There were many happy smiling faces at the car-park morning with discussions focusing on 4 issues:

1. Those recounting stories of the Old Papa’s ride of Boxing Day
2. Those recounting stories of the carnage in the hills on Boxing Day
3. Those showing off their new bike bling (lots of new Garmins)
4. Those who hadn’t ridden for a few days, eaten and drunk too much over the past few days and were quite apprehensive about the 60 km that lay ahead.

The ground rules were set in the de-brief with the emphasis on the “recovery” part of the ride of the ride. Sprint sections and re-group points were de-lineated and soon we were off, with Paul and Jason leading us away. The wind was certainly less damaging then yesterday and down past Curtin the pace was civilized. We had a couple of splits due to lights but once we were altogether heading towards Shelley, and with a tailwind, things began to pick up. I did a head count and there were 48 of us so the group was quite large but manageable.

Onto the Shelley foreshore and Zac picked it up with a few others following. I stayed back to make sure no one was dropped but did enjoy stretching the legs in a little section with Stu, John B and Geoff. There was only a short wait at the end before we went back into cruise mode along Mt Pleasant. We did drop about 4 people hear and they seemed happy to slow down a bit. The rest of the group were very chatty, talking about Christmas day adventures and forthcoming holidays and generally enjoying the stretch down Canning Highway. We split at some lights, but once on Burke Drive, we were all back together.

The Stock Road hill was pretty easy this morning with the tail wind (although there were some complaints!) and before too long the pace increased heading towards the Left Bank. Everyone held lines well through this tricky section with traffic islands and speed humps, with the only drama being a mechanical with Davina. This was sorted out quickly and after a regroup it was time to turn north for the last 25 km into the wind.

The stronger boys did some good turns at the front through North Freo as I sought out Russell, Matt and Shane to sit behind. Cottesloe was very busy and to everyone’s credit we dropped the pace, went single file and stayed out of any trouble. Once off Marine Pde, the group began to splinter a bit and those who’d take short cuts were appearing off the front. Jono and a couple of others missed the right turn at Swanbourne but were soon back with us heading into Claremont.

The last stretch through Dalkeith was a typical push with the wind not causing too many issues. The front group was down to about 15 by this stage and I had enough after the hill in gumnut alley and was soon picked up by the second group. We made our way together passed the Uni and Paul and I did turns on Mounts Bay Rd before being overtaken in the sprint to line. Off then to the Bell Tower to catch up with everyone again, before heading home to collapse in front of the cricket.

Report by Julian

A very short update today in dot point form:
1. The humidity and heat took its toll on numbers and only 10 of us ventured out on the long ride.
2. Stu showed everyone a clean pair of heels on the first ascent of Kahuna
3. Mark DC showed everyone a clean pair of heels on the Urch Road descent – hitting 88 km/hr
4. Stu again taking the points at Roleystone with a good battle for minor placings between John B, Sato and myself.
5. Sato making a brave bid for victory on the 2nd ascent of Kahuna, only to be overtaken by Stu
6. Gus and I taking an early detour to get home for domesitc duties
7. Stu making it a clean sweep on the final climb.

All points have now been updated, but there’s a couple of weeks missing from October.  If anyone has them please email them through via the points page.

I’ve updated the hill points for September but am missing the placings from September 6. I only did the short ride that day and can’t recall who (if anyone) recorded points. If someone has them, can they please email them through to me (address vian the points leaderboard page)
Thanks,
Julian

Report by Julian

The day didn’t kick off too well for me.  Up at 5 am only to discover there was no porridge left in the house and so I had to deviate from my usual Sunday ride breakfast.  I managed to leave the house reasonably quietly at 5.45, only to discover 50 m down the road that I’d forgotten both water bottles.  I also realised that I didn’t my keys with me and my wife was none too pleased to be raised from bed to let me back in!.  Still I figured I had at least 6.5 hours for her to calm down, but one day in the near or distant future I’m sure I’ll pay for my mistake – wives never forget.

