The view of the Kalgoorlie Menzies Race from a heated seat.

I arrived in Kalgoorlie late on Friday night, and went straight to the school camp. I was loitering in the car park like a seedy paedophile when Luke came to my rescue. On Saturday I had breakfast at Dome, then I watched the start. I drove to the feed zone and then onto Menzies. Sunday I attempted the Menzies breakfast then watched the start. Driving to Leonora, I only stopped at the halfway point to cheer. I did over 1,700kms over the weekend. Big deal, I did not cycle, I drove.

The hard men and women who took part completed an 85 year old race, dressed in lycra dicing with the Road Trains in the cold wind and rain. There were two accidents. One was blown off his bike by a Road Train while feeding and the other getting ready for the Sprint for the line in Leonora.

If you did not make it to the race, then you have no idea about it. Sorry, go to it next year, or live thinking you are hard because you ride in the rain. On Saturday the temperature on the dashboard of my car did not get over 14 degrees, I had to put the heater up every time I opened the window to speak to the riders I passed. (That comment is aimed at Greg).

If you don’t want to ride it, then go as a support person. It was a fantastic event as a support person as the landscape is spectacular; the roads are good; the racing is close; the accommodation cheap and cheerful; and the camaraderie fantastic.

 Fun to be had as a support person:

• I complained about the cold in my jacket, shirt, t-shirt and about a 4inch layer of insulation I carry called fat. While the cycling greyhounds staggered around in lycra before the start. They then thanked me as I took their last layer of warm clothing on the start line?
• I offered my hot coffee to a cyclist as I passed in the car, only to be greeted with stares that would freeze hell, but it made me laugh.
• I stood on the side of the road and cheered and watch them fly by. Some stopped and refuelled, shaking with blue lips thanking me for being there.
• The breakfast at the Menzies Hotel, huge.
• Watching people with blue lips tell you that they are ‘not that cold’ at the finish.
• The look of achievement on everyone that finished.
• The support of the Menzies and Leonora communities.

I will ride this event next year. I have nothing but respect for anyone who rode that weekend and crossed the line in Leonora. The landscape, history and support for this event ensure that it is worth the trip east.

 Travis “I have heated seats, a bottle of single malt and half carton of beer, let’s do this” Kean