Report by Julian 

A much cooler day than last week, but numbers were down due to the large numbers of SPR riders heading up to Wangara for the NDCC crits.  I counted about 20 odd riders today, with a fair whack of new faces.  Today we were heading out Great eastern Highway and up Greenmount, before tracking over to Mundaring and back to Kalamunda – a picturesque ride with a couple of good climbs.  

Alistair and I led the way out and kept the pace in the low 30’s.  We retreated to the back just after the airport to let others have a go up the front and pretty soon we’d made our way onto Queens Rd and past Rosehill Golf Course.  There was some confusion with the newer riders at the two roundabouts near the near estate and Heiko went forward to show them the way.  We were also joined by Christophe, Simon and Lorraine at this stage.  Lorraine mentioned the Mike B was spied heading up Helena Valley Road by himself earlier on in the morning.   

After progressing about 3 km up the road, with a total rise in elevation of 0.5 m, Christophe and Simon bade farewell, presumably to tackle Ridge Hill Road.  The rest of us skirted around Midland and took the back streets through Greenmount, before coming out on the highway for the first climb.  Alistair made his customary dash to the front but he was soon wheeled in by Matthew and I.  We continued together maintaining a good pace with Matthew settled in behind me.  Once I had my bearings with the finish, I put in a small attack and took the climb.  Matthew later said he wasn’t going to come around after I’d done all the work.  Stu caught Heiko near the line and David rounded out the top five.  Mike Beecroft, back after a long time away from Sunday rides, brought up the rear but was still in good time and the re-group was fairly short.  

KOM 1.  1. Julian,  2. Matthew,  3. Stu,  4. Heiko,  5. David 

The trip through John Forrest was its usual scenic self but in the past couple of months there seemed to be more pot holes that have formed.  Consequently, it was fairly steady going until we past the main turn off.  An on-coming car on the early downhill stage also kept everyone on their toes.  We re-grouped at the bottom of the second climb and once over the bridge, Alistair, Matthew and Mark O attacked.  Stu and I settled into a rhythm behind and waited for the group to crack.  However, Matthew was looking very strong today and was not going to surrender the lead.  On the last rise Stu and I went past the other two and a final sprint saw me take second.   

KOM 2.  1. Matthew,  2. Julian,  3. Stu,  4. Alistair,  5. Mark O 

We waited in the shade for the rest to finish the climb and I gave instruction for the next section – head downhill and to the left before making a right hand turn into the road towards Parkerville.  The first couple of riders missed the turn after the descent, but were soon back on – oblivious to the instructions I had stated not 5 minutes earlier!  There was one bit of excitement on the way to Mundaring, with a car behind us not passing despite having plenty of room to do so.  We he did decide to go, he nearly had a head on with a car turning left out of a driveway.  No harm was done and the group didn’t even get abused for just being on the road. 

We stopped in Mundaring to make sure everyone was still on and then headed out to the dam.  The road along here has been resurfaced in parts and was very smooth, which made for a fast descent.  Before we knew it we’d reached the bottom and the long climb to Asher Road commenced.  Stu, Matthew and I kept together on the first part of the climb, with Stu doing all the work.  Near the pine forest he’d had enough and pulled out to let us do a bit up front.  I tried to maintain the pace but the legs were becoming heavier with each rotation.  Matthew went to the front and Stu went with him, and I dropped back a few metres.  I made an effort to catch them before the downhill section but they were away, so I settled into a comfortable pace and watch the tussle in front from a distance.  Matthew made a move one hill too early and was caught by Stu near the end.  I kept an eye behind me and noticed a group bearing down a bit quickly for comfort, so put in one last effort to keep them at bay. 