Anyway, I made it to the car-park to see about 40 eager/brave/foolish etc souls all ready to go.  We waited until 6.10 am for the stragglers then Peter gave out the instructions.  Group 1 would head out, followed 3 minutes or so later by Group 2.  It was none to warm so we all glad to be moving and the crescent moon above the first of the breaking light provided a nice backdrop along Mill Point Road.  The pace stayed low 30’s through Riverside Drive, Mounts Bay Rd and past the Uni, only to slow up as we hit Steve’s Hill.  It was getting quite light by this stage and soon the sun and Mosman Park Hill would be upon us.  We avoided a towel on the descent into Freshwater Bay and on the hill Mike T set off an attack, followed, by Jono, Gilbert, Danny, Brodie and Ash.  Stu and I tried to go as well but ended up only catching Ashley, as the effects of a recent cold took its toll.  We re-grouped with the obligatory toilet break and set off again just as Group 2 were sprinting towards the line in their KOM competition.

KOM lap 1.  1. Mike T,  2. Jono,  3. Gilbert,  4. Danny,  5. Brodie

Down into North Freo and over the river into East Freo and Bicton followed.  We were all holding together well and doing turns on the front.  Applecross was the next challenge with the new speed humps along the foreshore, sand on the road going down the first hill, a minor traffic jam trying to negotiate a garage sale and Duncraig Rd and finally another sand/gravel patch outside Raffles.  One through it this it was plain sailing up to South Peth and completion of Lap 1.

The second time along Riverside Drive saw and increase in both traffic and pedestrians, with Brodie saying hello to most females within earshot.  Everyone still looked OK and a reasonable pace was maintained, now that we were getting warmed up.  Before we knew the climb for points was on again and it was déjà vu all over again (gotta love tautological references), with the first seven places exactly the same as the first.

KOM lap 2.  1. Mike T,  2. Jono,  3. Gilbert,  4. Danny,  5. Brodie

After an uneventful section Heiko managed to lose his pump going down from Point Walter Golf Course.  Brodie and I waited for him, and this gave us a chance to stretch the legs on Burke Drive as we sought to catch the group.  Once back on we made our way up to Canning Bridge and a small deviation to Peter’s house for replenishments.  Ben and Daniel were there to greet us as we stocked up jam donuts, rolls, Mars Bars and coke.  After 15 minutes were back on the road, and as we rolled out the second group arrived.

Traffic around the Uni was building up and we were wary of parked cars and their occupants opening doors.  At the roundabout there was a minor incident with one rider (can’t remember who it was) clipping the kerb and coming off.  We stopped and checked to see that all was OK, which it was.  By this stage to wind had got up so the push down the river was a bit harder.  Coming up towards the 3^rd climb, Jamie managed to come off on a corner but luckily landed on grass.  He ended up with a broken spoke but managed to get back to the car-park.  The front-runners were already winding up for the hill and missed to call to re-group but we soon got back together at the water tower.

KOM lap 3.  1. Mike T,  2. Brodie,  3. Jono,  4. Gilbert,  5. Danny

We were now up to  130 km, which was my previous PB for a ride length.  My legs were still feeling good and I had plenty to eat and I was keen to keep going.  The rest of the group seemed to be in the same boat with Davina, Mike T, Jono and Gilbert in particular were looking strong and pulling everyone along at a fair clip.  The two Johns were also helping out at the front and shielding us from the strengthening winds, especially though North Freo.  Brett and Peter ensured that no one was getting dropped during the trip back to the car park for the third time.

We took the bell when we crossed Coode St and set sail for the final fling.  Jerard and Ryan joined us on Mounts Bay Rd and provided some fresh legs at the front.  The last climb would be interesting to see who would challenge and the usual suspects, minus Danny, set the pace.  Heiko and I tried to stay with them but dropped off towards the top.  Once on the false flat we noted that they had slowed and put in an effort to pick them up.  Just as we joined them, Jono and Mike attacked and I was left behind.  I noted both Jono and Heiko tiring and looking over their shoulders so I made a move before the last corner and got past.  Brodie claimed the spoils at the top.

