Five point nine degrees. That's what my phone was telling me the temperature was this morning and we'd just had a shower go over so I knew there was a good chance of getting wet.

I was sore after yesterday's crash on the muddies ride, but it didn't seem to make much difference whether I was moving or stationary, so I got on the bike anyway. 

By the time I rolled down the hill to Becks, there was already a crowd waiting for me, most seemed surprised it was me rather than Michelle. Callum turned up on a new machine today, I'm still not sure what it is, but it looks good and goes well.

Eight hardy souls waiting for me at Becks

Today we were trying out Route 4, a new one for the P ride, about 55K and 400m of climbing. The route takes us south from Port Noarlunga, along Old Coach Rd to Port Willunga, then down the Esplanade to Aldinga. We picked up Steve, Graham and Martin along the way, which reminds me, I don't think there's a strava segment on that hill, so I'll go and create one when I've written this up. 

Just before the customary dip in the sea

Today we also had a support vehicle and paparazzi following us around for most of the route (My wife and kids), hence the plethora of photos of us actually riding our bikes and me appearing in one or two of them. 

The route then returns along the Esplanade where we benefited from a tailwind, across South Road onto Aldinga Road, then up Bayliss Road. Judging by the amount of gold on that particular strava segment Bert Olio is going to be quite upset, he had his KOM well and truly mullered by four of us and is now languishing down in fifth spot with one of those Strava emails in his inbox.

Doesn't get much better than this, undisclosed location on an SSRC P Ride, come along if you want to ride down here

Martin and Brett head up Wayne and Mr B (TEC)

Top of Bayliss Rd (Phil and RD6)

I'm convinced that RD6 has some sort of device on his person that attracts mad dogs, on no less than three occasions we had angry dogs come out and bark at us as he when he went passed, I don't know whether it's him or his bike, but they definitely don't like him!

Top of Bayliss Rd (Steve, Martin and Callum)

Once at the top of Bayliss Rd, we turned towards the hills on Malpas Rd and back to familiar territory along California Road, but this time in reverse. I've never been down California Road in this direction before and I can't believe how different it looks, it also provides a couple of new segments to have a go at, which make it a little tougher than the L ride that goes in the other direction. We didn't work quite hard enough to knock Mr Wilson off his perch, but we got very close, I don't think it'll be his KOM for very long! 

Michelle has captured some stunning pictures from this location which showcases the areas we ride in with the SSRC.

California Rd in reverse

Right to left: Graham, Steve, Callum, Ellison senior, Brett, Tony and Mr B

More of the above

Tony and Brett

I'm betting Greg probably won't use this for his profile picture

California Road seems to be sin-ominous with Strava silliness from our lot, but once over the last ramp, normal service had resumed and we ended up back on the bike trail on the home run back to Becks in Port Noarlunga. Everything was going swimmingly until I got a visit from the p-fairy. Mr B decided to spice things up a bit by taking Bret and forming a break away back along the track whilst the rest of us waited for me to fix my tyre up. Suffice to say Mr B and Brett had a fair head start on us by the time we got going again and I'm not sure whether it was the looming rain cloud, my stomach or something to chase, but we put the hammer down and started nailing it back to Becks.

He just can't resist can he?

Callum on the new machine

Tony on Pedlers

Rear guard near the top of Pedlers

A pain train formed on the Esplande north to Port Noarlunga with RD6, myself and Graham motoring back towards Becks. Brett and Mr B were finally caught, but it was close, they were only a couple of roundabouts from Becks. I was pleased to see that Graham managed to displace Mr Wilson from his third place spot on the segment and it just goes to show what a bit of team work can do - good effort Graham!

Once back at Becks, we bumped into Shav and Ellison junior who stayed for a chat and a coffee before the rain finally arrived and most people departed.

I really enjoyed today's ride, thanks to Mr B for being TEC, Michelle for taking loads of good photos and everyone else for coming along and making it an enjoyable morning. We will definitely be doing this route again.

Total distance: 54.1km

Metres climbed: 444m 

Average speed: 26kmh 

Pun***re Fairy visits: 1

Grin factor: 9/10

SSRC rides run every week, alternating L and P ride routes. Next weeks ride will be a P ride on Saturday (this replaces the normal L ride). Event details here

Marshmellows? You know who you are

Ellison senior, Tony, new fella Brett and Ellison Junior

I'm beginning to think Shav lives at Becks