long distance triathlon world championships

i wandered down to langley park after the hills ride with my two boys to watch the finish of the long distance triathlon world championships.  there were a few people that have ridden with us before competing so i thought i would go down to show my support.  here are a couple of photos from the day.  unfortunately i didn’t get to see any bike action.

saturday 24th oct – hale rd reverse

ride report by peter.

 

so in the middle of the week the weather report said that it will be a brilliant saturday.  mid 20’s, moderate winds, all the good stuff.  i predicted that this would mean that we would have a good turn out so set the ride routes to split early to ease the road congestion.  as i stepped out the door this morning, the brilliant saturday was nowhere to be seen.  it was overcast, the wind was howling and someone said that there was rain on the radar.  i didn’t check the radar as it was supposed to be a nice day but it certainly looked like the clouds were bringing rain.

as was predicted, there was a good turn out with about 60 riders at the start.  i would say that there would have been a few more if the wind hadn’t picked up early and scared them away.  we set out to get to great eastern hwy and were instantly split at the first set of lights.  i am sure that we got pretty much every set of lights between the start and ascot but managed to keep the group together. 

the split went as well as it can with the fast group turning left and heading towards ascot and the main group continuing along great eastern.  i would say that there was almost a 50/50 split this morning as i guess that some people opted out of the fast group due to the wind.

the pace wasn’t high along garrett rd and we soon turned onto guilford.  the wind was coming from the right and into our face so the group started to roll through.  unfortunately, people are used to rolling through in one direction only and it was a bit much to get them to roll to the centre of the road.  it caused no end of confusion and this combined with the wind made things a bit hectic.  people were already starting to opt out of the roll through as the wind seemed to be getting stronger as we got closer to the hills. 

just through bassendean, there was a touch of wheels and josh went down.  we pulled up the group to make sure that he was ok.  it seemed superficial physical wounds so he was up an riding quickly.  however, it would take it’s toll later as the adrenaline wore off.

we grouped back up and passed through guilford and onto bushmead road.  the wind was hitting us in the face here and the group was pretty much single file with pretty much only the strong guys rotating at the front.  splits were starting to appear here and the group was getting strung out as there wasn’t many places to hide.

i moved to the front as we approached the roe hwy crossing to let the group know where the turn was as we haven’t been down midland rd before.  we had to wait for an oncoming car so this allowed much of the group to catch up.  the wind was howling off the escarpment and as midland rd runs parallel to it, we were caught in cross winds for this whole stretch.  this meant that there basically was nowhere to hide and i soon lost contact with the front group. 

i pushed on regardless and had jason on my wheel.  we caught brother dan and i think it was snuggles so the four of us stayed together till the end of the road.  the front boys were held up at the lights to turn onto hawtin rd so we managed to regroup with them, but there were lots behind us that didn’t. 

there was no real reprieve along here either, as we started moving parallel with the escarpment again so the crosswinds were just as bad.  i lost contact again but found a few wheels to jump behind briefly.  the front guys had managed a gap and there were a few of us trying to bridge it without success. 

after a turn at the front, i looked back to see that it was only jason and myself once again.  we put in a couple of big efforts and managed to catch back up to the group before we hit tonkin hwy.  just after the crossing, there was a loud expulsion of air and jerry slowed his bike.  there was a tentative slowing by the front guys before deciding to keep going as a few of us had stopped with him.

this was the second week in a row for jerry so it may be time for a new brand of tyre.  we moved over to a driveway as it was mostly dirt here and got off the road.  he went to take the tyre off but michael said to see where the hole was.  it wasn’t a hole.  there was a slash across the width of the tyre that even a $5 note wouldn’t save.  after a couple of attempts, he managed to get hold of his wife to come and pick him up so we left him so we can head home. 

the following groups had caught up by then and everyone had stopped so we had a decent group to get home.  josh had joined up with us after being quite a way off the back as he found out that the little stack earlier on had buckled his back wheel quite severely.  he managed to keep going by loosening off his brakes, but i am guessing the stack had not helped his body much either.