KOM 3.  1.Stu,  2. Matthew,  3. Julian,  4. Alistair,  5. David 

By now the effort was starting to show on a few faces, even though the temperature was quite pleasant.  We quickly made our way down the hill towards the final climb of the day and once past Aldersyde Road I put the foot down to see what was left.  The answer was not very much at all and I decided to pull back and let Stu and Matthew go.  Then Mr Dickhead arrived.  An idiot in a blue ute went screaming past me, a bit too close for comfort, then up head I saw him break very suddenly to avoid Matthew as there were cars coming the other way.  I later found out the his side mirror clipped Stu leaving a large lump on his arm.  Unfortunately, the car did not have any number plates so we couldn’t even track him down.  In the end, the battle for 3^rd to 5^th places was keenly contested, with about 7 in contention at the last rise.  Alistair came in ahead of Ben and David, with Heiko a gallant 6^th.  

KOM 4.  1.Stu,  2. Matthew,  3. Alistair,  4. Heiko,  5. David 

We reconvened in the Merchant to discuss the day’s events with everyone pretty happy to have completed a hard ride.  Peter texted in from Ballarat with updates on Steve H’s progress in the road race and we finished up discussing which SPR riders are most adept at spotting young lady pedestrians when we’re on rides!!  We then saddled up for the trip back into town after saying farewell to Lorraine, who was heading back to Darlington, via Mundaring.  Stu left us at Roe Highway, as he was keen on a few extra kms, whilst the rest of us held it together back to South Perth.  I didn’t do my usual home turn off today and led out the sprint, only to get swamped by Heiko et al going towards McDonalds.  We then said our farewells in the Bunnings car park and went home satisfied with a good work out under our belts.

Report by Julian 

A great morning for a ride this morning and I expected a good turnout.  However, the numbers that had gathered left me amazed.  Even Mike Bonner turned up on time!!  I reckoned at least 70 riders were present and this would present problems with keeping the group together initially.  The ride routes for the novices, main and fast groups were yelled out (apologies for those at the back who couldn’t hear) and we were soon on the way. 

Heiko and Alistair led the way down Coode St and were so enthusiastic that Brendan had to reign them in to stop the pack breaking early.  As expected, the group split at the lights going onto Canning Highway but we were soon all back together for the trip to Melville.  On the hill up to Stock Road the pace at the front picked up but as we turned the corner I looked around and noted that everyone was still together.  As we progressed along Stock Rd, I sent a message via Kim to get the fast riders to the front so that we could split once we hit South St.  This was dutifully done and once we turned the pace picked up.  We hit a few lights early along South Street but once we went past Murdoch Uni the fast group of about 20 started to roll through and pick up the pace. 

Continuing along over the freeway the pace was maintained in the mid 40’s and a few of the group, including me, started to drop off.  By the time we got to Canning Vale three separate groups were on the road but a red light at Livingstone Market brought everyone back together.  Ranford Road had been re-surfaced since the last time we came this way so it was nice to have a smooth surface to keep the pace going.  We rolled through into Warton Rd but went to single file as the road duplication is still in progress.  Luckily no cars passed us along this section but the single file and a red light split the group in two.  Jarrad worked hard in the second group to try and bridge the gap and a second red light, this time catching the front group, brought us all together again.  We negotiated the roundabout before the instruction to turn left into Albany Highway went out.  Brendan was quite keen on turning left just before the intersection so as to visit the McDonalds drive through. 

On Albany Highway I was expecting a nice tail wind but this did not eventuate.  We maintained a good rolling pace though Cannington before the attacking started again on the small rises going into East Vic Park.  A couple of riders were hurting by this stage and began dropping off but the pace was maintained.  Heiko was determined to drop me, having thought I’d fallen back earlier but I was determined to stay with him.  I believe he was trying to get back at me for keeping him in the lead for the early part of the ride!

