if anyone is interested in being part of the Dawn Service at Kings Park this Wed, a few of us thankful souls will be braving the dark and the cold to pay our thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

There is a video display on a number of large screens near the main memorial commencing at 430am. The actual service begins at 600am, sunrise will be at 644am which marks the conclusion of the service.

We meet at the base of Mount St at 530am and then make our way up to the memorial. If you’re late dont worry, we are quite easy to find in our lycra and beanies.

Toby and Leo plan on opening Dome early that morning (I hear talk of a 500am start) if you need a morning cuppa before heading up.

Hope to see you there. And, dont worry, Pete will hold off leaving for the Public Holiday ride a minute or two too let you get there. We’ve make the start with heaps of time to spare in previous years.

Anyone interested in attending the Dawn Service at Kings Park, a few of us will be meeting at the top of Mount St at 530am. Finishes early enough that you can then make the public holiday ride afterward.

Arrived at the carpark reasonably early and started chatting with a few of the regulars, before I knew it Pete was ringing his bell to sort the groups. I decided to go with Main 2 this week as the lak of k’s is showing me up in Main 1. Russell kindly nominated himself to lead us on our merry jaunt, he also nominated two sweepers, some guy with a French sounding name (just joking Christophe) and I think one of the doctors (help me out here guys). After the groups were split in the carpark we found ourselves with a decent sized group, It seems that after the mix up of the past few weeks things have righted themselves.

Anyway we left the carpark a few minutes after Main 1 only to pass them out near Orrong Rd fixing a puncture. The tortoise and the hare, we were now Main 1. A nice Easterly greeted us all the way out to the hills, I managed to hide in the pack, thought about going and doing a turn on the front but changed my mind after seeing Mountain goat Anna struggling. As we turned onto West Parade brother Dan and a fellow rider came joined us and immediately headed to the front to take on the head wind. We then cut back through to Midland and headed out along West Swan rd to Bennara. This is where I got caught napping and found myself out front as Russell pulled off. I tried keeping a steady pace but soon found myself in trouble as a group of about 4 rode around me and I found a gap open up. Nothing like hitting Bennara with a box full of burnt matches, as pre Pete would say.

The pace picked up as we now had a tail wind, I got into a rhythm and managed to hang onto a couple of wheels. At about this time my phone started ringing, so what you think, Well it just so happens that my ring tone is Prodigy Firestarter (check out this link and you’ll understand how it helped my cause www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmin5WkOuPw) If you want something to get you motivated try this riding tune. Anna and myself slowly started picking our way back to the front, helped by a few fortuitous light changes and some fellow riders. I blew up just after the round about before the hill at the end of Bennara, Anna and the others kept powering on to the end.

A quick regroup around the corner and we were off to takle the rolling hills along Coode st back to Railway Parade. Again I found myself struggling but was fortunate enough to have a few stronger riders hang back and help me back on. This just left a few rolling hills and the great Col de Plain st to go before the sprint allong Riverside drive. It should be mentioned that Dan decided to get the drop on all of us along East Parade by doing a magnificent job of drafting a ute past us all and riding off into the distance.

Not sure who won the sprint but I do know I got chicked by all the lady folk on all the hills and the finish along Riverside drive.

The ride was managed well by all involved. Thanks Russ for putting up your hand to lead us.

