Just a quick write up as I watch the Aussies fight back in the Ashes…

Good to see lots of Christmas spirit our this morning with many people decorating their bikes and themselves for the occasion.  Looked like Reindeer helmets were the popular choice this year.  I went with a splendid gold tinsel – recently confiscated from a nameless Subway store.

Not sure how many rolled out in fast group this morning.  I would say around 15 or so?  I thought Pete was coming with us, so didnt take any notice of numbers etc for the report.  Oops.

I did however notice Carlos and Mike B in the group – both sporting some pretty sweet red tinsel.

Pace was pretty solid down Riverside with Nico and Jason enjoying the time on the front with the head wind.  Can’t tell you how fast we wer going – no computer on my bike till Christmas day 🙂

Things heated up in Nedlands but everyone stayed together which was nice.  As we turned past Christchurch to head towards the hill I decided to go up the road solo.  Not because I wanted to get away, rather I wanted to stay in contact over the hill.  Gravity is not my friend, so I figured I would need about 20 seconds to be able to stick with the guys over the top. 

What I didnt know was Nico had called a regroup for the top of the hill – well if I had of known….

Anyway, after the hill we were back together for the most part down to Freo.  Of course the wind was now in our faces – and I can tell you tinsel aint aero!

The decision was made not to continue through Applecross but to go straight down Canning.  I don’t know who made the call, or if it was even discussed, we just went straight.  In hindsight, the detour back into Applecross to Majestic might have been the better option.  Canning served us up nothing but red lights, big potholes and traffic. Yuk.

Anyway, down to the Causeway and Josh starts talking about the sprint.  So I go early to end the conversation.  John B takes the bait and goes to the front from the Point.  I sit on his wheel till Nico comes around after the first lights all splendid and speedy on the TT machine.  Nico drags Ainsy (formerly known as Daisey) and myself along at 62km/hr towards the finishing line. (speed from Nico not me – no computer).

Ainsy jumps right, I jump left.  We go to the line and the gold tinsel takes the win over the no-Christmas-spirit Cervelo by about half a wheel.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.