Once onto Shepparton Road Jarrad and Matt maintained the attacks and Jules, Brendan and Mike also joined in (apologies if there any others who I didn’t mention).  Everyone else was trying to hang on or bridge the gaps and a group of about 12 were still together after coming down the hill into Vic Park towards the causeway, before getting stopped by the more lights.  Once over the bridge, Matt and Jarrad made another attack and a few others went out after them.  I watched from the back but couldn’t make out who won the sprint to Victoria Ave, where another red light halted the charge.  We cruised up the Bell Tower and I said my farewells.  There was no café stop for me as junior cricket has started again after the break but I was pretty happy with the pace and it was a pretty good workout and certainly cleared out the last of the Christmas excesses from my system.

A nice humid change for Saturday morning is expected so bring lots of water for this one.  We’ll head into Canning Vale via Canning Highway, Stock Rd and South St.  The split will be on South St and the fast group will continue along Ranford Rd, into Warton Rd and back to the Bell Tower via Albany Highway.  The main group will turn into Bannister Rd, then Nicholson Rd and back to the Bell Tower via Albany Highway.

south perth rouleurs saturday ride 04 (canning vale)

It ‘s ride 4 all around this weekend as on Sunday we’ll tackle one of my favourite routes, the trip out to Mundaring Weir via Greenmount, then back to Kalamunda.

south perth rouleurs sunday ride 04 (greenmount & parkerville & mundaring weir)

Hope to see you all out there after being inspired by Peter’s photos of the Bay Classic this week.

Julian

Report by Julian

I managed to wake up in time this morning and get down to the ride.  Apologies for not showing up Saturday – I didn’t surface until 8.15 am and decided that (a) I must have needed the rest and (b) it was too late to try and catch up.  I hope the ride went well.  

Anyway, back to the Sunday ride – a forecast top of 39°C and a route filled with shortcuts.  The good doctors (and a few extras) decided that even this was too much for them and they opted for a trip around the river.  The more hardy souls of the group – 16 in total – set off along Mill Point Road and out Great Eastern Highway to Orrong Road.  The Cyclemania boys, amongst others, set a cracking pace up front, even with the strong easterly in our faces.  However, we held it together until the climb began up Welshpool Road.  At the start of the climb no one seemed too eager to make the pace and I went to the front to get things moving.  This was the cue for Carl to completely decimate the field with a solid attack that had everyone else racing for second.  Heiko and Dean caught me just past the Lesmurdie Road turn off and we traded places until the last hill, when Heiko put in one last effort to shake us off.  Dean held me off and Mark DC rounded out the points.

KOM 1:  1. Carl,  2. Heiko,  3. Dean,  4. Julian,  5. Mark DC 

At the regroup Toby and a couple of others said they were turning off early and going for early coffee.  They drifted towards the back as the rest of us went through Carmel.  My back wheel felt a bit funny at this stage so I stopped to check all was in order, which it was.  However, the stop had put me at the back of the pack as the steep section of the Observatory loomed large.  Coming from the rear I was able to count off the riders and noted that Carl, Heiko, Dean and Mark has put a space between everyone else.  I managed to get up to 8^th as we went into Patterson Road and improved to 5^th soon after.  Mark was slowing down in front but I was too far back. 

KOM 2:  1. Carl,  2. Dean,  3. Heiko,  4. Mark DC,  5. Julian 

A short re-group was followed by an interesting great descent of Patterson Road.  An errant gum-nut nearly sent me flying about half way down and there was a fair bit of gravel near the bottom, which slowed us down as well.  We made our way through Pickering Brook to the General Store, where we stopped for water.  The temperature was 35°C by this stage and a few mutterings about an early coffee were heard (mainly instigated by me).  We pushed on again, back through Carmel and into Bickley Valley, where there was little respite from the sun.  Coming onto the 3^rd climb, Mark DC put in an attack and was followed by Dean and Heiko.  I didn’t have the legs to go today but sat at a steady pace and watched the leaders slowly disappear in front of me.  I heard the fastest time was just under 8 minutes, which was a great effort considering the heat.  There was also some drama at the rear of the field with a flat tyre (didn’t get the rider’s name) and he was helped out by Carl, Mark S and a couple of others.  