we formed up on welshpool rd and started to roll through.  the pace was not exceptionally high so we pretty much kept together.  dan rolled off the back but it wasn’t till we hit the lights that the others said that he got a flat but told everyone to keep going.  josh turned around to make sure he was ok.  it is probably worth noting that last week brother julian came out in a trisuit in which we found a lot of pleasure in taking the piss out of him.  i am pretty sure that brother dan joined in with it.  however, today dan turned up in his spr undershirt with his red bibs over the top.  from a distance it looked like a trisuit.  up close it looked like he was ready for world wrestling federation or the mardi gras (probably the same thing really).

we kept the pace on all the way to the finish and had a sprint for 15th place on riverside drive.  the rest of the group was already waiting at the coffeeshop and the brews came out quite well today. 

so a hell of a gusty day today and it really showed out who was strong and who was left wanting.  it is hard to hang on when you can’t hide but it is good to stretch you limits as it is only way you get better.

ride routes 24th & 25th october

another couple of glorious days are predicted for the weekend so we expect big numbers for the ride again.  i was in such a hurry last week that i forgot about the novice ride.  luckily carol had it all under control so the five of them headed out together.  i will try to be on time this week as their numbers also go up with the nicer weather.

as we are expecting big numbers, we will split the group again to make sure we don’t hog too much of the road.  one of our new riders, josh, works for the traffic operations centre as part of main roads.  he said that if we get abused like the fast group did last week that we can give the licence plate number to him and they can deal with it.  something to think about as we seem to be coping a lot of abuse lately.

sunday will see perth hosting the world long course triathlon championships.  rachael is doing it as are a few others that i know.  comprising of a  3km swim/80km ride/20km run, if you have done a tri before you will understand what pain these guys put themselves through.  head down to langley park on sunday morning if you are not riding in the hills with us.  if not, then avoid the freeway south bound as it will be closed between hay st and canning hwy for the bike course as will mounts bay rd and riverside drive.

the 7th of november will see the track cycling grand prix being held at the speeddome.  a few of us have been to it the last couple of years and it is well worth it.  there are some big names form here and overseas coming out as it sits in between the manchester track world cup event and the melbourne event.  we will post some more info on it soon, but it is definitely a great night out especially if you haven’t been to the track before.

south perth rouleurs saturday ride 12 (hale rd reverse)

these routes have been updated for the hale rd ride so if you have a garmin you will need to download the new tcx file.  basically the group will head out great eastern and split at ascot.  this week the main group will head straight out to kalamunda rd then home via hale and welshpool while the fast group go through guilford and get onto kalamunda rd via helena valley rd.  home the same way. 

south perth rouleurs sunday ride 18 (chook farm & observatory & gooseberry)

for all that loved the f_ckenberg last week we have the chookenberg this week.  this is the ride of the forgotten climbs, so if you haven’t done this one before expect a few different climbs.  after the success of the merchant tea house last week i think that it will be our new coffee stop in kalamunda.  even if there is no room, a take-away and a shady spot beats a 45 min wait any day.

Ride Report for Sunday October 18

Report by Julian

After 37°C the day before, it was pleasant to wake up to cooler weather on Sunday. However, the buzzing power lines all the way to the car park indicated high humidity and another energy sapping day. I’ll happily admit that I was thinking of shortcuts even before we started and was tempted to go with the doctors, who set off for a short trip up Welshpool Rd, even before Peter arrived. Once Peter turned up, the instructions were instructed, the f-ckenberg virgins were identified and we were off.

The group was very chatty down Manning Rd and Albany Highway. This probably had something to do with the howling westerly behind us and we comfortably sat on 36 km/h during this time. We were slowed in Gosnells by Lisa attending to flat tyre. This also gave Mike Bonner the chance to catch the group and even by his impeccable standards for being late, this morning was impressive. Somehow during the change Peter and I found ourselves doing a second stint on the front as we headed on to Brookton Highway and then the aptly named Hill St at the start of the f-ckenberg. Onto the hill proper the brothers Dan and Jules attacked and were followed by Joe, Ryan, Alistair, Oliver and Mike. Still not feeling too flash, I was content to sat back and enjoy the carnage as the front boys hit the 21% section and as some started going backwards I made up a few places and ended up with a point. Ryan won the day, from Mike, Oliver and Alistair. Raphael was the second to last up on his first time and all he could utter at the top was the first syllable of the climb. Still at least he made it and full marks for doing so. We had one casualty about 2/3’s up with one rider turning back. I didn’t catch his name but he rejoined us later on after finding an easier climb up the scarp.

