SSRC boldy go to the Outer Harbour (Ride Report)
Since Michelle decided to abandon us and disappear off to hob nob with Anna Meares and Victoria Pendleton up at the track, the responsibility of leading the ride fell to me.
I was greeted at Brighton by 'L' ride stalwart Paul McGregor, newbie Blake and a fierce westerly wind blowing off the sea, 'it's a bit f*cking windy' I think my exact words were. We had a collection of Matts turn up and were meeting more Matts up the road, I like the way you guys make it easy for me to remember your names by all using the same one - very decent of you!
So along with newbies Simon and Geoff, eight of us set off for the Outer Harbour, picking up another three (more Matts) at the Buffalo, West Beach Surf Club, Henley Beach Sailing Club. Somehow or other our TEC and Mr McGregor had found a time machine and ended up at the Sailing club before the rest of us - I blame RD6 for stopping for coffee at Cibo in Glenelg, about 6 minutes after we set off. Paul and TEC had been sent onwards up Military Road, safe in the knowledge that the rest of us would 'catch them up'. Well we did catch them up, but not until we were up near Semaphore!
Once we all grouped back together and had discussed the merits of Matt Js mountain-come-commuter-come-road bike, we set off for the Outer Harbour again, only to be more or less instantly spread out by the wind again.
Some organisation was needed to remedy this, so on the way back we adopted the team time trail strategy, everyone 50cm from the guy in front, 10 seconds on the front then peel off and let the train roll through. This worked a treat and in all seriousness I was impressed by how well we pulled this off and how much faster we were going - of course the 25kmh tailwind had no bearing on this whatsoever.
Paul's desire to quench his thirst further down the road led to us all getting a soaking from the clouds and shortly afterwards I got a puncture (small piece of glass in tyre). We set a new record of 11 minutes to change it (1 person changing it, 7 watching and giving advice) and then on our way again, Matt J and Stuart left us to look for a new knee for Matt and six of us continued on back to Brighton. So for the 11 that started the ride, only three were successful in getting to the Coffee shop - surely the main objective of the ride?
Oh, one more thing, see if you can guess who's got new shoes (people on the ride are not allowed to comment)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on -
They look like Dobbo's legs.
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Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on -
If it is RD6 - like to know how he managed that - last I heard he just need new pedals - obviously a complete upgrade was required :-)
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Permalink Reply by Matt Brennan on -
looks like new socks too!
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Permalink Reply by Andrew on -
Don't know why he's is 'first position'! Those with young ballet dancers will know what I'm talking about.
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Permalink Reply by Matt Brennan on
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It was an easier trip back than out! That is for sure.
Luckily I outran the clouds and had only two specks of rain to speak of.
How did the new wet weather gear hold out Phil?
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Crick on -
There was no cycling celebrities at the track I assure you. Looks like you did a great job Phil, without me :-)
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Permalink Reply by simon on -
cheers for the ride guys. i bailed at grange rd. avg speed was 20kph to there, 32kph back. that wind was quite noticable to my weak little lungs and legs!
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Permalink Reply by RD6 on -
excellent Report Phil, good to see everyone having a go despite the windy / wet conditions ( BTFU weather )
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Permalink Reply by Matt Jones on -
Great report Phil, Me and Disco Stu got a little wet about 1/2 way along Port rd, but no too bad really. Got a bit slow towards the end (sorry should have phrased that as "got even slower than usual") , but didn't suffer from any of the stabbing pain I have on previous rides.
I happen to like my "mutant", its a bit more comfy to ride than the road bike, just slower and heavier.
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