KOM 3:  1. Mark DC,  2. Dean,  3. Heiko,  4. Julian,  5. Ben 

We regrouped at Kalamunda and most decided it was time for coffee.  Heiko, Lisa, Dean and the Cyclemania boys chose to head down Kalamunda or Gooseberry and back up the zig-zag to complete the ride and Heiko will fill us in on the points.  This group hadn’t arrived by the time we left the Merchant, after 30 minutes of R&R, so hopefully things went OK.  

The main group met up with Toby’s shortcut group at the Merchant and we descended together and stayed on for the last section.  Toby was keen for a sprint at the Albany Highway McDonalds so I led him out from the back.  Given the conditions, no one else was interested in going with us.  It was pretty hot going through East Vic Park and our water bottles were decidedly warm.  At this stage I was glad not to be in the group behind, as they would have had even worse conditions for their ride back.  I peeled off at George St and got home just in time for a swim before the cricket started – perfect timing! 

Note that the points table will be updated when results from the last climb are through.

Well the New Year is almost upon us and it looks like being a hot and windy start to 2010, with strong easterlies  forecast for both days.  To finish with a tail wind we’ll tackle Benara Road on Saturday, and hope that everyone can stay on two wheels this week.

south perth rouleurs saturday ride 08 (benara rd)

On Sunday, with 38°C forecast, the chosen route will pass by the Merchant a couple of times to give riders the option of  pulling the pin early.  Remember to stock up on food and water and to slip, slop and slap.

south perth rouleurs sunday ride 06 (welshpool & observatory & kalamunda rd)

Also, for my sins I have to drop off some visiting family members at the airport at 5 am on New Years Day.  If anyone is keen for a ride leaving at 6.30 tomorrow morning from the carpark let me know.  No route is planned as yet – I’ll wait and see if anyone is interested.

Cheers,

Julian

Report by Julian 

The morning was postcard picture perfect and given the fact there was almost no wind, I was regretting my initial choice of Ridgehill Rd.  A trip to Cottesloe would have been a much better way to ride off the Christmas lunch but the route had been set.  A large group of ~50 bade farewell to the novices, once a flat tyre was sorted out, and were soon winging our way towards Hale Rd.  Apart from the obligatory break up at the first couple of lights we stayed together well and even managed to get most of the group through the Welshpool Road/Leach Highway intersection without stopping. 

Once we were on to Hale Road I shouted out instruction for the fast and main groups to split.  With no Russell or Neville this morning I organised the main group with some help from Chris and the split after Tonkin Highway went very smoothly.  The hot shots set off up the road and the 14 of us remaining in the main group settled into a steady pace.  I went from front to back to front making sure everyone was OK and although the rolling rises on Hale Road slowed a couple of riders, by the time we turned into Kalamunda Rd we were all together. 

We rolled through along Kalamunda Road and kept a steady pace in the high 30’s.  Everyone was doing their turn without complaint and the pace was still strong by the time we hit Guildford.  We went single file until across the river, then picked it up again for the flat section towards Bayswater.  We rolled through again with a couple hanging on the back wheels to make sure they weren’t dropped. 

The lights were reasonably kind to us and we only broke up as we neared East Perth.  Shun sat back and pulled the last of the riders though and once we freeway intersection I looked around and was pleased to see everyone together again.  I also noted that the first batch of the fast group were bearing down and ensured we stayed left to allow a smooth pass.  There was some integration of the groups at this stage as some of us couldn’t help to push a little harder up Plain St.  Down the other side a few got through lights whilst others were held up.  