KOM lap 4.  1. Brodie,  2. Mike T,  3. Ashley,  4. Julian,  5. Jono

With about 25 km to go everyone was now keen to get home.  The pace got a bit quicker with the stronger riders doing increased turns at the front.  Gilbert in particular was doing a great job and the front runners were continuously checking to see that no one was falling behind.  We managed to avoid the gravel sections in Applecross for the last time and then at the wind at our backs for the final stretch.  The car park provided a welcome relief and we re-grouped at the end with congratulations all around.  It was a great feeling to finish the ride with everyone still together.

Now some acknowledgments to those who helped make the day.  Thanks to Kate for again hosting a breakfast and for preparing the food and keeping the donuts topped up.  Thanks to Nathan and Johnny for providing support on the route and I look forward to seeing the photos.  Thanks to everyone in Group 1 for looking out for each other, giving plenty of warnings and sharing the load.  Thanks to Vanessa my wife for letting me out for 7 hours and I promise I’ll remember the water next time.  And finally a big thanks to Peter for coming up with the idea for the ride and his organisation of the whole day.

Report by Julian

Prior knowledge is needed for the first bit of this report – please read Nathan’s main group report to see what happened going up Kahuna the first time before the split (yes I’m being lazy!).

KOM 1. 1. Northern Nick, 2. Chris, 3. Jono, 4. Cervelo Dan, 5. Mike B

The group split and unusually most of the riders ended up in the advanced party – perhaps they were all there to see Lennie excel in the hills or to see if El Prez Peter could repeat his winning climb from last week (sorry I didn’t get around to writing that one up). Anyway, the size of the group caught me by surprise and having brought up the rear coming down Urch Rd then realised I’d have no hope in catching the front group, who made a break as we climbed out of the valley. Turning into Peet Rd I started wheeling a few in and was then confronted by Vaughan standing on the road doing some adjustments. I shouted if he was OK and thought it must have been chain problems and so continued on. Brett was out on his shiny new Ridley and made the comment as I went past that his bike was good at climbing but he wasn’t. A group of about 6 of us including Davin, Davina and Gregor made haste on the flatter stages but we were well out of the points once we got to the high school.

KOM 2. 1. Chris, 2. Stu, 3. Mike B, 4. Brendan, 5. Peter

At the regroup Vaughan discovered that his front small ring had bent and the bike was only good for cruising. Fortuitously, then meant he could cruise back down Brookton Highway and get picked up on Albany Hwy, which I presume happened. He was last seen at the shop regroup before the second attack on the Kahuna.

Once on the hill everyone settled into their own rhythm and there was little overtaking at the front. Cervelo Dan and Sato were close enough to keep me thinking I could get them but far enough away to challenge. The sight of a recent car crash in the scrub near the top of the climb made for a bit of excitement and after finishing Mike B and I rode back to help out the back-markers. Gus still had a smile on his face (or was it a grimace of pain) at the top and Lennie was questioning her sanity for going with the fast group.

KOM 3. 1. Northern Nick, 2. Mike B, 3. Stu, 4. Jono, 5. Sato

It was then pretty cruisy along to Pickering Brook and Kalamunda. There were hardly any cars on the road and the pace was quite lively. A couple of riders decided to forgo the final climb and head straight to coffee via Canning Rd, whilst the rest of us took off on the usual route through Carmel and Bickley Valley. Stu and Nick set a cracking pace in the final stretches and pretty much has an unassailable lead once they hit the final climb. We set the timers as we passed Aldersyde Road and settled into a good pace with Peter and Mike B ahead of Jono, Sato, Brendan, and myself. On the last flat bit I went to the front to keep up the pace and was passed on the final rise. With the urgings of Brendan and a determination to at least get one point I put in one last effort and got 5th. I was happy with a 7.49, as was Peter who set a PB with the same time. Nick did a 7.30, again another PB and special mention to Heiko who was very proud of his personal worst of 10.30.