First Sat ride without having to put my lights on, ‘This will save weight’. I figured I would need all the help I could get today. I had stupidly mentioned on the blog that I would go with the Fast group today. This has been a goal of mine for quite a few months now, since my self impossed lay off in the winter of ’09, due to every excuse we cyclists use when you get in a rut.
The numbers were good at the meeting point. I’d checked the blog the day before and saw Ridge hill and Hale rd were on the cards for Main. This is a great ride, probably equal favourite of mine with Benara, the temptation to go with them was palatable. Pete ran through the points of interest for the group as per usual before the ride, then called for people to indicate which group they wished to ride in. The last few weeks have seen the handful of fast guys/ gals join main1, so I felt sure this would happen again and I would be let off the hook. Not to be. Lisa also had expressed an interest in taking the plunge, but was in two minds. I mentioned I was going and this may have swayed her (Lisa is riding really well at the moment- better than me, and has been away competing in India and Melbourne). Pete called for the Fast group to leave first, there were about 18 of us. As I found my way through the milling group there were a few encouraging voices heard to say “You’re going!”
As we rolled out Ryan was seen getting ready, late as usual. He would join us. Lisa was heard to say “Oh no! Ryan’s going, I’m out.” But the group would have none of that, and she came along to suffer with the rest of us.
As we rolled out and along Canning Hwy, I noticed the pace was a touch higher than Main, not a lot but it was there. I was already starting to write the Blog in my head, and all I could think of was how I would end it- ‘and I rolled into the Bell tower cafe shattered after being dropped. The rest of the group were already there enjoying their coffee’. The other thought was ‘Where are we going today? Damn didn’t check the Fast group route’. I started asking around casually if anyone else knew, but everyone I asked seemed confident they would stay on so hadn’t checked.
I’d already made it known to as many fellow riders that I wouldn’t be doing any roll thru’s and no turns at the front as I wanted to try make it to the end with the group, Lisa seconded that by expressing the exact same sentiments. The pace out to Guildford remained constant, pairs rolling off the front as they finished their turns, quite lengthy ones at that considering we were riding into the breeze. I got a chance to chat with the rider beside me, Morrison, nice guy who turns out to be our resident Psych and runs a Yoga studio in Subi, also had a brief chat with Kiwi rider from last week, Mike, I think he shouted out when I asked his name (no political discussions this week). I got to thinking how pleasant it was riding in amongst the others, as if I were being held in the grasp of a nice soft hand (the symbolism of this will become apparent very soon). As we crossed the bridge into Guildford Lisa found herself at the front, wisely she did a short stint and then peeled off.
As we turned onto Swan and Bushmead I sucked down a one of my two Gu’s, as I knew this pleasant pace couldn’t last and I would need it. Someone in the group called out for a roll thru to start, a short one ensued but was soon ended as we turned onto Midland Rd. Anyone who has riden this road knows it is that terrible, dead, chunky blue metal type road and it has a few ever so slight rises. Needless to say the big boys came out to play here, not sure of all the protagonists but I’m sure Ryan, Jerrard and Chris could be named. I know it is important at times like this, as the pace picks up, to hold the wheel in front of you. Believe you me I tried. Like a yoyo used for the first time by a novice. I felt myself gently leave the embrace of that loving hand where I had been so warm and cosy, only to find myself dangling at the end of the string looking for a way back. Fortunately I was already last wheel, so didn’t cause anyone else to get dropped. I was just behind another rider, black Giant I think, Assos jersey with a red logo on it (Sorry didn’t get your name). I kept up a pace and finally got his wheel. We worked together, both doing what we could to minimise our loss. I noticed another small group of three riders who were between us and the leaders and tried desperately to close the gap.
By the time we came out onto Kalamunda road we still weren’t on, and I was seriously considering looking for one of the two Main groups and joining them. Ridge hill has to be easier than this! I saw one of them cross the lights up ahead at Hale Rd and thought ‘Is that Main 1 or 2?’ I was scrambling to hold onto the other guys wheel as we turned onto Hale and there to my right, going the other way was Main2. ‘Should I? That hand looked so nice and inviting. Damn it, the rest of the group weren’t that far ahead, I might still catch them.’ I shouted out a hello to Shun and continued on my not so merry way. The two of us continued to work together, the Assos guy seemed to be riding stronger than me. Hale road is another of those terrible surface roads for part of the way and also undulates ever so slightly, which hurts tired legs. The other three riders were just ahead, and looked to be within reach, I’m sure we were catching them. I swore to myself that I was going to catch someone. Then came our saviour! A large excavator was being escorted in the other direction, causing all traffic going in our direction to come to a stand still. We were back in the embrace of the not so loving hand!!!
The rest was very short lived and I hadn’t even caught my breath when it started all over again. There I was tumbling away from the grip of the hand again, containing might I add, Lisa who had stuck it out all the way with the pace setters. This time there were a few more of us. The gap wasn’t that large but I was worried it would grow quickly and I’d find myself dangling at the end of that string again. I think I spotted John (Carol’s other half), Morrison, Kiwi Mike, Assos man and Snuggles. We worked together as best we could along the remainder of Hale. At one point there Morisson saw me struggling at the front, he came past and offered me his wheel but I had nothing. We reached Welshpool rd and the lights were my friend, holding up the group just long enough for me to re attatch myself.
As we passed under Roe Hwy, Snuggles was heard to utter something along the lines of “I’m too old for this”. The pace must have backed off a touch along William St because I was able to hang on. We were stopped at a set of lights when Lisa turned around to spot me, “You alright?” she asked. I think the blank look on my face told her everything. We continued to the intersection of Albany Hwy where a light change allowed me to suck down my last Gu. I made a joke that ‘Now the only thing I had left were wheels to suck!’ Seemed funny to me.
The trip back to the Causeway was a touch faster but I wasn’t going to let that hand cast me away again. I hung onto every wheel I could, most of the time this was Carlos’s, he makes it look easy, he’s also a great person to sit in behind as he cuts a nice hole through the wind. Onto Shepperton rd, still hanging in there. Ryan and a few others began to stretch there legs again as we hit the little rollers, starting to lose ground. Another chance to catch back on at the lights leading onto the Causeway. More surprised looks from people that I was still there. Just Riverside Drive to go. Ryan was just ahead of me, I tucked in and hung on for dear life. The group started to splinter as the sprinters came out to play. Ryan took off to claim victory yet again. Or did he?

We got to the last set of lights before the Coffee shop as they turned red, and yes, I was still there!!! Still in the grasp of the hand. I guess it got tired of playing with me. Looked at my average at the coffee shop 36km/h.
I wrote this so those of you who have wondered whether you could make it in the Fast group will know what to expect. Well on this particular day anyhow. Some of you know where I fit within the group as far as fitness, and where you are in relation to me. Would I have made it if the truck hadn’t stopped everyone, who know? But I sure was going to give it my best shot. It’s a real buzz to have succeeded. Thanks to everyone for letting me suck your wheels. Sorry for the long winded account. But hope it inspires some of you to give it a go.

