Report by Julian 

With the wind easing and only a light shower or two predicted, a very healthy turnout of 22 riders set off just after 7am from the car park for a 5 climb ride.  The roads were still damp from the early showers but this didn’t dampen the spirits.  The leaders set a good pace along Manning Rd and Albany Highway whilst I was content to sit at the back and talk to Peter, Stu, Kim and a couple of others who ventured down with us.  The spirits were sorely tested through Gosnells and Kelmscott and the rain became heavier but there weren’t many (although there were some) thoughts of turning home. 

The left turn into Carawatha Rd gave everyone a chance to tackle the first hill.  In previous posts I’ve made no secret of my dislike of this first short sharp hill and today it didn’t disappoint.  On the early part I made my way of the field and started to reel in the front six when I put in an effort and my back tyre slipped on the white line.  I just managed to stay upright but had to stop regain balance.  To make matters worse when I re-started, one of my shoes wouldn’t sit right in the pedal.  Resigned to finishing towards the back I cruised up the last bit of the hill and set about finding out who had done what on the climb.  Matthew had just edged out Ben for the points. 

The descent before Carradine Rd was taken fairly easily, due to the wet road and before to long we were on the roughest part of the course.  Mark D who as usual was at the front on the descent complained once he started climbing, as this is his least favourite hill on the Sunday rides.  Wanting to atone for the first hill I went to the front and was joined by Steve and Byron.  Byron made a couple of attacks on the climb but we reeled him in each time.  Coming up to the intersection I kept my eye on him over my right shoulder and the ever cunning Steve decided to take me on the left in the last 200 m and held out until the end.  

By this stage the rain had cleared and at the re-group the sun managed to peep through.  We did set off for the infamous Peet Rd climb with the bonus downhill jaunt on Soldiers Rd.  Again we took it easier down the hill, partly because of the wet road and partly to avoid bushwalkers and a couple of ducks.  Mark D also nearly came unstuck dodging a magpie but in the end we all made it safely down.  We stopped at Brookton Highway so Judith could change a flat and we managed to upset one of the local ladies who didn’t grasp the concept of being able to pass by us on the other side of the road. 

With all problems sorted we started up Peet Rd.  Having conserved energy on the first climb I decided to attack early and before Urch Rd had put a fair amount of space between the rest of the group.  I decided to keep going and by the time I got to the roundabout I figured I was pretty safe.  Once I reached the school I was able to watch the battle for second as Damir held off Matthew and Byron.  Melvyn finished the climb without the kid on the BMX following him in this week and Kim wanted to claim a point for finishing 17^th.  Another puncture (I can’t remember who had it) meant the re-group was a little longer than normal and we also stopped at Karragullen for water in and water out.  

The trip to Pickering Brook was pretty cruisy and we were all still together.  The observatory climb started with Ben Damir and I getting away before Stu, Matthew and Byron reeled us in.  The tension rose as we neared the last part of the climb and Damir attacked first, Ben and Stu chased him down and I managed to get Stu just before the line.  Ben’s victory meant that there was a different winner for each of the first 4 climbs.  Kim came in 15^th and was again disappointed to learn that no points were awarded for this position!

 The drier road on the downhill section to Lawnbrook Rd meant that this descent was a bit quicker than the others, but everyone soon grouped up on the early part of the climb.  Ben, Damir and I cleared out and once Damir dropped off near the top, I figured it was been Ben and I.  However, we didn’t reckon on a burst from Steve and towards the final roundabout he came flashing by.  Ben set off to wheel him in but we both slowed by a car on the roundabout.  We again picked up the pace and had almost got him when Byron came past us.  Ben summoned up a last effort and managed to catch him and I held off Steve.  The closeness of most of the climbs today indicated the great competitive nature of the points system. 

 Once we regrouped (the original 22 were all together still – a fantastic effort) we made our way to the Merchant for coffee.  However, it was pretty full there and we decided to try Paris Brest.  Given the size of the group, the typical service at Paris Brest and an 11.30 am deadline I had to meet, I decided to forego the social side of the ride and headed directly home.  I’m sure we will be told if anything exciting happened with the group on the trip back. 

KOM Summary. 

Climb 1 – 1. Matthew,  2. Ben,  3. Damir,  4. Byron,  5. Dan 

Climb 2 – 1. Steve,  2. Julian,  3. Byron,  4. Matthew,  5. Stu 

Climb 3 – 1. Julian,  2. Damir,  3. Matthew,  4. Byron,  5. Steve 

Climb 4 – 1. Ben,  2. Julian,  3. Stu,  4. Damir,  5. Matthew 

Climb 5 – 1. Ben,  2. Byron,  3. Julian,  4. Steve,  5. Stu 

Next week is the State TTT and there will be a few of us there.  The Sunday ride will still be on so please can someone keep track of the points and send them through to me (e-mail details on Points Classification Page).