Trying out a new route for the Transitioners, euphemistically known as Rebold Hill, which caused a bit of early consternation as a few thought they would be grinding their way up to the lookout off Oceanic Drive . . . . . .

Leaving South Perth with 16 riders, Chrissy joined in on the front & looking very pro with her deep dished aero rims, whilst behind there was lots of happy chatting going on as we wound our way onto Canning hwy. Leon waiting at the Causeway lights and would have mistaken him for a Bandido with his bandanna around his face – but a Felt in lieu of a Harley kind of gave the game away. We paired up for the first leg east along Riverside Drive past the brewery and sitting comfortably at 30; I checked back a couple of times and whilst the chatting had stopped – everyone seemed happy enough.

Right into Winthrop, up the gentle rise up to Rockeby, and down Nicholson through sleepy Subi; still no traffic around as we rode under the subway – one of the pleasures of winter riding is the reduced number of cars on the road at this time of day. Another pleasure is that warm feeling on your back as the sun finally decides to get up and thaw out yer bones.

Thinking we might have our first split on the short climb on Lemnos, eased the pace a little and looking back from the top; nice to see everyone still all grouped up. Along Underwood, the chill through Perry Lakes and the left turn to start the Oceanic Drive climb and finally the group fragments.

A couple of the girls were feeling a bit flat so waited at the corner of West Coast Hwy , lead them back to the pack; singled the others out in the bike lane when a couple of Utes came a bit too close, before sliding to the back with a straggler to climb up towards Swanbourne. Sat in with her just chatting away to take the pressure off as the remainder disappeared over the hill. The others were waiting just before Stirling Hwy, and we re-grouped to start the usual route home along Victoria Ave.  Having pre-organised for a couple of the girls to take the shortcut we rode together along Waratah as the main group followed the river around; perfect timing as we re-joined back in with the leaders.  Guessed that there must have been a bit of sprint thing happening judging by the gap that the front 4 or 5 had on the rest of the bunch. Kept looking back expecting to see the fast boys snapping our heels at any moment – but it just didn’t happen today.

At the Mounts Bay lights, we still had 16 riders, so split the group into a fast pack and not so fast pack. Sent the fast lot off for a bit of fun along the final couple of k’s towards the brewery, and sat back with the slower group to ensure that no-one was dropped or left exposed on a solo run.

Chilling out under the heater (thanks for lighting it Kimbo) sipping my Mocha and chatting away when the news of Gwyn’s two punctures came through; she only had one spare tube so back out again and very pleased to meet her on the Narrows, escorted by Carol & Nathan who had stayed back and with the assistance of Carol’s patches, had got her rolling again. thanks guys.

Seems like the new route got the thumbs up from everyone I spoke to and the words ‘Rebold Hill ride’ no longer generates fear and trepidation in the hearts of the Transitioners !
Cheers Mark _S