It’s election day, the birds are singing, the morning skys are clear and there is the soft rays of the rising Sun in the East and, it’s still cold. 

Got to the carpark earlier than usual today, must be getting faster (at getting organised in the mornings). There was a decent turnout again this morning, Lisa rolled up looking decidedly chipper, probably excited about the extra lap of the river she had talked a few of us into doing afterwards (more on that later), Loraine (the new girl) made her introductions, Kimbo rocked up looking eager for a ride, but no Ryan (maybe he’s finding the new Dad role a bit challenging). Pete gave the rundown on the latest rundown on club and race news, then started the call for groups. This week a few more made their intentions known that there would be a fast group after last weeks small group of 4 (who joined the maingroup in the end and worked out the front). This week I think Carol had some riders who wanted to go in the Novice group, no transitional group for her today. Mountainbiker Scott volunteered new girl Lorraine for the Novice group, but she was having none of that and said she had ridden a bike before and would try her luck in the transitionals. Volunteers were asked to lead the groups, main 1 was kindly taken up by Mike B. There would be a main 2 this week which would be greatly appreciated by those who just want a group ride at a slightly less hecktic pace, the look of relief by good old Ivan was visible.

The group of about 40+ left the carpark, passing Ryan getting his bike out of the car (Baby must be behaving, or Mel is a very understanding Mum) and headed out on our journey of self discovery. It wasn’t long till we were split at the usual light change onto Canning Hwy, the group eventually got back together near the Raffles, due i’m sure to Preso Pete’s efforts to ride the split back upto the rest of us. Along the way I chatted to one of our Kiwi riders (sorry forgot to get your name) about today’s vote and how it’s done in NZ. We then headed into Burke Drive Attadale where the pace picked up a touch again due to some power work on the front by the stronger riders, a left turn up the hill to South St and the group began to stretch out. ‘Keep left!’ came the call from some mountain goats racing up on the outside from the rear. It was Ryan, Jerrard and the rest of the fast group who had decided their group was not large enough to warrant a ride on their own so they thought they’d tag along with us. I found myself climbing the hill without the slipping of gears I had last outing due to the new drivetrain fitted during the week (more than 20000k out of my Ultegra group set).

We had a slowing of the group along Stock Rd to allow a regroup then on towards South St where the pace picked up again over the rolling hills and past Murdoch. I noticed Chris, who I rode with on the 200k challenge two weeks back, he would be integral to my survival later in the ride. As we approached Canningvale got a chance to chat with Jen and Shun who were also part of the 200k challenge. A roll through was instigated along Nicholson and before we knew it the roundabout at the end was upon us. This is where the pain of the ride began.

The pace went up again. Soon enough, splits were forming throughout the group, I found myself fighting to hang on. It was time to work hard. Small groups of us began working together to get back upto the lead riders, Lennie, Meg and Pete to name a few. A shared wheel here and a friendly push there saw some of us regulars catch back on as we approached Albany Hwy, thanks also to a light change. It was during this course of events that I saw Preso Pete struggling along after his 2 week layoff from sickness, I considered jokingly giving him a friendly push but thought better of it, he’s a much better rider than that. Ryan and the other stronger riders kept the pace up as we headed back to the city, gaps formed again. My legs were really starting to get tired now, every time we stopped the pain was evident as we took off again. I found myself taking shelter more than once behind Chris who was riding strong.

By the time we reached Shepperton Rd the group was strung out again and we found ouselves separated from the leaders. Those of us not in the lead group were able to have a regroup at the lights. Kimbo and Gus took the lead side by side for a while until the pace Kimbo was setting caused Gus’s tired legs to waver, many of us have found ourselves in this position before. Poor Lennie was now left to suffer in the wind at the front as Kimbo rolled infront of Gus. We tried a few roll throughs and found ourselves back with the leaders as they were caught at lights, most times lights are the bane of our ride, but other times they can be a blessing. We now had more wheels to suck.

Only one more incline and we would be on the flat heading to the sanctuary of the Bell tower coffee shop. I needed the help of Chris’s wheel again and a welcome push over the crest of the hill by Kimbo. As we rolled over the Causeway I spied Jordan tucked in amongst the group of leaders, I joked to him that he should be out front as he was riding well. He joked back that he would if I did. Funnily enough I soon found myself in second wheel behind Yas, who was also riding well. He stuck at the front for a good length of time, leading us onto Riverside drive. I got the flick of the arm and found myself out front. How did that happen! Not to fear, before I knew it I heard the whoosh of deep dish rims as Ryan took off for glory, followed by most of the rest of the group. Not sure if Ryan managed to hang on for the win. I’m sure he will add a comment to tell us all.

It was a good hard ride, thanks to all that helped get me back. Oh! And thanks to Lisa, who I had stupidly volunteered to do another lap of the river with, for changing her mind. Not sure I would have been any good.

In honour of Chris, who just so happens to have red hair and who’s wheel I sucked a few times today. I voted for Julia.