Climb 1 – 1. Ryan, 2. Mike B, 3. Oliver, 4. Medium Alistair,, 5. Julian

We were no sooner off again when the second climb began. On the early section everyone took it a bit easy until a small group got away – containing Ryan, Mike, Joe and Rob (a rider we picked up in Gosnells). My climbing legs were returning so I made an attack on Oliver and Brother Julian in the second group and got onto the last wheel in the front group. The more we climbed the better I felt and heading towards the finish I made a move to the front. Inevitably, Ryan shot past near the line with Mike, Joe and Rob following me in.

Climb 2 – 1. Ryan, 2.Julian, 3. Mike B, 4. Joe, 5. Rob

The regroup here was reasonably short and we were soon heading up Churchman Brook Rd for the descent down Soldiers Rd. Unfortunately for Matthew, a call to nature after the climb and a breakdown in the buddy system meant that he got left behind when we started again. However, he was able to join up with Mike B, who had a flat on Soldiers Rd and the two of them made their way back to Kalamunda together, as Mike had given instruction to the group to keep going. Of course we were all disappointed that Mike was out of the next few climbs but managed to put that behind us as were headed towards Urch Rd. This particular climb seems to get lost in the fear of f-ckenberg whenever we do this ride. In my opinion it is a tough climb and today I asked Pete to keep an eye on the gradient of the hill. Coming out of the valley it hits 16% and further up is another section at 15% and sure enough the downhill heroes who got the head start were soon being reeled in. Chris had a good start to the hill but dropped off about half way up. Ryan and Rob were battling it out on the front and Oliver and I were locked together behind them. Towards the top I finally dropped Oliver but didn’t have the legs to get to the front. Jarrad put in a big effort to pick up the final point and was looking a lot better than two weeks ago at Pinjarra. The smile on his face as he realised he’d bagged a point was a highlight of the ride.

Climb 3 – 1. Ryan, 2.Rob, 3. Julian, 4. Oliver, 5. Jarrad

Rob bade us farewell at the top and headed down the back side of the Kahuna. Chris was having a bit of back wheel trouble but soon had that sorted out and we were off again towards Pickering Brook. I stayed at the back of the group during this stage and helped get Phil through his first Sunday ride for quite a while. We regrouped at the Pickering Brook turnoff on the left had side of the road and it was clear that everyone was thinking about the short cut to coffee. Peter said we’d head the Merchant and I asked if anyone wanted to do the full ride and head up to the Observatory. Heiko volunteered to go with me, then Dan and Jules sensed some cheap points and also volunteered, followed by Oliver and a couple of others and suddenly the whole group was with us. I felt very proud of everyone at this stage – staying together and finishing off what we started – very character building stuff!

There was a Master’s Race on in Pickering Brook and John and Joe made a sprint for the finish line. The marshal there held up a 9 laps to go sign but this was dutifully ignored as were turned into Patterson Rd. The group started to stretch out on the incline and as I passed Lisa I’m sure I heard words to the effect of doubting my parentage being muttered after I said she’d thank me later for making her come this way. Towards the top of the climb a group of 6 were still together. Joe went early and couldn’t hold on leaving Ryan to get away. Jarrad now had the taste of points and collected 3rd after I caught him on the last rise. Brother Jules and Oliver rounded out the placings.

Climb 4 – 1. Ryan, 2.Julian, 3. Jarrad, 4.Brother Jules, 5. Oliver

There were a few tired bodies at the end of this climb (but wasn’t everyone glad they did it?) and as Peter set instructions for coffee at the Merchant (for the second time!) we were all fairly keen on getting there. Going through Bickley Valley Brother Jules asked if he could sit behind me during the final climb. I was happy to help out but this caused some confusion with Ryan who thought we were ganging up on him during the climb. Joe and Peter set the early pace on the hill as I kept Brothers Jules and Dan on my back wheel. Coming up to the flat bit the others had dropped off leaving Ryan and the Julians in front. Ryan was unaware of my pacing and made a move just before the last climb. Honour-bound to Brother Jules I stayed back and pushed him through the last stretch and came through in about 8.35. Not sure if it was a PB for him, but certainly a respectable time after a 5 climbs in the conditions. Oliver and Peter followed and soon the group descended on the Merchant.