The final sprint was a non event for me as I made sure everyone in the main group came through OK and at the Bell Tower we were well and truly ready for a drink and refreshments.  Given that it was a public holiday Saturday and there were plenty of people in town you’d expect the coffee shop to be open, but Perth being Perth this should not have been taken for granted.  We made an executive decision to head back over the Narrows to Atomic whilst I tried to explain the complete farcical nature of WA trading laws to John and Emily from Canberra, who have riding with us for the last couple of weeks.  I then headed off home to keep a promise to my kids of a trip to the beach.  I did hear that the fast group ride was eventful and Heiko will provide an update on this.

Report by Julian 

There were 27 of us for the Sunday ride this week – a good turn out given the hot conditions expected.  Several new faces were present and had found out about us from the web-site.  It was also good to see the Subi bike force lads back again after a long absence.  The route involved us attacking the Kahuna from both directions, with the Roleystone Hill School and usual Mundaring Weir Road ascents to round out the climbing for the morning.

Luckily the easterly wind was pretty mild so the Manning Road/Albany Highway leg of the trip out.  Heiko and led out for the first bit then retreated to the back to see what was happening down there.  Alistair and Chris took over , followed by several other pairs who shared the work around.  Peter went to front just before we turned off Albany Highway to make sure everyone knew where to turn and before long the road started going up.  The group was in a playful mood this morning and once the initial attacks sorted themselves out I found myself in 6^th wheel with the 5 in front getting away.  I settled into my rhythm and soon began the pick off some of the front group including Johnny, Damir and new Matt.  Behind me I noted Stu putting in a big effort as well.  Near the top Steve H had the measure of Chris and went on to take the points.  I caught Chris about 400 m from the top and came in second.  The rest of the group followed in and there was some serious sweating going on and our water bottles were already low.  We discussed refill places along the rest of the route and decided to take on water at Roleystone SHS.  I believe the short group kept going along Mills Road, towards Kalamunda, whilst the rest of us had Urch Rd/ Peet Rd to contend with.   

KOM 1 – 1.  Steve  2. Julian,  3. Chris,  4.  Stu,  5. Matt A 

Gregor and Johnny both had rapid descents but were soon caught by the group as we climbed up to Peet Rd.  Once at the turn Steve went around me and was followed by Peter.  They soon got away from Chris and I with Matt trying to keep up behind.  As the hill flattened out, Steve broke away from Peter and Chris and I bridged the gap.  The three of us stayed together through the roundabout and on to the final hill.  I expected to be out-sprinted by Peter and was surprised by him not attacking – it turned out going early with Steve had took its toll.  At 300 m out I took of and sprinted away from Chris to get second but was really feeling it at the end.  Judging by the looks on others as they finished, I wasn’t the only one suffering.  The re-group was quite log here today as we went into the school to hang out around the drink fountains.   

KOM 2 – 1.  Steve  2. Julian,  3. Chris,  4.  Stu,  5. Peter

Heading back down Brookton Highways provided a bit of relief from the climbs.  Some were quicker than others but we did a quick head count at the bottom to ensure everyone was still on.  Once the climb started disaster struck me as I dropped my chain and couldn’t get it back on without stopping.  Once fixed up, Alistair made sure I was OK and the two of us made the climb without any pressure for points.  We picked up a couple of stragglers on the way and only stopped at the top enough to get the points details. 

KOM 3 – 1.  Steve  2. Chris,  3. Matt A,  4.  Stu,  5. Matthew 

We made our way back onto Canning Mills Rd and re-grouped at Pickering Brook general store to take on more water.  The temperature was 33°C by this stage and we were all looking forward to the merchant.  My aim now was to go hard on the final hill to make up for the 3^rd climb and also to get a seat on the couch.  On the final climb, I made an early break and Damir and Stu followed.  We were also joined by another guy who wanted to push as well.  Damir dropped off just over half way up leaving Stu and I to battle it out.  I tried to pass him just before the last rise but an extra effort from Stu prevented this and he went on to the line.  I managed a 7.56, not bad in the conditions and waited long enough to record the points, then headed to the Merchant. 

