Report by Julian 

There were 27 of us for the Sunday ride this week – a good turn out given the hot conditions expected.  Several new faces were present and had found out about us from the web-site.  It was also good to see the Subi bike force lads back again after a long absence.  The route involved us attacking the Kahuna from both directions, with the Roleystone Hill School and usual Mundaring Weir Road ascents to round out the climbing for the morning.

Luckily the easterly wind was pretty mild so the Manning Road/Albany Highway leg of the trip out.  Heiko and led out for the first bit then retreated to the back to see what was happening down there.  Alistair and Chris took over , followed by several other pairs who shared the work around.  Peter went to front just before we turned off Albany Highway to make sure everyone knew where to turn and before long the road started going up.  The group was in a playful mood this morning and once the initial attacks sorted themselves out I found myself in 6^th wheel with the 5 in front getting away.  I settled into my rhythm and soon began the pick off some of the front group including Johnny, Damir and new Matt.  Behind me I noted Stu putting in a big effort as well.  Near the top Steve H had the measure of Chris and went on to take the points.  I caught Chris about 400 m from the top and came in second.  The rest of the group followed in and there was some serious sweating going on and our water bottles were already low.  We discussed refill places along the rest of the route and decided to take on water at Roleystone SHS.  I believe the short group kept going along Mills Road, towards Kalamunda, whilst the rest of us had Urch Rd/ Peet Rd to contend with.   

KOM 1 – 1.  Steve  2. Julian,  3. Chris,  4.  Stu,  5. Matt A 

Gregor and Johnny both had rapid descents but were soon caught by the group as we climbed up to Peet Rd.  Once at the turn Steve went around me and was followed by Peter.  They soon got away from Chris and I with Matt trying to keep up behind.  As the hill flattened out, Steve broke away from Peter and Chris and I bridged the gap.  The three of us stayed together through the roundabout and on to the final hill.  I expected to be out-sprinted by Peter and was surprised by him not attacking – it turned out going early with Steve had took its toll.  At 300 m out I took of and sprinted away from Chris to get second but was really feeling it at the end.  Judging by the looks on others as they finished, I wasn’t the only one suffering.  The re-group was quite log here today as we went into the school to hang out around the drink fountains.   

KOM 2 – 1.  Steve  2. Julian,  3. Chris,  4.  Stu,  5. Peter

Heading back down Brookton Highways provided a bit of relief from the climbs.  Some were quicker than others but we did a quick head count at the bottom to ensure everyone was still on.  Once the climb started disaster struck me as I dropped my chain and couldn’t get it back on without stopping.  Once fixed up, Alistair made sure I was OK and the two of us made the climb without any pressure for points.  We picked up a couple of stragglers on the way and only stopped at the top enough to get the points details. 

KOM 3 – 1.  Steve  2. Chris,  3. Matt A,  4.  Stu,  5. Matthew 

We made our way back onto Canning Mills Rd and re-grouped at Pickering Brook general store to take on more water.  The temperature was 33°C by this stage and we were all looking forward to the merchant.  My aim now was to go hard on the final hill to make up for the 3^rd climb and also to get a seat on the couch.  On the final climb, I made an early break and Damir and Stu followed.  We were also joined by another guy who wanted to push as well.  Damir dropped off just over half way up leaving Stu and I to battle it out.  I tried to pass him just before the last rise but an extra effort from Stu prevented this and he went on to the line.  I managed a 7.56, not bad in the conditions and waited long enough to record the points, then headed to the Merchant. 

KOM 4 – 1.  Stu  2. Julian,  3. Matthew,  4.  Chris,  5. Steve 

A couple of others were already there, having forgone the longer stop at Pickering Brook but there was a feet spot on the couch so I settled in.  A fair bit of sweat was absorbed by the chairs today as we all re-hydrated after a long ride.  The trip back home was just as oppressive and Welshpool Rd was very hot.  Chris took it easy down the hill owing to a brake malfunction near the end of the end of the last climb so we waited at the school for him.  Heiko went for sprint glory at the first McDonalds and I think Gregor and Heiko battled it out at the end.  I was just glad for it to be finished and plunged immediately into the pool when I got home.  Thanks to everyone who came out today and I look forward to seeing everyone’s Christmas bike bling next weekend.