With the desertion by many of last weeks “N” group into the new Transition Group we were back down to 8 riders. A month or two ago this would have been a large “N” group, how things are looking up.

Carol and Gwyn lead the way out into Applecross and sitting on a steady pace we climbed up Majestic without drama, didn’t get lost and started to get the hang of single line group riding on the return back to Canning Bridge.

Stopped for a quick tactical chat by the Rowing Club before heading on down to Shelley where the peleton doubled up nicely along the whole of Shelley. Everyone taking it in turns to roll off the front, re-join at the back and sitting back-in as we rode at a steady 28 kph into the easterly. Many happy faces at the turn around, so time to try out the roll-through on the return. With the tail wind making it a bit too easy, a few of the group found it tricky to ease up enough as they overtook to move over to the inside, leaving a gap or two or three. But by the end we started to look like we’d been doing this for years; although next week will be even better !

Carol called the sprint, as we climbed the final rise out of Shelley, and despite my best efforts Andrew smashed past to gap me by 10 metres at the finish line. Without DrR on board I thought I would be a dead cert for glory this week – fat chance as Andrew was clearly a ‘ring-in’ organised by Chairman Pete to keep the rest of us honest. Well done Andrew.

Singled up nicely on the freeway bike path, keeping the gaps closed and upping the tempo a bit for the final lead in to the Bell Tower. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride, there were no ‘incidents’ at all and with an ave. speed around 24 kph (which allowing for the several slow sections) was good going considering a few had never ridden in a group ride before. Well done “N” team and I’m happy if your happy for same again next week !

Cheers Mark S