KOM 4 – 1.  Stu  2. Julian,  3. Matthew,  4.  Chris,  5. Steve 

A couple of others were already there, having forgone the longer stop at Pickering Brook but there was a feet spot on the couch so I settled in.  A fair bit of sweat was absorbed by the chairs today as we all re-hydrated after a long ride.  The trip back home was just as oppressive and Welshpool Rd was very hot.  Chris took it easy down the hill owing to a brake malfunction near the end of the end of the last climb so we waited at the school for him.  Heiko went for sprint glory at the first McDonalds and I think Gregor and Heiko battled it out at the end.  I was just glad for it to be finished and plunged immediately into the pool when I got home.  Thanks to everyone who came out today and I look forward to seeing everyone’s Christmas bike bling next weekend.

Report by Julian 

A big crowd gathered for the Saturday sojourn along Benara Rd.  Instructions were dealt out, the novices sent on their way and the big pack headed out along Mill Point Rod.  After the usual break up of the group at the first set of lights, we all re-grouped by the time we past Burswood and onto Gt Eastern Hwy.  The first drama of the morning occurred when a Hilux Ute decided to stop on the inside lane.  I was towards the back so didn’t see what had happened but it was soon sorted out.  As we approached the split point I was in two minds which way to go, but I decided to stick with the fast group today.  There were about 15 of us and by far the smallest of splits that we’ve had in a long time, with most riders deciding to keep fresh for the Joondalup race the next day.   

Into the wind up Gt Eastern Highway, no one seemed keen on leading and by the time we hit Queens Rd, Chris, Ryan, Mike B, Jerry a couple of others and myself decided to up the pace a bit.  The group held together well and heading back into Midland with the wind now behind us the pace picked up again.  We bade farewell to Melvyn who turned off for an early breakfast and was nearly followed by Chris.  The trip through Guildford was a lot less eventful than the last time with no white van behind us. 

Onto Benara Rd and the pace picked up again.  I’d had a rough night, having picked up a dose of Durchfall (ask Heiko for a translation) the night before so tried to hang on to the back of the pack.  Jarrad and Steve both said I was looking a little rough and I was certainly feeling it.  We caught a couple of lights and this bought everyone back together but by the time we reached the end of Benara Road, a couple of riders had dropped off.  The roundabouts along the way through Nollamarra were successfully negotiated and soon were heading down Coode St towards Maylands and the final stages of the ride.  

There were no great surges today and the pace was kept fairly reasonable towards the end.  Jarrad and Jerry went first up the Plain St hill, closely watched by Ryan.  On the downhill we had the obligatory stop and Wellington St and the front runners down the hill got through (legally) the Adelaide Terrace lights and hit Riverside Drive with no chance of being caught by those who missed the lights.  I sat back at this stage and watched Chris and Jarrad battle it out.  However, everyone caught the final set of lights so the final sprint was an anti-climax.  We got to the bell tower a couple of minutes behind the main group with everyone still feeling reasonably fresh.  I had the usual cricket umpiring duties to attend so couldn’t stay for coffee and bade farewell to everyone, wishing the racers good luck for the Joondalup – details of which can be found in the following posts.

Report by Julian 

A new route was planned today so I had made notes on how to get out to Brigadoon for the climb-fest.  En-route to the rendezvous (that’s the limit of French for the day), I realised I hadn’t noted the course back to Kalamunda and was relieved to see Peter and his trusty Garmin, which had all the details entered.  I think there were about 25 people today, and plans for a shorter ride up the zigzag were being made before we set off.  

Gt Eastern Hwy was quiet today and the traffic was well behaved.  The pace was reasonable apart from Alistair’s turn on the front, when low 30’s suddenly became high 30’s.  Even accounting for the tail wind it was a bit quick and we yelled to the front to ease him back.  We bade farewell to the short-cutters at Queens Rd and continued on to Guildford and then Midland.  A few locals in Midland gave us some encouraging cheering (Emu Export at 7.30 in the morning will do that) and before long we were over Gt Northern Hwy and into the small rises round Jane Brook.  