Climb 5 – 1. Ryan, 2.Julian, 3. Brother Jules, 4. Oliver, 5. Peter

We managed to jag the outside couch and took up most of the area. My hot chocolate and croissant arrived, barely 30 seconds after sitting down. Lisa took to the couch and would probably have been happy to stay there all day. Conversation was very lively with a real sense of achievement amongst the group. However, come 10.30am we were off for the final fling as we dragged ourselves away and headed towards Lesmurdie and Welshpool Roads.

It was an average descent today with top speeds in the mid 70s. The sprint to Tonkin Highway was fairly low key with everyone keen to avoid the head wind. John’s bike had developed a chain/gearing problem but he managed to hold on until he turned off in East Vic Park. A few others took shortcuts home and the rest of us rode back to the car park via the bike path. It was nice not to get abused by any car drivers and also not to be laden with layers of clothing, except for Lisa, whose arm warmers became obsolete after the first couple of kms and ended up as handle bar fashion accessories.

Mundijong 2 Up Time Trial

Race report by Brendan

Well after Talking Steve (Big Ring Hedley) into a short 28km 2 Up smash fest we had entered and were heading to Mundijong and skipping our usual Hills jaunt.

Steve opted to ride out as not too far from from his place South and Jody and I drove out. I registered us which I must say was a breeze and the people very friendly and went to set up the bike and get onto the windtrainer for my warm up. Steve rang to say his not far away and I continued on the trainer. Once done we adjusted all the numbers and had a few pics taken (will post a couple later).

We rode up to the start, seemed to be running dead on time so we went down the road to soak up some time to keep the legs going and went back for our 8.45 start time.
We went off smack on time and quickly found the wind stronger once we were up around 40. We swapped turns every minute or so and were settinga good tempo still able to talk and keep the average up over 40. We started to reel in riders pretty much straight away which was a nice feeling. In the tail wind we managed to ride upwards of 45kmphr and completed the first 12km lap with an ave of 41.2 which was my goal of riding 40ave speed for the race and hopefully sneak a top 10 spot.

We turned back into the wind to find it was stronger and us getting tired, not impressed but pushed as hard as we dare so we had fuel for the run home and still no one was catching us but kept picking people up.

We finally turned into the tail wind and pushed hard, Think this is where Steve may have regretted not having the Zipp wheels on and both our heart rates were nearing max.
Finally into the last turn we did hard short turns and I was counting off the kms and around 5 kms to I heard Steve stretching to get some blood flow to some apendages (wont used the actual term) but that gave me laugh and with him encouarging me he sat in for a while and came through but was starting to suffer so I said stay there and pushed hard all the way to the line with Steve in tow.

I didnt realise Steve was in the hurt box bigtime in the last couple of kms but we had a laugh, after after his operation his rehab is progressing along nicely and will be back to full strength sooner rather than later and putting me in the hurt box… paybacks a bitch I hear haha.

After checking the results we came a credible 6th place Team in a time of 41.08 mins and a average of 41.1kmphr and only couple of minutes of the winning team of Chris Thompson (CWA CEO) and Lee Bolden with Eddie hollands and Chris Glasby on a short few seconds behind in second.

On that note I must say a big condolances to Eddie and his family after his Mum passed away last week so alot of courage to come out and race after such a hard week.

So thanks Steve look forward to some more hitouts and some payback 😉
My figures were
41.1km travelled @ 41.08 mins with average cadence of 95 with a max heart rate of 190 and an average of 179Bpm and max speed of 50kmphr of also burnt 1000 calories 🙂

Thanks for reading and I can highly recomend any Atta event and I know I will be doing some more.:)

Nico

saturday 17th oct – benara rd

ride report by peter.