KOM 4. 1. Northern Nick, 2. Stu, 3. Mike B, 4. Peter, 5. Julian

The group then split with the coffee drinkers settling in on the couch and those who needed to be home to help in the garden, attend birthday parties or to go to Atomic heading off straight way. There were a few 80 km/h+ times on Welshpool Rd and a general easy cruise back home. Zak won the final sprint along Berwick St, just in front of Anna.

Report by Julian

A good turnout for today’s journey up Greenmount and we set out full of confidence for a good ride. This was short-lived as we first dodged a mattress on Mill Point Rd, then just before Canning Highway lights the leaders called out “glass”. This was soon followed by the unmistakable sound of air pressure equilibration between inner tube and the outside atmosphere. The unfortunate rider was Ian, who then discovered a slashed tyre and this led to an early shower. The rest of us warily started off again and headed towards the hills picking up a few riders on the way. A slight detour in Queens Rd resulted from confusion at the roundabout and this left Gus and I on the front to direct everyone towards Midland. Peter then took control and made sure everyone got onto the climb without further mishap.

On the first climb Heiko, Chris, Nick, Peter, Jarrad, Vaughan, Nico and myself went to the front as the pace quickened. Nico had a bit of fun and made a small attack, which set the cat among the pigeons. Nick, Chris, Jarrad and Vaughan responded, then Nico backed off with a big smile on his face. At the top he said this was deliberate ploy to see who would react – he was not interested in points today. Nick made a further attack and broke away from the others and Mike B, noticeably absent for the past couple of weeks, came up behind me. Up ahead Heiko had spent his chips and I made a move past him, dropping Mike in the process, then had Chris, Vaughan and Jarrad in my sights. In the last 500 m I caught and passed them, with Vaughan trying to hang on. In the wash up I held on and then we waited until the others joined us at the re-group.

KOM 1. 1. Northern Nick, 2. Julian, 3. Vaughan, 4. Chris, 5. Jarrad

The main group were then sent on their way back towards Kalamunda whilst the rest of us followed the friendly Ranger who had opened the gate. We safely negotiated the gumnuts and pot-holes that the John Forrest Road usually offers and before too long the Parkerville Hill was upon us. Heiko shot ahead on a mission for points and pretty much slowed down just as quickly. As I went past him he wasn’t looking too good – a week in Paraburdoo will do that. Up ahead the points were battled for and as I was a way back didn’t see how close the contest was.

KOM 2. 1. Northern Nick, 2. Chris, 3. Jarrad, 4. Vaughan, 5. Peter

We cruised through Parkerville and Stoneyville and going up the bonus climb to Mundaring noticed a group of Midland juniors in front of us, being motor paced. Not that we knew it at the time, but the whole complexion of the ride was about to change with this group ahead. We regrouped at Mundaring, allowing Chris to do a few stretches on his troublesome knee and show us some of his better profiles. We also lost a couple of riders who took the short cut back home. On the descent to the weir Peter, Heiko and Vaughan set a good pace with everyone hanging in there. Coming out of the weir Nick attacked and was allowed to go. Jarrad, Peter, Vaughan and I formed the group behind and soon we were mixed in with the Midland juniors. Their coach was barking out instructions and one of the girls, Melissa, was encourage to hold onto our wheels, which she did admirably. The motorbike would occasionally pass us pushing one of the lesser riders along but poor old Melissa was just yelled at to hold our wheels. We got some further encouragement from a smart-alec mountain bike rider, who received some choice advice from Jarrad. There was also the sight of a somewhat bloated dead kangaroo on the other side of the road holding a pose very similar to that of Chris doing his stretches! Into the final stretch of the run to the top the speed barely got below 40 km/h. We finally dropped young Melissa, after she had reeled in all of the junior group and in the sprint to the line, Vaughan held me out for 2nd with Peter and Jarrad close behind. It was certainly the fastest I’ve been along that stretch of road and I wasn’t looking forward to the last climb.

