Report by Julian
A good turnout of about 25 riders for the ride today. Mike B again arrived on time again today and I commented that it must have been a New Year resolution to be punctual. He said that he’d started with the novice Sunday group to make sure they all got away OK, and it’s great to see people helping out with the establishment of new groups. Peter set the route today, up the normal Kahuna route, rather than the original route, owing to the ATTA time trial taking place, followed by climbs of Roleystone High School, the Observatory and Lawnbrook.
We started out in a jovial mood. Pete and Mike B set the pace early and peeled off to allow everyone else their turn. At Cannington, things changed dramatically with the easterly wind picking up and this got stronger the closer we got to the scarp. We picked up Roleystone Matt along the way and he and I led up to Roe Hwy, when the wind was howling. Peter made sure everyone knew where the re-group point was and pretty soon we were strung out on the lower part of the climb. NDCC Nick was the first to attack and gapped the rest of the field. Stu, Mike B, Chris, Jarrad and Brother Jules led the chasers and it stayed this way until just over half way through. I picked up Jules and attacked as he tried to hang on to my wheel. Having dropped him, Jarrad was the next target, and I was joined by a rider in yellow (I apologise for not knowing your name). We overtook Jarrad and I made a break just after the koala park entrance to come in 5th. Up ahead, Stu had caught Nick and held off both him and Mike for the win. Chris held on for 4th after being dropped by the front 3 towards the top.
KOM 1. 1. Stu, 2. Nick, 3. Mike B, 4. Chris, 5. Julian
At the re-group Melvyn, Simon and Christophe kept going up Mills Rd for an early coffee, whilst the rest of us caught our breath and prepared for the Urch Rd descent. I was towards the back of the field for this and didn’t get down as quickly as usual. Up ahead, I noticed a group of 6 or so has got away and were making their way towards Peet Rd. Back in the pack, Chris and I began to work our way forward. Brother Dan gave Carl a push to help him along at the start of the climb and nearly caused him to take out Mike B from behind. I can only conclude it was an attempt to eliminate the completion so that Dan could get some points.
By the time I hit Peet Road Chris and I had a bit of work to do. Mike B was up ahead trying to chase the leaders down but I was unsure of how many were in front. Chris and I worked together to pick off one of the front runners who dropped off (again apologies for not knowing name here) and by the time we got to the roundabout Mike B was in our sights. We also had a clear view of who was ahead and counted 5 riders at the front, plus Mike B. This meant points were out of the question so we both held back and cruised up to the school. We were passed by Gregor who put in a big effort up the hill. I understand there was some confusion about the finish line here and Stu got the points ahead of Jarrad, Nick, Brother Jules and Tim. We’ve talked a lot about getting the finishing lines marked for some climbs and the Roleystone High climb would be good place to start, as there is often confusion regarding the finish (officially at the driveway entrance to the school.
KOM 2. 1. Stu, 2. Jarrad, 3. Nick, 4. Brother Jules, 5. Tim
We made our way to Karragullen servo for water and headed up to Pickering Brook. This is where Part 1 of the story ends as I had to get home early today. So whilst the rest of the group turned right, I turned left, heading for Welshpool Rd. I was joined by Jill, who was taking a short cut to Kalamunda and I bade farewell to her when I turned left at Welshpool. Part 2 of the story, with all the action from the final climbs, will follow shortly.