 

the sun shines bright on spr
the sun shines bright on spr

just as predicted the sun was shining brightly at 7am this morning.  also as predicted there was a crowd waiting for me as i turned up late…again.  however, it was a pleasure not to have to put on three or four layers of clothing before leaving the house.  i quickly did a ride briefing and we headed out as i had already put us back a couple of minutes.  there would have been close to 70 riders as we stretched out for the length of the block before we turned onto mill point rd.  due to the expected big numbers i planned a course that would take us onto double lane roads until we split quite early.  this would hopefully calm any traffic issues.  unfortunately we had our first two on mill point road.  a guy coming the other way screamed abuse at us to get off the road.  a bit further up the road we saw the bikeforce crew on the edge of the road so maybe he got held up by them and wanted to vent at us.  then just before we turned onto canning a car tried to squeeze past us and got to within about three riders from the front before having second thoughts and slowing down.  the traffic islands were approaching fast so i motioned (in not a friendly manner) for them to get past.  i ended up on the footpath just to make sure they had enough room.

so we were finally away on great eastern hwy and had not trouble all the way to ascot.  there the group split and the main group headed towards guilford road while the fast group continued up the hwy.  at the entrance to tonkin hwy we had our next brain fade of a driver.  overtaking the group and then realising that they weren’t going to get around before they needed to turn left to get to the tonkin onramp.  we had to slow for the lights but they ended up pushing in and cutting the group in half to make their turn.  the rest of the trip up great eastern was pretty low key.

we turned towards guilford before spurring off to the right to cut past the golf course and onto helana valley road.  the group was still all together at this point but with the wind directly in our faces, it had started to string out a bit.  ryan was doing a good job of setting the pace with some other guys rolling through as well and it was starting to splinter a bit.  we then turned to run parallel with roe hwy and back through midland.  back on great eastern hwy meant that we had a nice breeze on our backs and were ticking along at 50km/hr.  a number of traffic lights slowed us a bit but the pace was so nice in between that everyone felt good.

a quick turn onto a guilford back road and we started to cut across to west swan road.  this is were we encountered the rudest old wanker that should never have been given a licence. 

the road was narrow here and the is practically no shoulder as the “traffic calming” islands cut in and out so frequently that you wouldn’t get a free run.  so anyway we are riding along and i am close to the front when i here this constant honking of a horn.  i look back and see this van right up the arse of the group and this old fart shouting abuse and honking his horn.  i slow down to drift to the back of the group and gesticulate a basic “where do you want us to ride”.  he starts shouting abuse saying the we should be riding single file.  i yell back that we are allowed to ride two abreast, he keeps yelling so i keep yelling all the way to west swan road where he is also turning right.  he revs the van hard to try to intimidate us as we are turning but the road here also has no decent shoulder, double lines, oncoming traffic and a bridge to stop him getting past.  the road finally widens out and he speeds past but makes sure he keeps honking abuse as he goes.  the funny think was he threatened that he has called the cops to let them know that we are not riding single file.  good luck with that since the traffic code says we can ride two abreast.  for the sake of the few minutes that we held him up i really hope he develops a very painful ulcer.  i really need to put my camera back on the bike.

so we head up west swan road the the group starts to split a bit as the cross wind makes it hard for some people.  we turn onto benara road before long so i don’t think we lost many. 

the pace was on straight away and the group soon split.  i put in a big effort to close a gap and managed to get on the wheel of the back of the front group, but the previous week of ignoring a cold has meant that i was really struggling.  i maxed out at 188bpm and suddenly couldn’t hold a wheel.  i watched as the group rolled away from me.

i was picked up by the next group back and sat on the back as best i could.  up ahead the group splintered again and at the lights the front boys got through while we caught the back of the split.  a slightly bigger group now meant that we could keep the pace high, but we pretty much got every traffic light and the heat was also taking it’s toll.  at almost the last traffic light the group was split by a red and as the first guys came to a stop brother dan went around them and through the red.  now this got a lot of discussion the other week as a number of riders did it.  i don’t particularly want to be scraping someone off the road or have to tell there partner/family that they were stupid.  so do we as a group enforce a penalty on riders that blatantly break the rules.  maybe a week suspension from riding with us.  i don’t know but add your feedback via the comments.  dan, add your feedback via half a page of the consequences of running a red light.