KOM 3 1. Nick, 2. Vaughan, 3. Julian, 4. Peter, 5. Jarrad

At the re-group “Roo Boy” Chris did a few more stretches, much to the amusement of the rest of us. The stop had allowed the juniors to get in front again, but soon we were in pursuit on the final climb. Heiko made his typical ‘advance and pop’ attack and Nick soon broke away. Peter and Jarrad had a good battle for the remaining podium positions whilst Vaughan kept enough in reserve to hold me off.

KOM 4 1. Nick, 2. Jarrad, 3. Peter, 4. Vaughan, 5. Julian

The Merchant was a welcome relief apart from confusion over Nico’s and my hot chocolates. He managed to swipe all my marshmallows before the order could be corrected so I politely asked if they could be replaced. The young waitress made a friend for life when she brought out 6 as an apology for mixing up the order. The break was a pretty relaxed affair but soon we were off again with the descent to follow. Peter led the charge down the hill but by the time we hit Tonkin Highway there was no need for a re-group. A few riders peeled off on the way back to South Perth and the final sprint was all Jarrad’s after Chris and I had tried to go early. The fast pace of the ride (~30.5 km/h overall) meant that we could get home a bit earlier than usual, or in my case sneak in a couple of extra miles.

photos at the top of greenmount by peter.  please help me to correct the names.

Report by Julian 

I had been battling a cold all week so decided to head out with the main group today.  I always like rides towards the coast, especially when the sun is out, so I figured it would be an enjoyable trip.  About 30 of us were sent off first and apart from a small split due to the lights on Mill Point Rd we held it together well early. 

The pace was fairly steady around Mounts Bay Rd and up towards Subi and we cruised down Hay St (Subiaco not Kalgoorlie!).  I went from front to back to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves in the brisk conditions and there were no complaints.  We stretched our legs on the Underwood Avenue hill and again on Oceanic Drive.  Once onto the highway I called for a roll through, which was not very successful.  The pace quickened and we dropped a few riders – hopefully they were picked up by Main Group 2.  Kimbo, Rob and Paul (and a few others who faces I know but not names) helped out with the leading down through Swanbourne, whilst I sat back and chatted to Carl and Gus. 

Along Marine Parade we went single file to avoid the wrath of car drivers.  A steady pace was maintained, allowing us to admire the surfing conditions and the odd young lady walking on the foreshore path.  Back into Swanbourne, the group was split by the West Coast Hwy lights but we were all back together by Claremont.  Kimbo and Rob were starting to dream of Balinese swimming pools and bars and Bob Marley tunes were melodically being hummed.  I castigated them for not being good clubmen, reminding them they should be fully focused on the ride. 

Through Dalkeith and the attacks and counter-attacks began.  We weren’t helped by road works on an intersection that already presents problems for cyclists (can’t recall the name) and we will need to be careful of this in future.  Approaching Gumnut Alley Kimbo turned the clock back to the mid 70’s California Rock scene with a few lines from America’s “A Horse with no  Name” (note – I thought “Sister Golden Hair” was a better song) and the pace was still low 40’s before we descended past Steve’s and around the Uni. 

Into Mounts Bay Rd and the group was on edge as we neared the brewery.  As everyone waited for a move to the made, John and a few others upped the pace and I somehow managed to time the sprint right and take the points without a hill in sight.  Apologies to everyone behind as I didn’t turn around to see who got the minor placing and unfortunately I couldn’t discuss it further at coffee as I had to head straight to netball. 

Thanks to all for a good ride.

Report by Julian

Firstly an apology for the tardiness of recent reports. A combination of work, family and general apathy have prevented me filing timely reporting of Sunday rides. I’ve also been having computer text troubles and this has made updating the points page difficult. A brief sumary will follow at the end of the brief report, where the May points are at and I’ll endeavour to update the full table tomorrow.

