make sure I didn’t lose contact with the group too much.

Eventually we hit the dam and had another climb and I saw Tim pass me to head to the top again.

More descents on the rough country roads after this kept us on our toes.

The ride back into Byford was comfortable until it started raining for the last 10k’s in.

When we crossed the line, first thing on everyone’s mind was to get changed into something warm and dry.

Lorraine’s refuelling station was open with chocolate brownies and coke which was most welcomed!

Off to the lunch and Cameron Myer’s garage sale.

All in it was a great day and thanks to everyone for coming and flying the SPR colours.