Report by Julian 

A new route was planned today so I had made notes on how to get out to Brigadoon for the climb-fest.  En-route to the rendezvous (that’s the limit of French for the day), I realised I hadn’t noted the course back to Kalamunda and was relieved to see Peter and his trusty Garmin, which had all the details entered.  I think there were about 25 people today, and plans for a shorter ride up the zigzag were being made before we set off.  

Gt Eastern Hwy was quiet today and the traffic was well behaved.  The pace was reasonable apart from Alistair’s turn on the front, when low 30’s suddenly became high 30’s.  Even accounting for the tail wind it was a bit quick and we yelled to the front to ease him back.  We bade farewell to the short-cutters at Queens Rd and continued on to Guildford and then Midland.  A few locals in Midland gave us some encouraging cheering (Emu Export at 7.30 in the morning will do that) and before long we were over Gt Northern Hwy and into the small rises round Jane Brook.  

On the first rise Alistair took off and crested the hill.  He then slowed down and found me in the pack to ensure I noted the points for the first climb.  Alas I informed him that said first climb was still 15 km away but his efforts in the bonus climb were noted.  We continued on for a few more kms before Davina decided to stretch her legs and put in some hard yards.  Mark DC followed here out and soon the two of them were long gone.  The rest of us got through the few kms before the climb and as we passed the ‘No Through Road’ sign indicating the start, the front runners were back in sight. 

On the climb, Dan, Alistair and I approached the tiring Davina and then went past.  Mark DC was up ahead and looking out of reach.  Mike B and Chris T overtook me as I shook off Dan The view up the valley from Bells Rapids was worth the climb and by the time we hit the roundabout Mark DC had come in first.  However, there was an edict from President Peter that Mark would be disqualified as he broke away on the flat before the climb started.  Rule is Rules and therefore the final classification from climb 1 was as follows: 

KOM 1: 1.  Mike B;  2, Chris T;  3. Julian;  4.  Chris A;  5. Peter 

The one noticeable thing about the re-group point was the distinct lack of trees/shrubs for shielding when relieving oneself.  Therefore the re-group time was slightly longer as those that had to travel a bit further.  The next two climbs were explained by Peter – in summary ~3 km down and then up again until we hit the next roundabout, re-group, then turn around and do it in reverse.  Going down the first hill I clocked mid 70s so the climb back wasn’t going to be easy.  The sun was quite hot on the road and there a few big efforts on both climbs.  Mike B managed to just pip Chris A on the first climb and going back, Chris T held out me to the line.  Russell and Melvyn waited at the line having discovered the shortcut after the second climb.  

KOM 2: 1.  Mike B;  2, Chris A;  3. Julian;  4.  Chris T;  5. Peter 

KOM 3: 1.  Chris T;  2, Julian;  3. Jerry;  4.  Brodie;  5. Dan

The three climbs in quick succession had taken a bit out of everyone and a few of us were running low on water.  The descent was very fast for me and I managed to hit 90 km/h.  Once on the flat a few splinter groups formed and Heiko and I rode together talking about the ways of the world.  We held an easy pace before all coming together again at Jane Brook to look for water taps.  Unfortunately there were none around so we skirted around Greenmount (saying farewell to Russell on the way) and finally found a disused service station that still had connected water.  Everyone took on water and it was noted that Brett and a couple of others were missing.  It turned out someone had a puncture (sorry I didn’t get names at coffee) and a couple of others waited behind to assist.  

After the water stop we were soon on Ridge Hill Road for the second of the bonus climbs.  Alistair took it a bit easier this time and there was only a short re-group when we reached Kalamunda Road.  There were a few tired bodies at this stage and a lot of effort was summoned for the final climb.  Alistair, Chris T, Chris A and I soon split from the group and about half way up Mike B made his trademark move from the back.  Chris T and I responded but after about 100 m I’d had enough so settled back in to my rhythm.  Up ahead it was a pretty close ride and I think (but can’t confirm) Mike B just got it.  

KOM 4: 1.  Mike B;  2, Chris T;  3. Julian;  4.  Chris A;  5. Jerry 

We headed off for coffee and managed to get a few tables in the shade.  There was a sense of achievement in the group as the new ride was conquered and in trying conditions – this will not be a summer ride.  I did a quick tally of points and found that the overall November winner was Chris A, who finished 1 point in front of me.  Luckily for Mark DC, his disqualification on the first hill did not cost him the title although he would have come 2^nd if it had counted. 

Back down Welshpool Rd we went and the final stages were fast without blowing too many people away.  I turned off at George Street and finished with 107 km under my belt so was pretty happy with that.  I won’t be available next weekend and the Joondalup race is on so if anyone does go out, can they keep a track of proceedings.