Report by Julian

Firstly an apology for the tardiness of recent reports. A combination of work, family and general apathy have prevented me filing timely reporting of Sunday rides. I’ve also been having computer text troubles and this has made updating the points page difficult. A brief sumary will follow at the end of the brief report, where the May points are at and I’ll endeavour to update the full table tomorrow.

The start of the ride was summarised in the main group report and once the advanced group were on Kalamunda Rd the fun started. Stu and Danny boy had a clash of wheels during an attack on the climb resulting in Ashley, Heiko and I getting away. Ashley took the points and Heiko took me in the last 100 m. Stu fought back well for 4th and Sato claimed the last point. Down the normal KOM hill got a bit messy as we passed another group and a call came out about another flat. We slowed down but a further message to push on caught a few of us unawares. Turing into Lawnbrook, a group of 6 had got away and were setting their sights on the chook farm. I started to chase them down and caught David and Martin on the final climb but Ashley and Sato were already home. The re-group was typical for Chookenberg – lots of comments from the “virgins” about the two hills and the wise old veterans nodding in the “I told you it wasn’t easy” manner.

Immediately onto the observatory climb and a group of 8 or so were still together over half way up. Heiko and I attacked, with Ashley following, dropping Peter who was finding his climbing legs again. Going into the last 200 m Heiko and Ashley overan me and went to the line in that order. Peter held on well for 4th and Sato again claimed a point. There was only the final climb up Aldersyde Rd to go and Ashley (who by this stage had been christened “Junior Bonner” by Heiko) led Heiko, myself, David and Davina for most of the way. Once we hit Mundaring Weir Rd the pace quickened and Heiko urged me on. I caught Ashley on the final rise and satisifed myself with the win. To be fair, Ashley did slow down before we got to Mundaring Weir Rd, as he thought this was the end of the climb.

Onward to coffee and cake and a rare inside sitting today. Service was pretty good, probably due to us being a bit later than usual this week. No highlights om the way back although it was nnice to get some dry road for the last 20 km.
Overall points for May (top 5) are Mike B (87), Ashley (72), Julian (60), Sato (38) and Heiko (35), with 1 ride to go.