The start of the ride was summarised in the main group report and once the advanced group were on Kalamunda Rd the fun started. Stu and Danny boy had a clash of wheels during an attack on the climb resulting in Ashley, Heiko and I getting away. Ashley took the points and Heiko took me in the last 100 m. Stu fought back well for 4th and Sato claimed the last point. Down the normal KOM hill got a bit messy as we passed another group and a call came out about another flat. We slowed down but a further message to push on caught a few of us unawares. Turing into Lawnbrook, a group of 6 had got away and were setting their sights on the chook farm. I started to chase them down and caught David and Martin on the final climb but Ashley and Sato were already home. The re-group was typical for Chookenberg – lots of comments from the “virgins” about the two hills and the wise old veterans nodding in the “I told you it wasn’t easy” manner.

Immediately onto the observatory climb and a group of 8 or so were still together over half way up. Heiko and I attacked, with Ashley following, dropping Peter who was finding his climbing legs again. Going into the last 200 m Heiko and Ashley overan me and went to the line in that order. Peter held on well for 4th and Sato again claimed a point. There was only the final climb up Aldersyde Rd to go and Ashley (who by this stage had been christened “Junior Bonner” by Heiko) led Heiko, myself, David and Davina for most of the way. Once we hit Mundaring Weir Rd the pace quickened and Heiko urged me on. I caught Ashley on the final rise and satisifed myself with the win. To be fair, Ashley did slow down before we got to Mundaring Weir Rd, as he thought this was the end of the climb.

Onward to coffee and cake and a rare inside sitting today. Service was pretty good, probably due to us being a bit later than usual this week. No highlights om the way back although it was nnice to get some dry road for the last 20 km.
Overall points for May (top 5) are Mike B (87), Ashley (72), Julian (60), Sato (38) and Heiko (35), with 1 ride to go.

Report by Julian 

Time has got away from me this week, so the missive from Sunday’s ride has been kept to the bare minimum.  Highlights of the ride, in no particular order, are as follows: 

• About 45 of us (I kept losing count) set off.  Weather a little chilly but sunny.  No dramas on the trip out and everyone got up Greenmount OK.
• 15 or thereabouts riders chose to do the advanced ride.  The others set off for a trip up the zig-zag whilst we went on to Parkerville. 
• Beautiful morning in John Forrest National Park.  The warm sum took our minds off the rough surface
• The camera was out again today filming the ride for posterity.  Heiko kept sitting behind it hoping to feature prominently on You-Tube.
• A great climb out of Mundaring Rd and a close finish for the top 6 in the sprint to Asher Road.
• The final climb of the day punctuated by a mad driver tooting and sitting behind the groups.  ¾ of the way up we realised it was Judd filming us and trying to provoke reactions!
• Jonny setting a PB of 7.43 on the hill and Wal going 9.01 on his first attempt.
• Teaching Brodie German chat-up lines at coffee, before Jarrad started with some choice Aussie lines, thus causing the two ladies on the table next door to leave and sit somewhere else away from us
• A great ride home in the warmer weather and a slight tailwind.  Speed barely got below 40 km/h. 

KOM points as follows: 

KOM 1.  1. Mike B,  2. Jerry,  3. Heiko,  4. Jonny,  5. Brodie

KOM 2. 1. Mike B,  2. Brodie,  3. Heiko,  4. Jonny,  5. Jarrad

KOM 3.  1. Mike B,  2. Jerry,  3. Brodie,  4. Julian,  5. Jarrad

KOM 4.  1. Mike B,  2. Jerry,  3. Julian,  4. Jonny,  5. Sato

Report by Julian 

The battle today was against a formidable foe n the form of The Kahuna – twice, and there were 50 of us who set out a little later than usual to allow for people to join us from the dawn service.  It was quiet – perhaps too quiet – on the usual trip down Albany Highway and with every kilometre nearer to the climb the wind speed increased accordingly.  By the time we turned off into Mills Rd and crossed Tonkin Highway, a stiff breeze was blowing into our faces but this did not deter the troops as we charged headlong into action.  

