Having ‘done’ Shelley for the past several weeks we decided to venture out on the busier roads through Nedlands, Dalkeith and onto Curtin Ave. With 4 new riders – 2 of which had just come back from a weeks Mtb racing in Tassie (some novices!), we were up to 9 riders and all seemed well organised as we headed out onto Mts Bay Road.

The Intermediate group cruised past with words of encouragement as I stayed back with new rider Carol. The rest of ‘N’ team rode on ahead, paired up and were working well together as a pack and this set the M.O. for the remainder of the ride. Up the hill past Steve’s and the ‘Transitions’ came past with Chairman Pete and more words of encouragement.

Directing Carol down the Waratah Rd shortcut, I headed back & time-trialled it around the river to catch up with the pack where we collected Carol, re-grouped, and rode together along Victoria Ave, up and over Stirling Hwy and through the underpass. Climbing up to Scotch College, down a short section of Curtin Ave and the turnaround at Eric St – bit of a jumble crossing back from at the traffic lights from Barnfield onto Stirling road : I do this regularly with a couple of others which is ok, but it’s a bit dodgy with a group – apologies for that folks and we’ll come back via the underpass next time.

Heading back, Carol and I both took the shortcut this time; but I should have let the others know as half way around they were apparently sitting waiting for us (oops – apologies no 2).

Regrouped, back along UWA, onto the bike path by the brewery and saw 5 of the SPR fast group working in tight unison and hammering it as they headed east along Mts Bay Rd – very nice.

Discussion over coffee and we decided that if we have more newcomers we’ll do a Shelley and work through our ‘roll-throughs’ etc next week. Apart from a couple of mix-ups – I think the ride went OK and now that the regulars know the route and with a bit better communication from me it should be a bit smoother next time !

Cheers Mark S