Californication report
With showers forecast a quick check of the BOM website was the first job for the morning, that indicated little chance of any rain on this morning's ride. Maybe a phone call to Gillian to consult her dodgy arthritic wrist is in order next time, apparently has a higher success rate than the bureau's computers.
Eleven starters this morning with MattB a late withdrawal and three riders set to join in enroute. A predominately downhill start along Lonsdale Hwy had the group moving along pretty quickly and at one point we merged with the Tailwinds shop ride which got a little confusing until we both went our separate ways.
If you wonder why trucks and cyclists don't get on well I can tell you the truckies are taught to harrass us, an L plate truck driver almost squeezed me off the road at a set of lights, if the instructor had had his window down I could have had a conversation with him about it. Anyway no harm done and we followed the beaches to Pt Noarlunga and then further south via Moana and Aldinga. The rain was obviously ahead of us, the roads were wet but we kept mostly dry apart from a little spray off the road.
Leaving Hallett Cove
The slippery roads claimed a victim as we turned towards The Star of Greece with Peter Hill coming off the bike, luckily no real damage to bike or rider and after a short stop we were soon underway along the Esplanade.
Ouch
Perfect morning for a ride
After a short stop at Snapper point we made steady progress through Aldinga and soon turned into California Rd and headed for the hill that has become a firm favourite with the L rides, only this time going up rather than down. It wasn't as bad asIi thought it might be and before we knew it we were on the bike path at McLaren Vale where we were joined by Baron for the run home. Geoff "Zippy" Neal headed for home at this point as he was feeling the strain on his first ride for about three months since the birth of his daughter, good to see you again today mate. With threatening skies and tiring legs it was a race to get back to Rrimini before the rain came, which we managed.
The breakfast of champions
Groundhog day. Jersey discussion.
All in all, a good day for a ride, great weather, welcomed a new rider in Norm and the return of Zippy to the fold made for a very pleasant morning.
Although we are based in the south we had Roger from Mile End and Mr Mapei from Prospect, as Frank from GW would say "It ain't that far" Come and join us in a fortnight for the next one, possibly a Willunga Hill ride for those who haven't done it before.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by RD6 on -
Good stuff Pat, now that soccer season will be starting soon, I wont be a regular starter
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Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on -
No worries RD6, family must come first.
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Permalink Reply by Matt Koukourou on -
Great report Pat! Glad to hear you managed to out pace the rain!
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Permalink Reply by Gillian on
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Caregul with the photo headings Pat or you'll have to take an AVO out against me ;-)
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Permalink Reply by Mr. Mapei on
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It was near perfect today - close on 140km and got home dry!! Even better - fresh home made Anzac biscuits waiting for me...
What is Gillian thinking? The jerseys look fine - esp. the South Aust "Skippy" top.
Thanks for today Pat - and good company from a top bunch.
Andrew.
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Permalink Reply by Graham King on -
Good to join up with the group today. Maybe next time I'll do the whole ride with you.
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Crick on -
Brilliant ride hope Peter is not too sore. Looks like you had a great ride :-)
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Permalink Reply by colin ware-lane on -
great ride today Ann was waiting for me at the finish, but without her bike,will have to get out on it tomorrow.
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Permalink Reply by Matt Brennan on -
Sorry I missed the ride...needed that extra sleep and panadol though.
Glad Peter was ok. I think he said the last stack he had was when he was five.....so he must have been overdue!
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Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on -
Sorry I missed the rides guys - midnight attack of gastro - decided to stay close to home base
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Permalink Reply by Trent on -
spewing that i missed this one. i didnt get back until 6pm last night after a 4am start and 3 plane flights! feeling very precious today =-) need to get out on the bike and cant wait to get out on another muddies ride soon! Sounds like this was a good one. Hope Peter pulled up ok!
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