Ride reports seem popular at the moment.  We have a AC & Facebook group and will occasionally post some ride reports in the general forum.  Implicit in the name we are social riders, mainly roadies and do 40 & 60 k loops from Birdwood 8 am Saturdays.  Speed of 22 & 25kph usually.

Mishmash Ride report July 21

Birdwood to Oakbank  and Birdwood Williamstown Springton loops

Fog greeted us at the Foodland carpark as we readied for our rides.  Michelle  and Russell had a headstart so we were keen to go to catch this breakaway so in what must be a first we rolled out at 8:01 am.  I am sorry you weren’t there to see us leave on time Michelle.  Past the Kelly house to the ringing of bells and cheers from the family in true TDF style.  Cheryl had her new Felt bike  and in TDF style had a couple of falls when the chain decided to jump off the ring whilst going up hill.  As it was Belgiums national day she was truly Belgium and bounced back up on to the bke with hardly a missed beat, the pro riders would be proud of you.  We hope the wounds are healing.  A near disaster at the feed station with realisation a cherry ripe had gone missing en route.  Is this why Harry led the group home, finders keepers but alas it is still out there.  Being totally non competitive and just a social ride  Harry dropped everyone on the downhill straight from Mt Torrens hoping to be first back to the café so he could post his activity on bookface.  Could be on to something there Harry, we wont tell Mark Zukerberg.  Domestique Carol pulled Tracy back to bridge the gap to Harry but alas it was not enough and Harry took line honours.  Well he thought he did but no – all the chairs were taken by the Williamstown Springton group who in an unusual twist were first back.

That group had started out with intentions of going slow with mutterings about lack of fitness due to the cold wet weather etc, however  being all men the pace was quickly hot, coming down Hannaford hill a big help.  We came to a stop at the traffic lights for roadworks near the reservoir.  A nice chance to catch breath and admire the scenery as we looked ahead at the empty road until the lights went green.  Being the rebel I am (according to Hutchy) I jumped the lights but was quickly caught by the downhillers as we flew in the mid 60’s down the hill to the Springton turn off.  Pedro so enthusiastic  went past the turn and had to double back.

Not much traffic on the road to Springton which had lots of hills, I was spent by now so Pedro stayed back and helped me up the hills, chatting away as he looked back over his shoulders and kept perfectly adjusting his pace to help me regain Hutchie and then Hennie, Neil and Paul.  Made me feel like Cadell with TJ.

At the top of Springton hill we found Michelle waiting , Queen of the mountain. Well done Michelle.  Downhill home now Russell lit the afterburners and was not seen again.  Mindful of Pedro’s kindness to me Michelle and I worked together to get back for coffee, not too far behind the rest and just ahead of the other Oakbank group.  Sunshine & coffee a great tonic after the ride with Elaine & Peter also in attendance.  Jess drove past & tooted as she went to work (This random non cycling event inserted because she is paying me out for writing this report).

I think the weather is turning so looking forward to next week.

Queen of the mountain presentation with eager podium boys