On the first rise Alistair took off and crested the hill.  He then slowed down and found me in the pack to ensure I noted the points for the first climb.  Alas I informed him that said first climb was still 15 km away but his efforts in the bonus climb were noted.  We continued on for a few more kms before Davina decided to stretch her legs and put in some hard yards.  Mark DC followed here out and soon the two of them were long gone.  The rest of us got through the few kms before the climb and as we passed the ‘No Through Road’ sign indicating the start, the front runners were back in sight. 

On the climb, Dan, Alistair and I approached the tiring Davina and then went past.  Mark DC was up ahead and looking out of reach.  Mike B and Chris T overtook me as I shook off Dan The view up the valley from Bells Rapids was worth the climb and by the time we hit the roundabout Mark DC had come in first.  However, there was an edict from President Peter that Mark would be disqualified as he broke away on the flat before the climb started.  Rule is Rules and therefore the final classification from climb 1 was as follows: 

KOM 1: 1.  Mike B;  2, Chris T;  3. Julian;  4.  Chris A;  5. Peter 

The one noticeable thing about the re-group point was the distinct lack of trees/shrubs for shielding when relieving oneself.  Therefore the re-group time was slightly longer as those that had to travel a bit further.  The next two climbs were explained by Peter – in summary ~3 km down and then up again until we hit the next roundabout, re-group, then turn around and do it in reverse.  Going down the first hill I clocked mid 70s so the climb back wasn’t going to be easy.  The sun was quite hot on the road and there a few big efforts on both climbs.  Mike B managed to just pip Chris A on the first climb and going back, Chris T held out me to the line.  Russell and Melvyn waited at the line having discovered the shortcut after the second climb.  

KOM 2: 1.  Mike B;  2, Chris A;  3. Julian;  4.  Chris T;  5. Peter 

KOM 3: 1.  Chris T;  2, Julian;  3. Jerry;  4.  Brodie;  5. Dan

The three climbs in quick succession had taken a bit out of everyone and a few of us were running low on water.  The descent was very fast for me and I managed to hit 90 km/h.  Once on the flat a few splinter groups formed and Heiko and I rode together talking about the ways of the world.  We held an easy pace before all coming together again at Jane Brook to look for water taps.  Unfortunately there were none around so we skirted around Greenmount (saying farewell to Russell on the way) and finally found a disused service station that still had connected water.  Everyone took on water and it was noted that Brett and a couple of others were missing.  It turned out someone had a puncture (sorry I didn’t get names at coffee) and a couple of others waited behind to assist.  

After the water stop we were soon on Ridge Hill Road for the second of the bonus climbs.  Alistair took it a bit easier this time and there was only a short re-group when we reached Kalamunda Road.  There were a few tired bodies at this stage and a lot of effort was summoned for the final climb.  Alistair, Chris T, Chris A and I soon split from the group and about half way up Mike B made his trademark move from the back.  Chris T and I responded but after about 100 m I’d had enough so settled back in to my rhythm.  Up ahead it was a pretty close ride and I think (but can’t confirm) Mike B just got it.  

KOM 4: 1.  Mike B;  2, Chris T;  3. Julian;  4.  Chris A;  5. Jerry 

We headed off for coffee and managed to get a few tables in the shade.  There was a sense of achievement in the group as the new ride was conquered and in trying conditions – this will not be a summer ride.  I did a quick tally of points and found that the overall November winner was Chris A, who finished 1 point in front of me.  Luckily for Mark DC, his disqualification on the first hill did not cost him the title although he would have come 2^nd if it had counted. 

Back down Welshpool Rd we went and the final stages were fast without blowing too many people away.  I turned off at George Street and finished with 107 km under my belt so was pretty happy with that.  I won’t be available next weekend and the Joondalup race is on so if anyone does go out, can they keep a track of proceedings.