by dr ronny
Another beautiful morning saw over 20 of us head out. There were a few new faces and a few ladies, Mike B who would help with me keeping the group together and Darren on his crazy light Kestrel (5.78kg) who had been scared off the intermediate group due to not riding much in the past few months. Darren and I led the group down the Canning Hwy and with a nice tailwind we sat on 36kph without much effort. Left at the KFC and then over a few lumps before we stopped at the Leach Hwy lights where we (read: “I”) realised we were meant to turn left. I regretted it straight away as it meant we were heading straight into the Easterly till we reached Shelley.
Once we were there, our roll through was the best so far. Mike B moved up the front and gave instruction whilst I made my way down the left lane until I popped off the back and got to observe everyone’s form. It was a great effort into the wind and I was very impressed by the improvements everyone has made in the past few weeks. A few more weeks and hopefully we’ll be putting the main group to shame with our roll-through 🙂
A few at the front missed the left turn at the end but found their way to meet us on that goat track of a path. Then onto Fern Rd where I moved up to the front and together with a new guy we led the group all the way home. The Albany Hwy section with its constant lumps tested a few tiring legs but we kept it all together before winding it up for Riverside Drive. We buried ourselves on the front doing 46kph over the Causeway (with a tailwind) to lead out the sprint.
4 or 5 guys came past before I saw Emma on my right. Grinning as she went past she said “C’mon!”, but my legs were done and I let her go before moving behind the new guy for a rest. We could see 10 or so people up front stopped at the lights and just as we got there the lights turned green letting us get a rolling start to finish in the first 7 to the Bell Tower. The entire group rolled in together and I was delighted to see we were the first to coffee!
Got home and checked my computer (I only turned it on somewhere on the Canning Hwy). Distance 34.5kph, Ave 30.6kph, Max 55.9kph.
Thanks to everyone for keeping it together and Mike B for the helping hand. For those new to the group, the kit order closes on Monday, with another order not likely for around 6 months.
I was watching this video from the Tour of Qatar this week with a few short sections of a good roll through with a cross wind.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcoboB3aaHI
Thanks Ronny for another enjoyable ride. Even though only my second time out with the group have noticed the improvement in the group as a hole. My legs gave in just before we turned onto riverside drive. oh well you get that. Good to see you again Em, thanks for the tip Deb and it was nice to meet a few new people Nige, Chris and Deb. And thanks to all for making me feel apart of the team.
Chrissy
Now you posted this I’m little annoyed with myself I didn’t make it. I went out last night and didn’t get home until 2am. I got up to come. My head said lets go my body said you ain’t going anywhere so back to bed I went. I’ll be there for the transitional ride tomorrow. Good to hear the number of riders back up again this week.
You coming along tomorrow Ronny?
You missed a great ride Nathan 🙂 I won’t be there tomorrow, got too many things on although none of it is Valentine’s day or Chinese NY related.