I held back on the early part of the climb, apprehensive about the effect of the dinner party the night before.  Heiko, Sato and Damir set the early pace and Mike B steadily made his way through the field.  Behind me the group started to string out and a few cars got passed.  Up ahead we about 10 riders so I decided to up tempo and try to reel some of them in.  Steady progress was made as I collected Ralph (over from Melbourne for a few days and keen for some hills) and Shannon and nearing the top I had Dean and 5^th place in my sights.  One last effort took me past him and into the points.  Once at the regroup we waited for everyone to arrive with a few of the newer riders making it up with pained expressions on their faces.

 KOM 1.  1. Mike B,  2. Sato,  3. Heiko,  4. Damir,  5. Julian 

The intermediate group was sent back up Mills Rd on their way to Kalamunda whilst the rest of us went off down Urch Rd.  Peter decided to get some downhill practice and was nearly taken out twice by the local wildlife.  A 28 parrot flew across him on the downhill section, then a white tailed black cockatoo (it has a different call to a red tail in case anyone was wondering how I can tell them apart on a 70 km/h descent) tried to swoop.  The cockies had also left a few gum nuts on the road so we took care avoiding them.  Climbing up to Urch Rd Heiko and Mike put in an effort to break up the group and Peter came across the gap with Shannon and Dean in tow.  Damir, Sato and I formed another group behind and we maintained the gap behind the first group.  On the approach to the final climb we noticed Heiko dropped off and Damir went out to try and catch him but to no avail.  Sato and I watched things from afar and saw Mike B take the spoils. 

 KOM 2. 1. Mike B,  2. Dean,  3. Shannon,  4. Peter,  5. Heiko

 We then headed out back down Brookton Highway using the element of surprise to take the Kahuna from behind.  Peter had another run in with nature when a bee embedded in his helmet but luckily did not sting him.  We regrouped to make sure everyone got down safely then crossed the Canning River to start Climb 3.  The early stages sorted out everyone with Mike, Sato, Dean, Heiko and Shannon clearing out.  Damir and I stayed together on the first part before he dropped off, leaving me to chase down Shannon.  I picked him up about 1 km from the top but Dean and Heiko were too far in front for me to advance any further.

 KOM 3.  1. Mike B,  2. Sato,  3. Heiko,  4. Dean,  5. Julian

 There were a few tired legs in the regroup but only one more climb to go so everyone picked themselves up for the final push.  The wind had dropped by this stage so the trip up to Pickering Brook and through Carmel was quite nice.  The wildlife had laid off Peter and there weren’t many cars about and the only action on this part was during the approach to Mundaring Weir Road and the climbers sorted themselves out. 

 Sato made the first move, together with a guy in bike force top (sorry didn’t get your name).  Damir set up residence behind me and we pushed ahead to cover and overtake the first attackers.  Onward and upward we went with Damir going the front on the flatter section and I could see another shadow behind.  I went around Damir again near the last rise and looked to my side to see Mike Bonner coming past.  Damir kicked with him and I put in another effort and countered both attacks.  The final sprint was very close with Damir and I hitting the line together and Mike just behind.

 KOM 4.  =1. Damir,  =1. Julian,  3. Mike B,  4. Heiko,  5. Sato

We then went onward to the Merchant for some R&R – just missing the last of the main group.  However, we did get prime position on the couch.  Service was a bit slow today with the counter lady lacking the necessary skills to take a large order and they lost copious amounts of points for not providing marshmallows with my hot chocolate.  Luckily Heiko stepped into the breach and gave me one of his.

 Downhill and back into town was very pleasant and social with the temperature and wind just about right.  There was no need for a regroup at the school and no one seemed interested in the first sprint.  Dean did a reasonable job on the second sprint and took it I think.  We then said our goodbyes in the car park and dispersed to all points for a quiet Sunday afternoon.