Large group in the carpark this morning, warmer weather at last! No one to lead the Transitional Group for the third week in a row so agreed with Peter to take the group after checking ride route details. Twenty one all up, made up of regulars, returning regulars and some new faces including Jackie, Lorraine’s friend (sorry forgot your name) and a couple of others, along with some Main 2 riders wanting to rest their legs before the hills ride on Sunday.

Leon joined us along Canning Highway near the freeway. A few separations at the lights and re-groups along Canning Highway, this is bound to happen with such a large group. Thanks once again to Rob and Michelle for helping to keep the group together, with Rob tirelessly working his way from the back of the group to the front, well sprinting sometimes! The hill along Burke Road was enjoyed by all?? Good pace along West Coast Highway, some commenting the fastest ever on that stretch. The group spread out quite a bit at that point.

A quick check and all OK at the top of Claremont, no one wanted to take the short cut. Ivan, Gary and co set the pace through Dalkeith. Owen, Leon, Rob and myself stayed at the back making sure all fine with the new riders. The fast group sped past us near Steve’s Pub. The sprint along Mounts Bay Road had people recording their personal bests. Thank you to Owen for providing me with a wheel and a good draft so that I could keep up the pace. Overall a good safe enjoyable ride in nice weather.

With Shaw helping with the Juniors, Mark leading the Development Group I agreed to lead the transition group for a second time this week. All up 12 headed out of the carpark. We discussed the strong easterly and we knew we would be in for head winds on South St and Nicholson Road.

Good pace along Canning Highway and North Lake Road, a few calls for ëase up were heard. The left turn into South Street saw us keep in a tight group to shield from the easterly. Colin and Yo did long stints at the front along South Street which we all appreciated. Good strong efforts by Owen, Mike and Jenny kept the group together. 

The roll through on Bannister went well with Leon and Steve helping to keep a smooth pace in the group with no gaps forming. The left turn into Albany Highway gave us a nice tail wind and we were soon cruising at 38km/hour. A couple dropped off the back but caught up at the lights in Bentley. There was some discussion about watching out for Yo on the sprint leg and he didn’t disappoint on Riverside Drive.

Good safe ride with strong winds to test us. My bike computer showed an average speed of 28.3km/hour.