It’s election day, the birds are singing, the morning skys are clear and there is the soft rays of the rising Sun in the East and, it’s still cold. 

Got to the carpark earlier than usual today, must be getting faster (at getting organised in the mornings). There was a decent turnout again this morning, Lisa rolled up looking decidedly chipper, probably excited about the extra lap of the river she had talked a few of us into doing afterwards (more on that later), Loraine (the new girl) made her introductions, Kimbo rocked up looking eager for a ride, but no Ryan (maybe he’s finding the new Dad role a bit challenging). Pete gave the rundown on the latest rundown on club and race news, then started the call for groups. This week a few more made their intentions known that there would be a fast group after last weeks small group of 4 (who joined the maingroup in the end and worked out the front). This week I think Carol had some riders who wanted to go in the Novice group, no transitional group for her today. Mountainbiker Scott volunteered new girl Lorraine for the Novice group, but she was having none of that and said she had ridden a bike before and would try her luck in the transitionals. Volunteers were asked to lead the groups, main 1 was kindly taken up by Mike B. There would be a main 2 this week which would be greatly appreciated by those who just want a group ride at a slightly less hecktic pace, the look of relief by good old Ivan was visible.

The group of about 40+ left the carpark, passing Ryan getting his bike out of the car (Baby must be behaving, or Mel is a very understanding Mum) and headed out on our journey of self discovery. It wasn’t long till we were split at the usual light change onto Canning Hwy, the group eventually got back together near the Raffles, due i’m sure to Preso Pete’s efforts to ride the split back upto the rest of us. Along the way I chatted to one of our Kiwi riders (sorry forgot to get your name) about today’s vote and how it’s done in NZ. We then headed into Burke Drive Attadale where the pace picked up a touch again due to some power work on the front by the stronger riders, a left turn up the hill to South St and the group began to stretch out. ‘Keep left!’ came the call from some mountain goats racing up on the outside from the rear. It was Ryan, Jerrard and the rest of the fast group who had decided their group was not large enough to warrant a ride on their own so they thought they’d tag along with us. I found myself climbing the hill without the slipping of gears I had last outing due to the new drivetrain fitted during the week (more than 20000k out of my Ultegra group set).

We had a slowing of the group along Stock Rd to allow a regroup then on towards South St where the pace picked up again over the rolling hills and past Murdoch. I noticed Chris, who I rode with on the 200k challenge two weeks back, he would be integral to my survival later in the ride. As we approached Canningvale got a chance to chat with Jen and Shun who were also part of the 200k challenge. A roll through was instigated along Nicholson and before we knew it the roundabout at the end was upon us. This is where the pain of the ride began.

The pace went up again. Soon enough, splits were forming throughout the group, I found myself fighting to hang on. It was time to work hard. Small groups of us began working together to get back upto the lead riders, Lennie, Meg and Pete to name a few. A shared wheel here and a friendly push there saw some of us regulars catch back on as we approached Albany Hwy, thanks also to a light change. It was during this course of events that I saw Preso Pete struggling along after his 2 week layoff from sickness, I considered jokingly giving him a friendly push but thought better of it, he’s a much better rider than that. Ryan and the other stronger riders kept the pace up as we headed back to the city, gaps formed again. My legs were really starting to get tired now, every time we stopped the pain was evident as we took off again. I found myself taking shelter more than once behind Chris who was riding strong.

By the time we reached Shepperton Rd the group was strung out again and we found ouselves separated from the leaders. Those of us not in the lead group were able to have a regroup at the lights. Kimbo and Gus took the lead side by side for a while until the pace Kimbo was setting caused Gus’s tired legs to waver, many of us have found ourselves in this position before. Poor Lennie was now left to suffer in the wind at the front as Kimbo rolled infront of Gus. We tried a few roll throughs and found ourselves back with the leaders as they were caught at lights, most times lights are the bane of our ride, but other times they can be a blessing. We now had more wheels to suck.

Only one more incline and we would be on the flat heading to the sanctuary of the Bell tower coffee shop. I needed the help of Chris’s wheel again and a welcome push over the crest of the hill by Kimbo. As we rolled over the Causeway I spied Jordan tucked in amongst the group of leaders, I joked to him that he should be out front as he was riding well. He joked back that he would if I did. Funnily enough I soon found myself in second wheel behind Yas, who was also riding well. He stuck at the front for a good length of time, leading us onto Riverside drive. I got the flick of the arm and found myself out front. How did that happen! Not to fear, before I knew it I heard the whoosh of deep dish rims as Ryan took off for glory, followed by most of the rest of the group. Not sure if Ryan managed to hang on for the win. I’m sure he will add a comment to tell us all.

It was a good hard ride, thanks to all that helped get me back. Oh! And thanks to Lisa, who I had stupidly volunteered to do another lap of the river with, for changing her mind. Not sure I would have been any good.

In honour of Chris, who just so happens to have red hair and who’s wheel I sucked a few times today. I voted for Julia.