SSRC 'L' Ride report 14th March - A ride of firsts :-)
Woke to a beautiful Saturday morning and looking forward to surprising everyone on my new wheels.
Arriving at Becks there were a few of the regulars there looking at me as I pulled up on my new shiny wheels. Shav arrived on his new wheels too and we all chatted away waiting for everyone to arrive including Colin and his fiance fresh off the plane from England - sadly her new bike had not arrived in time much to Colin's annoyance but that's another story!
20 of us then set of from Becks along our usual route over the Onkapringa river towards Moana. Traffic was light so we got to enjoy the sunshine and take it the view. We then turned left and headed towards the cycle track just off Griffiths road. The track along through Seaford is littered with glass but we all managed to get through it with no dramas.
Cruising down the trail towards McLaren Vale and the earthworks were in full flow to create the new overpass for the junction. Trent headed home with his leave pass running out and Colin took Anne into McLaren Vale. We then dodged the trucks on Martins Road and headed off down California Road. Strangely enough we did not see the mad dog who usually barks at RD6.
We were all nice and warm now at the top of California Road, a quick drink and we were off again to pick up the track back towards McLaren Vale. All was going well enjoying the chat and catch up with people it's then that the day of firsts continued. We pulled up to fill water bottles and to regroup and I lost my balance with one foot still clipped in and I went over - saved the bike and thankfully unharmed. Which is just as well as the rest of the group were standing around laughing at me, not a word of sympathy from any off them - thanks guys :-)
Off we went again and as we pulled up to cross the main road in McLaren Vale Paul decided to have a wobble and nearly fall on me and my bike, phew another close shave.
Just outside McLaren Vale Graham's chain snapped and with no way to repair it, a phone call to the wife to come and pick him up was necessary.
Whilst we were waiting again, Martin rode back and brought a message to set off and the others would catch us up, which we were about to do until I got my first puncture! So there I am with a group of seasoned riders all looking at me and laughing again! Thankfully there were a few gents on the ride who offered to help, thank you Martin, David and Michael who got me moving again after what seemed like an eternity!
We all got back to Becks later than planned where Colin and Anne rejoined us with the usual beverage and cakes :-)
Thanks to Matt B for being TEC.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Matt Jones on -
Sounds like i missed good ride, hopefully the weather is just as good for the next one
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Crick on -
Matt you did but hows yours knee?
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Permalink Reply by Matt Jones on
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Seems ok. But thats how it felt before my friday 13th. Have swapped back to my mtb with slicks and will try a short ride tomorrow. Fingers crossed
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Permalink Reply by colin ware-lane on -
was great to be able to introduce Ann to the mad fantastic bunch today even if she had to ride the 17kilo mtb as trak let us down by not having her new bike when they said they would,"not happy jan"( glen).Hopefully the bike will be here on monday.
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Permalink Reply by Matt Brennan on -
What a magic morning.
Some very chilly spots on the Veloway, but by the time we arrived at Becks the sun was peeking over the trees promising for a warm Autumns day.
A turn out of 20 - great to see as a few of the regular faces were away with other commitments.
there were some nice new bikes too.....infact those without brand new bikes could be excused for feeling a little left out.
Michelle turned up on her new stead...a secret kept by RD6 apparently. So now we all know we can confide in him as he can keep a secret for at least 4 days.
Shav was next to appear. He is just waiting on his white bar tape then he is fully set.
Then I decided some artistic photography was in order.
Entitled Sunshine sur Parking
Then we headed off.
On the Esplanade down towards Moana - not a breathe of wind....the blackberry didnt really do the view justice.
I needed a panorama mode....but that would be a little hard to use while cycling.
Then it was an uneventful ride until McLaren Vale.
Oh there was that clip stack.....
Graham was putting way too much power through the pedals and decided to snap a chain.
After sending him off to meet the sack wagon we were suprised to see the group just over the rise past the new section of path laid.
9.45am Michelle decided she had a puncture.....
10.25am......after some good conversation Martin reluctantly offers to come to the rescue.
By this time Shav was becoming quite concerned.
We werent sure if he was worried about his new bike starting to fade in the sunlight...or was concerned for Michelles tyre after the number of tyre levers it had stuck into it.
So then it was back to Becks.
The usual partaking of FUICs was had.....although I don't believe Colin introduced Ann to this mandatory SA cutom.
Phil has promised to give Michelle tyre changing lessons as penance for breaking Matt J.
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Permalink Reply by Graham King on -
Good write up Matt, guess I better not try too hard next time.
At least I have an excuse for going slow now.
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Crick on
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It made me laugh too although at some of my expense! You have however earned yourself a job at the next L ride (apart from TEC of course)
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Permalink Reply by Matt Brennan on
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hahahah - don't put me in charge of changing tubes...I'm slower than you!
Also remember who was the only person to ask if someone was ok at that fateful clip stack...while 18 others were yelling out for a camera!
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