Not written a report before but will try to use my 1^st attempt to take up Julian’s 7^th June challenge to incorporate band names in the text – 9 bands named here, all from my CD collection….

About 30 riders gathered at Coode St, the smaller crowd courtesy of the Cyclo Sportif event in the Swan Valley. Thermometer hovered around 10C – one rider didn’t let the cold play any influence on his choice of clothing, turning up in summer top and shorts – a very hardy soul. Over ¾ of the riders in uniform, impressive to see so much of the beautiful South Perth Rouleurs gear on show.  

Set off was a bit messy, with ½ the group caught at the Mill Point Rd lights and not regrouping until Curtin Uni.  A steady pace along Albany Highway, turning off together at Gosnells. My first ascent of Kahuna, stepper than expected and marred significantly ½ way up by the stench of an animal that had recently died. Pretty soon, however, the gradient flattened out and I was able to catch Jamie B napping and pip him at the top for my very first KOM victory. (thank you, gun climbers, for  choosing to ride the Swan Valley instead).

Kahuna – 1 Jim F / 2 Jamie B / 3 Jen / 4 Aurecon Nick / 5 Matthew S

The  two groups split at the top of Mills Rd East, with the shorts continuing along Canning Mills Rd and the nine Long Ryders  heading down Urch in order to suffer up Peet. Jamie was much more wary on this ascent, biding his time until the last hill when he pulled away strongly, a theme that was to continue for the rest of the day.

Peet- 1 Jamie B / 2 Jim F / 3 Aurecon Nick/ 4 Simon M / 5 Jen

Matthew launched a massive attack at the base of Patterson’s, holding off the mob until ½ way up the hill.  One rider punctured about 1 km from the top, a few of us waited awhile then eventually descended, forcing us to have the pleasure of climbing the hill twice. The puncture repair attempt(s) were watched with great amusement by a dog, a tiny pony and a sheep but no buffalo. Tom was the first to get on his bike climbing to the Observatory the 2^nd time.

Observatory – 1 Jamie / 2 Jim F / 3 Matthew / 4 simon n / 5 Peter J

Simon set the pace early up MDW and finished with one of his best times. Jamie again had the strongest kick at the end.

MDW – 1 Jamie / 2 Jim F / 3 Aurecon Nick / 4 Peter j / 5 Simon

Unlike the Saturday SPR group ride, we had to do without the PM joining us for morning tea. The Merchants supplied me with an absolutely smashing pumpkin and date muffin – didn’t need to add the jam that was supplied with it. Jen almost had to put in a new order for his cappuccino but it did arrive just in time.

Welshpool Rd saw the usual culprits putting blind faith in their equipment, still conditions  made for a very fast descent. I thanked the rest of the group and peeled off home in Vic Park, only to be caught at Canning Bridge by Tom, who had done the full route then come back up through Coode St – his legs were definitely stronger than mine at the end.