the trip back was pretty uneventful.  we tried to stick together through the suburbs and along whatley crescent.  at the end we were just happy to be finished.  i couldn’t stick around as we had some family stuff to do so i missed the coffee shop banter.

no idea what happened to the front end of the group or the main group so hopefully someone can fill us in there.

ride routes 17th & 18th oct

ding ding ding.  summer is here (well almost) and daylight savings isn’t.  how awesome is it to not have to put on four layers of clothing to go riding in the morning.  how awesome is it to go riding at 5:30am in daylight rather than a small patch of headlight.  totally awesome.  as the kung-fu panda says “there is no charge for awesomeness….or attractiveness”

also in the awesome stakes is the fact that one hd has the herald sun tour televised on the same night as each stage was run.  check out the last few stages if you haven’t already.  cj sutton from garmin (who has come out on sunday rides with us before) is currently leading the men’s race while davina sprinted home for third in the women’s.  bec, anna and young sam are also in the women’s race. 

also, if you are after a jersey, knicks/bibs, skinsuit or trisuit you have till sunday night to put an order in.  i will be ringing cannibal on monday to set the order in motion.  this may be the only run of skinsuits/trisuits so don’t miss out…the mardi gras isn’t that far away.  scroll down a couple to posts to find more info.

south perth rouleurs saturday ride 08 (benara rd)

with a strong north-easterly predicted i thought that we would tackle benara rd.  as the max of +30 degrees will always see us with bumper numbers for the saturday morning, the group will split.  the main group will do the normal route across at ascot and through guilford while the fast group will head out to midland and back through guilford.  both groups then return the same way along benara rd but both will face a strong breeze on the way out.

south perth rouleurs sunday ride 09 (patterson & canns & urch)

well the german has returned and there is nothing he likes more than the f_ckenberg.  so that is where we are headed.  maxing out at 21% this little beauty will sort out the climbers from the sprinters but just don’t stop cause you may not get going again.  five climbs all up so expect to be tired by the end.  beautiful day predicted but not as hot as saturday.  bring lots of food and water as we don’t pass any servo’s till kalamunda.

Rednecks Day Out – Ride Report for Sunday October 11

Report by Julian 

It was my first Sunday ride in 4 weeks and I was looking forward to getting out and stretching the legs.  A challenging new course had been plotted by Peter, with trips up Kalamunda Rd and Gooseberry Hill, and there were 25 of us gathered in the car park at 7am.  The ride introduction was very quick, due to the approaching shower, and we were soon off but managed to miss most of the rain.  

We set out along Gt Eastern Highway and at one of the lights in Rivervale, had the first of several encounters with aggressive car drivers.  This particular driver thought it would be really smart to rev the car and spin the wheels from the lights to show off to us all.  Problem was he was in a Kia people mover and looked like a complete idiot when he fish tailed off the lights.  Hint for next time – try getting a car that actually looks like a hoon car before behaving like one.   

We continued along the Highway with Alistair and Peter leading us out and then on towards Guildford, when Heiko and Tim took over.  It was great to see a South Perth club ride being led by an Englishman and a German.  We turned into Kalamunda Rd to head for the hills and Brett and I found ourselves leading next.  As we approached the hill Brett bade me farewell and the climb began in earnest.  I was feeling petty fresh and the legs weren’t hurting from the roundabout episode on the Saturday ride so I kept a good pace going.  Looking behind, Alistair also was going well.  About 2/3’s up I dropped Alistair and turned around only to see Mike go past on a good attack.  Forgetting we still had several climbs to go, I reeled him in and we stuck together up to the petrol station before I made an attack.  Mike didn’t follow so I cruised up to the bus stop to claim the spoils.  Alistair held out Jerard for 3rd and Brother Jules held out Tim and Peter for 5th

