Well that was our first cold one – all the external bits going numb and even our fashion-ista with matching scarf still had dead toes at the of the ride – definitely time for the colour-coordinated overboots. Ronnie sent a ‘puncture’ message through at 6.55, so instead of running with the M3’s in Shaws absence, it was instant promotion to lead out the 15 or so ‘T’s gathered at the southern end of the carpark – convenient as Gwyn was out for the ride too.
This lot is good to ride with: the regulars know what they’re doing, they stay together, pair up tidily, communicate well within the group and make it easy for any new riders to slot in. We had 3 new guys this week on their first SPR ride – a couple of them should be heading for M2 next week & good to see Tyrone back after getting his health issues finally sorted.
Rebold Hill – I do enjoy this route (much nicer than the back blocks of boganland) and no wind to speak off plus a few easy climbs to elevate the heart rate; although the freezing shady hollow of Perry Lakes prolonged the runny nose and tingling fingers a bit longer than I would have liked.
Cars up West Coast Hwy behaved themselves as we stayed tucked in and single file – makes it safe and predictable for everyone. Usual regroup at top of Swanbourne and just mentioned that a couple of guys had inadvertently wandered out into the outside lane whilst going up Oceanic without looking first – its so easy, but potentially fatal, to lose concentration on a climb and not check behind before moving out.
Back through Mossy park, past the tennis club and initiated a couple of ‘roll throughs; the new guys picked it up pretty quickly and everyone else was like clockwork. The usual ‘pick the pace up and stretch the legs’ into the final couple of lumps on Jutland Parade before the last re-group at the bottom of Steves Hill to ride along Hackett & Mounts Bay as a tight & solid pack. Sitting on the front paired up with one of the new guys, got a chuckle out of him as I explained how I slowly increase the speed until the chattering behind stops: at 33kph – it all went quiet.
Heard this morning, that just after we had been through Mts Bay Rd on Sat & at around 8.40, some poor cyclist heading west was involved in a close encounter with a car . . . . smashed bike and ambulance trip is no way to start a weekend.   I know we have had our fair share of luck – but by being aware of how to ride safely, riding as a tight pack, good signalling & deliberate (& sometimes even assertive) positioning on the road makes it easier for car drivers to understand and predict what we’re up to & the outcome is better for everyone.  For car driver that have clearly stopped to give way, its always a good investment to give them a wave back in thanks.