as expected the fine weather brought all the riders out of the woodwork.  i was playing in main 1 again today as in building back my fitness i just need solid k’s, not getting smashed, dropped and then finding a shortcut home.  it was brisk to start with but it didn’t take long for the day to warm up and arm warmers were soon pushed down.  the nicer weather also saw the return of the shorty, shorts.

the fast group kicked off and there was a moment of hesitation as everyone looked around to see who was going.  they started to trickle out and then there was a flood as some riders decided to take the plunge.  little did they know that ryan was out to smash them today. 

main 1 rolled out and we still had quite a few people.  the fast with a main chaser has also meant that some of the main 2 group has stepped up into main 1.  it took us a while to actually get it all together as we managed to get split at pretty much every single set of lights.  better than last week though when we had a couple hit the deck.  at low speeds people tend to get complacent and the next thing you know there is a touch of wheels.  no real injuries though.

anyway, it wasn’t till we got to ascot that we finally got a decent run (as there are no lights).  over the river and into the unknown territory of the northern suburbs we trekked up grand prom and towards the tv stations. 

as we waited for the lights, i explained that we would go hard up the “hill” and along the top but then regroup once we hit wanneroo road.  the lights changed and there was a reluctance to up the pace so i went to the front and gave it a tap.  i pushed for as long as i could and unfortunately it was not as long as it used to be.  i was reeled back in by about halfway up the hill as i was gasping for air.

the lights at the top allowed the group to squeeze up and soon we were off again.  not too hard past the shops, but once the lights disappeared, the pace was on again.  i was content (actually, not able) to sit in the pack and get swept along at a fine pace.  what is that pace???  well i am not sure as my second garmin died last sunday in the hills.  didn’t get dropped or anything.  just stopped working.

the pace was subdued on wanneroo road and we worked our way down to leederville.  once on Thomas st the pace picked up again through the rolling hills and along past kings park.  as we turned into the wind to detour around the back of karrakatta cemetery, i had to go the front to do a bit of directing.  this actually killed me a bit as the boys were making a good pace.

heading towards claremont  we realised the mistake of the day.  the show was on, which meant increased traffic in the area.  we skirted past it quickly and only got held up at one intersection.  soon we were on familiar territory heading towards dalkeith.

again, i somehow ended up at the front, but burned out pretty quickly.  dropping back through the pack and i felt a hand on my arse, giving me a helping hand (maybe a touch up).  thanks brother dan.  a couple of small sections of smashing up the undulations and soon we were back on mounts bay road.

the lights changed and again i found myself on the front with the group strung out behind me.  ok, i guess this is my training, so i tried to tempo it along for as long as i could.  about halfway along another guy came over my wheel to help out, but i soon jumped in front of him again as it didn’t look like anyone else wanted to play.  soon jen came past dragging the rest of the group as they lined up for the sprint.  i was cooked so i backed off and sucked in some oxygen.  didn’t see the sprint winner as i was too far back.

so i think that the format seems to work well with all three doing the same route.  it staggers the coffee shop orders, although it does mean that main 2 may not have any seats left.  we will see how we go.  as the weather continues to improve and people realise how much weight they have gained over winter, i expect we will see our numbers grow again.  here is your chance to step up and become a ride leader…