Report by mark
Sunday November 8
Most of the guys were away at the Golden Spokes event, so I was surprised to see a good turnout of 18 at the start.
Another beautiful day for riding – not too much from the Easterly wind, and a comfortable 15 degrees.
Mike B joined us on Douglas road and before you could say “warm-up”, we were climbing Welshpool road.
As all the mountain goats were racing that day, the field was wide open for points.
I tried to stay with the front bunch, but fell off half way up, and watched in amazement as Johnny flew past me, muttering something about how good he was feeling on the bike. Nice to hear!
The order at the top was Matthew, Richard, Johnny, Dean, Mark dC.
There was some confusion after this, as we were supposed to head off right to the observatory via Patterson Rd, but everyone carried on left. I didn’t get any takers to turn right when we hit Glenisla either, so I assumed that was it, and psyched myself up for MW Road. As we approached along Aldersyde, the bunch looked smaller, and Simon asked why I never joined the others up to the Observatory. I did try – honest.
I cruised up Mundaring Weir Rd ahead of the bunch, and then did a U-turn, and headed back down to catch the others on the way back from the Observatory. They approached from the opposite direction, as they’d done the Observatory loop backwards.
I’m told the order at the top was: Dean, Matthew, Johnny, Richard, Marc S.
Anyway, we all made our way back to our favourite hill, and had a good climb to the top. After a helping hand most of the way up (can’t remember who’s wheel) I managed a PB of 8min10sec which I was very happy with. 8 minutes is looming ever closer…. The order at the top was Richard, Mark dC, Dean, Matthew, Johnny, Heiko.
The planned route of Zigzag down and back up Gooseberry was quickly vetoed by the group, and we headed straight to the Merchant for another round of great service and good coffee.
The usual ride home was uneventful, with a hard push along Welshpool/Orrong, up to Albany Hwy.
Sunday November 15
The following Sunday was an even better cycling weather day.
Hardly a breath of wind, and lovely cool dry conditions.
Tour de Perth was on in the afternoon, but I was expecting a good turnout for the ride. I was surprised to see only 10 people there, with a few first timers – always good to see; Welcome to Todd and Nathan.
My old friend Vic and his mate Pascal were also there. Vic took me on my first ride around Perth two days after I flew in from Cape Town in Jan 2005.
The route was Cahunu (Mills Rd East), Urch& Pete, Observatory and Mundaring Weir Rd
We headed out past Curtain Uni, onto Albany and then left, over Tonkin, to the foot of the first hill.
New Chis and Brodie took off early and stayed away to the top. I caught Stu (who was cruising) near the top, and he let me stay in front for the points.
Order was: Chris Brodie Mark Stu Ben
There isn’t much of a break before you hit the next one, and once again Brodie and Chris went hard at the start and closed the gap I’d pulled on the downhill. I paced myself up the steep part, and then worked hard on the flat to catch Chris. Then Ben attacked while we were all waiting for someone to go, and he kept the gap to take second place, followed by myself, Chris and Dan.
We filled up with water at the servo on Brookton, while some admired the U-beaut Ducati’s that pulled up.
Then onto Patterson and up to the Observatory. I can’t remember much, but the order at the top was Stu, Chris, Dan, Brodie, Ben, Mark
Vic, and Pascal headed back home via Welshpool, while the rest of us did the TT up Mundaring Weir Rd to earn our coffee.
I followed Dan most of the way up, and saw Chris and Brodie break clear, but didn’t have the legs to go with them.
The order at the top was Chris, Brodie, MdC, Dan and I missed the next one (apologies – feel free to leave a comment if it was you)
Coffee and service were great once again at the Merchant.
Standard ride home, made more pleasant by the traffic light gods smiling on us, and giving us a clear run all the way down Welshpool.
I pushed as hard as I could along the flat up to Leach Hwy – in preparation for riding my new TT bike which should be together by the weekend, with my bits that arrived from CRC this week.
Watch this space…