CHA CHA CHA TO MALLALA >>> Gawler Wheelers Group Ride Report: Saturday May 19th 2012
1. Gawler Wheelers-ROUTE11-Gawler-Two Wells-Mallala-Gawler-FLAT
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1273193
2. Gawler Wheelers-ROUTE24-Gawler-Templers-Hamley Bridge-Owen-Mallala-Gawler-UNDULATING
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1371195
No. of Riders : 34
TO JOIN GAWLER WHEELERS Group click >>http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/group/GawlerWheelers
*** TODAY's PHOTO GALLERY BELOW ***
Ride Summary
For this morning’s GW rides it was just a matter of Cha Cha Cha to Mallala. The rides were over two different routes over 110kms and 76kms in opposite direction and both crossing at Mallala.
Despite the cold morning and the threat of rain, 34 riders enjoyed today’s GW events. The weather was fine during the ride brief as riders made the final decision about which ride to participate in. At 7.30 with rain still threatening we said… “It’s Now or Never” and both groups set off on their rides.
The 76km group headed to Two Wells with just a little drizzle at the start for a couple of minutes. Whilst the road was wet we were blessed with calm conditions which meant speeds > 30kms on the first leg. Knowing the other group would take longer to get back we took an extended and welcome break at Two Wells. Then it was Cha Cha Cha to Mallala, a glorious 18km fast leg! Sub groups formed and the ride was made more pleasant with riders sharing the lead. Following our invasion of Mallala all that remained was the 28km leg back home and that was also great riding as we were aided with a tailwind and mostly dry conditions. An excellent ride for this group with average speeds over the 76kms of 26-30kms.
The 110km group headed off to Templars, Hamley Bridge, Owen and then Mallala. The group was mostly made up of our faster riders and a hot pace was set from the start. Keith experienced a flat early on and then had issues with the replacement tube. On the way to Hamley Bridge the group was riding at close to 40kph and just before the township Peter had a crash. In attempting to avoid clipping a rider’s wheel he hit the bitumen. In true Giro style he jumped back on his bike to successfully complete the ride. When the group got back home you could tell by the looks on their faces that they had just completed a fabulous ride…or to quote Alistair, when asked how the ride was, ..”bloody fantastic!”.
Wilson had the top average speed on the 110km ride at 32.5kph. 15 year old Carmen also deserves a special mention as he averaged 28kph over the 110kms. We have to also mention Scott McCann who rode all the way from Wingfield this morning, then did the 110km ride, then was riding home, then he was going to do a another group ride in the arvo to reach his goal of 300kms in one day. Mammoth effort Scott!
Despite the weather outlook both groups had splendid rides. Well done everyone! (Those who rode will post more detail about their experience).
Now, if there is anyone who would like to know how to CHA CHA CHA here is a little video of me in my younger days demonstrating the dance with a friend of mine. (Focus on the foot work).
NEXT WEEK: We go back to one group ride through the beautiful Barossa Valley. It’s a BEGINNERS HILL route and YOU are welcome to attend. Details will be posted on AC Events soon. Today’s photo gallery follows:
Scott (L) riding 300 kms today in total. Stefan on the right↓.
George with his brand new Fuji bike↓
Alistair and Colin ready for their 110km ride↓
Hughie doing some acrobatics before the ride↓
JB (Right) telling Wilson that his fingers are frozen↓
Peter forgot to bring his bike today (old age)↓
Wilson (L) presenting John with his TEC whistle↓
Peter and Janet doing the Cha Cha Cha at Two Wells↓
Lee at Two Wells asking Carl ....“do you want to dance?"↓
Some of the 76km crew at the Mallala regroup↓
Peter at Mallala …still dancing!↓
76km Group ready to leave Mallala↓
110km Group riding into Hamley Bridge↓
Carmen, Warren & Alistair riding into Hamley Bridge↓
110km Group rest break at Hamley Bridge↓
Peter just after his crash↓
..and a close up of the damage↓
Keith at Mallala…”can’t see a thing with these glasses”↓
Michael at Mallala….just loved his 110km ride↓
Brief history of Mallala↓
If you want a great song to dance the Cha Cha Cha to just listen to this video as you read the replies to this report. I think the guy on the trumpet is ex Crows player Nigel Smart. Personally I like the guy in the shorts :-)
Gawler Wheelers is all about comradeship, fun, fitness and chasing our dreams. Join the GW group on AC. Come on our rides. Contact details below. Until next week >> Cheers for now...Frank.
http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/group/GawlerWheelers
Next Gawler Wheelers Event Details (check the following links) :
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Pete Roberts on -
That's just about how I saw the day unfold too. ( minus the big crash )
I only managed 140km for the day with my ride average the same at 31km/h, although I believe we may encounter a few bumps in the road next weekend to slow us down a little. (GS3).
Good to hear your on the mend, and not too much damage to the steed.
Thanks everyone for the ride Sat, especially Ian, who I paced and chased for a while.
See you next time...
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Permalink Reply by Pete Roberts on
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@ Frank,
How can you focus on the foot work, when she keeps wiggling her arse like that ? ;)
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Permalink Reply by Warren Porteous on -
Well Frank the ride reports are great but the challenge to include as many dance terms as possible seems to have been missed! So hear goes, perhaps I can clean up the big prize now???
Leaving Jaspers (another unsolicited plug in the hope of getting that elusive free coffee) we danced on our pedals on our way to Mallala Cha Cha Cha. Commencing with the Quick step we were making good time until Keith had a blow out (twice, damn those pesky cylinders). Back on the road in was a bit of a Fox Trot through Roseworthy and on to Hamley Bridge. Unluckily for Peter the dance judge tapped him on the shoulder just before Hamley Bridge and he had to sit out for a while (on the road!).
Fortunately, some gently persuasion got his dance partner, the beautiful Fondriest (must be European considering her name) back on her feet and I'm pretty sure that was the Passe Double he was doing at Owen.
I hit the wall on the way to Mallala Cha Cha Cha and had to swing off for a will. A wicked twist really considering how well I had felt at the start and felt like it was a moonwalk to the end.
Cramps are not good in a limbo or mambo and no better on a bike from Roseworthy back to Gawler. Finally arrived back at Jaspers (oops another free plug!) and did a belly dance when changing in the Carpark.
I would have ordered a tea but it wasn't from Boston, so settled for a JB small breakky and a vanilla slice! Forget the carb loading beforehand Lee, it's more deserved after!! So off home to revive and finished with an electric slide!
PS: anyone who can demonstrate the Electric slide tomorrow (post ride) can have my prize (assuming I win).
Wazza
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