Climb 1 – 1. Julian,  2. Mike B,  3. Alistair  4. Jerard,,  5. Brother Jules 

The shortcuts were established at the re-group and some of the first timers decided to call it quits.  By the time we set off for the Welshpool Rd climb there were 15 of us through and the instruction form Peter were clear.  The climb started at the top of the Lesmurdie Rd roundabout so anyone who could make a break down hill would hold the advantage once we hit Welshpool Rd.  Davina set an early pace down the hill, followed by Peter, Dan and a few others.  By the  time I hit Welshpool Rd I was a fair way back with a bit of work to do but was still feeling good and was confident of picking off everyone on the climb.  I made my way past Brett, Heiko (still in the big ring), Davina and Dan and on the second to last hill caught the front six.  At this point Peter launched an attack and Brother Jules went with him.  I set out after them, with Jerard, Alistair and Tim closely following.  Peter spent his tickets early and pulled out and it became a three way tussle between Brother Jules, Jerard and myself.  I managed to hold out Brother Jules (and as I found out later cost him a new bike!) with Jerard close behind.  

Climb 2 – 1. Julian,  2. Brother Jules,  3. Jerard,  4. English Tim,  5. Alistair 

We then headed off towards Pickering Brook, with the sun out and the apple trees in blossom.  Davina fell off the back and said not to wait.  Peter went back to check she was OK and Heiko and I sat back as well.  We caught the pack on the Repatriation Rd detour and it seemed everyone was enjoying themselves.  Melvyn was happy to be in touch after deciding against an early short cut and we hit Patterson Road in a fairly big group.  Peter missed the side loop as he was checking on Davina was up ahead as the pack set about bringing him in.  Mike B and Tim made a break before the top of the first rise, whilst Alistair, Jerard Brother Jules and I held back for the final climb.  Mike held it together well and was not caught but we claimed Tim before the top.  

Climb 3 – 1.Mike B,  2. Julian,  3. Jerard,  4. English Tim,  5. Alistair 

A quick regroup before we headed down the hill into Bickley Valley for the Mundaring Weir Rd climb.  Alistair dropped his chain after the first turn but was quickly back on.  The rest of us made steady pace until the climb started and a few breaks were made.  Peter tried an early attack and was followed by Mike and I.  About half way up Peter began to drop as Mike pushed on but I managed to hold his wheel and went around him again before the final rise.  We picked off a couple of Stadium tri club guys and in the last bit I was starting to hurt but Mike kept encouraging me from behind and let me take the points (thanks Mike). My time of 8 minutes flat wasn’t a PB but considering my legs I was pretty happy.  

Climb 4 – 1.Julian,  2. Mike B,  3. Brother Julian,  4. Alistair,  5. English Tim 

Once everyone finished it was decided to forego Gooseberry Hill and head straight for coffee.  Paris Brest was fairly quiet so we ended up there. Just on 9.30.  At 10.05 the coffees arrived and I later calculated that we could have ordered coffees, gone down the zig-zag and back up Gooseberry and still made it back before they we served.  There were a lot of high spirits at coffee with discussion focusing on leg hair removal, testosterone gel and male appendages (no females in the group). 

Then the fun started.  We decamped at about 10.30 and went up to Railway Rd.  A few of us got through the roundabout OK but Mr Dickhead in a Range Rover decided that a few cyclists weren’t going to hold him up so he entered the roundabout, cutting a few people off, then decided to do a right hand turn on the roundabout, scattering what was left of the group.  A few choice words were  exchanged before we set off again.  One we hit Canning Road we sat in single file and let the traffic flow.  This was not good enough for several cars coming the other way, who decided we were a nuisance and roundly abused us for being on the road.  Coming down Lesmurdie Road we were again showered with abuse (again by a car coming the other way!). 

We got down off the hill without further incident but encountered another Neanderthal in Berwick St, who didn’t abuse us directly, but rather tooted his horn until he had our undivided attention, then shot his middle finger up as we rode past.  Very classy.  The ride finished with Brother Julian taking the final Maccas sprint.  We then went out separate ways at Bunnings and hopefully no one had their feelings hurt anymore by car drivers on the way home.  At least English Tim has a very positive experience to take back with him about the behavior of Australian drivers.

The website for the South Perth Cycle Club