Report by Julian 

Valentines Day 2010.  A group of lovestruck cyclists gathered in the car park (no doubt after leaving home with a kiss from their loved ones).  The mood was jovial today, despite the 37°C forecast and the increasing easterly winds.  The 3 ride routes were explained and we all then set off towards Great Eastern Highway and Orrong Road.  There was no driver rage today along Mill Point Road, which made a nice change and I settled myself in the middle of the pack, calculating that I would be far enough back to do have to do any work at the front on the way out. 

We bade farewell to the transition group at Crystal Brook Road and soon the positioning began for the first climb.  Lisa made an early break but there was no interest in following her.  The rider in the Cape Columbia shirt (sorry didn’t catch your name) was the first to offer affections to the group by leading us out into the wind up the hill.  The pace was not on and a large group was still together when we reached the service station at the top of Crystal Brook Rd.  Cape Columbia man dropped off after a sterling effort and the pace quickened as Mike B came to the front.  Chris Heiko, Johnny and I joined him and set about sorting out the points.  I thought we’d dropped Johnny on the second to last hill but he had one last effort to catch Heiko and I.  Mike and Chris got a small gap but this was covered on the last downhill before the sprint to the top.  Chris attacked first and had the line in his sights when the big German slipped up the inside (read that again with a straight face!) and took the points.  The rest of the advanced group and the intermediates steadily came in afterwards and we re-grouped at the end of Welshpool. 

KOM 1.  1. Heiko,  2. Chris,  3. Julian,  4. Mike B  5. Johnny 

We went through Carmel with Toby and Doug taking non-existent bonus points on the hill off Welshpool Rd.  A good descent into the Bickley Valley was followed by the splitting of the group and a sudden grinding to an almost halt as the Advanced group began the Observatory.  By half way up the famous five from the first climb had the points in their keeping, although the order was far from settled.  Mike B stamped his authority leaving Chris about 50 m back as he turned into Patterson.  I was a further 50 m back and Heiko the same distance behind me.  I don’t know how far Johnny was being Heiko but let’s say it was 50 m to keep things consistent.  Heiko reckoned he was a chance to catch me and I thought I could get Chris.  However, it was all dreaming – with the line approaching the gaps did not change and points were split as follows: 

KOM 2.  1. Mike B,  2. Chris,  3. Julian,  4. Heiko,  5. Johnny 

The obligatory toilet stop was followed by a request to stop for water at Pickering Brook from Heiko.  No one else needed water but we decided to keep Heiko happy.  It turns out most of his water was being poured over his head to keep cool (and wetting the rider behind him – which more than once was me!).  Down the observatory and into Pickering Brook was uneventful (apart from planned water stop where Heiko pointed out several others filled their bottles) and pretty soon we were back into the Bickley Valley evading gum nuts and avoiding the rotting stench of a dead kangaroo.  As we approached Mundaring Weir Rd stop watches were set in readiness for the climb. 

It started a bit slower today, as the lead group had to give way to on-coming car but pretty soon we were into the rhythm.  Johnny and Morrison had turns on the front in the first part of the climb and Chris and I then took over.  Near the big fence house Heiko came around us with Mike B in tow and the pace immediately quickened.  The four of us pushed until the road flattened out and this time it was Heiko’s turn for give some group love.  He went to the front and pushed us up to the mid 40’s.  By the time of the last rise I knew we were in for a good time so kept the big ring working and put in an effort for the line.  Mike B covered this pretty well and went on to take the points.  Chris pipped me on the line and Heiko was a few seconds back.  Brother Dan broke into the top five and gained a point. 

KOM 3.  1. Mike B,  2. Chris,  3. Julian,  4. Heiko,  5. Brother Dan 

The times were pretty special. Heiko was well pleased with his 7.43, as were Chris and I with 7.32.  We estimated Mike to have a 7.29 and will update the table accordingly.  The 7.21 posted by Ryan last year may look shaky in the coming weeks if the current form of the climbers keeps up before it gets too cold.  (Note that the times table will be updated this week with all the PB’s from today). 

Surprisingly at the re-group there were no takers for an early coffee.  I suspect this was because Peter took control and didn’t give anyone the choice and because going down the zig zag is great fun.  There were great views today and it was well worth the pain of another climb.  We all headed out together onto Kalamunda Rd and through the lights for the last ascent.  The group broke early with the famous five back together again for one last fling.  This rapidly became the famous 3 as Heiko and Johnny slipped on the pace and soon was 2 as my legs gave out.  Up ahead I could see Mike getting ahead and behind I noted Heiko putting getting ahead of Johnny.  About 1 km from the top I sat up and Heiko joined me.  We pushed together until the last stretch when I decided to offer one more piece of love and let Heiko take third.  To his credit he slowed on the line to allow me to catch him but I was more than happy to claim 4^th.  

KOM 4.  1. Mike B,  2. Chris,  3. Heiko,  4. Julian,  5. Johnny 

Mike B led home those who didn’t have the time to stay on, whilst the rest of us retreated to the Merchant for some well earned sustenance and a great deal of eye-candy (good job you weren’t there Lorraine!!).  After sufficient hydration we decamped for the journey home.  The temperature climbed 5°C from top to bottom of the Welshpool Rd descent and the last stretch was made only bearable by the tail wind.  A few riders turned off through Vic Park and the final sprint happened but I can’t recall who got it sorry.  All I can say was that I was happy to get home after good hit out