SSRC L Ride - Route 1
Well Saturday morning arrived and apparently I had to go out on my roadie! Strange concept for me as I have not been on this bike since my HC climb in the Grampions 3 weeks ago! Silly me - I'm tired now...yawn
As I arrived at Becks I was greeted by a large group gathered for the two routes we had planned today SSRC 'L' Ride Route 1 and SSRC 'P' Ride Route 5. After a quick debrief I sent 13 'P' riders off on their merry way to enjoy and look after themselves, unfortunately it was unlucky for Pat having a fall on his way home after the 'P' ride. Heal quickly Pat and thankfully you are not more badly injured.
I appointed Shav ride leader and Matt K as TEC, we headed off along our usual route down the espy towards Moana and picking up the bike trail just off Grand Boulevard at Seaford Rise. It was so nice to be back out on the bike in familiar territory, I was cold I might add, the temperature around 15C but it felt colder.
All 23 of us at the start (someone is without their bike can you spot who?)
Cruising along the espy in glorious sunshine if a little cold
Arriving at the bottom of the trail near McLaren vale we turned right onto Martins Road and onto California where the Strava fun begins. The rolling undulations offer a bit of a challenge but are not long enough to cause any real discomfort with most passing through this section with no trouble at all. Thankfully RD6's dog had disappeared and so had the magpies on this route.
Brett (never had a puncture) cruising to the top of California Road with the group coming up behind.
If you look closely at this picture you can see Shav actually riding his bike, a rare sight but seeing is believing!
Andy at the top of California
We re-grouped at the top for a quick drink and so far so good, the dogs were quiet behind the picket fence, but someone spoke too soon so we quickly headed off along Malpas Road leaving the barking dogs behind. For some reason Malpas Road was heavy with traffic so we were grateful when we turned homeward back on the bike trail.
Matt thinks what did I put in this? and look Shav still riding....
A quick stop at the water point and the question of us getting back before the 'P' riders came up, so once again we mounted up and pedaled on.
For some reason there were a lot of people out on the bike trail today, apparently there is a big ride happening next Sunday, so it hindered a few Strava glory attempts for some but not for others.
Name all four people riding and I may shout a coffee to the winner ;-)
We were all progressing really well when there was a sudden shout from the back! Quentin had taken a tumble after his wheel got caught in a crack between the path and the gravel, down he went but thankfully slow speed saved him from a more serious crash.
The minor graze on the knee
A sudden surge back along the espy and favorable winds led to Strava glory as Brooks Senior sailed passed me and the rest of the group, I am sure he just wanted to get to the front of the queue back at Becks.
The rest of the ride passed off without incident. It was a great ride this morning and we arrived back at Becks in very good time by 10am. Thank you everyone, I really enjoyed being out on the bike again, can't wait to do it all again.
The hard earn't coffee and cake
Hang on a minute you were not riding with us??
P riders return - RD6 rides with his tongue like this the whole time I believe
Some strange reptiles along for the ride this morning they did say if we join them on their rides you get a free coffee
Join the gators for a ride info here
Captions please!
Total distance: 40.6km
Metres climbed: 163m
Average speed: 21.5
Pun***re Fairy visits: 0
Grin factor: 8/10
SSRC Jersey orders currently being taken here
SSRC runs rides every fortnight on a Saturday. The next ride is possibly Route 6 - Aldgate with a shorter version being planned for those not wanting quite such a big challenge as there will be no planned L ride that weekend if we do this route. Watch for updates on the SSRC group page
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on -
Quentin wasn't trying hard enough, pffttt, wanna compare grazes.
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Permalink Reply by Quentin on -
True, it was so minor I wanted to just quickly get back up and ride, but Matt K had already done his TEC duties by yelling "rider down". Those cleats just don't unclip as quickly as you think they would, do they? Apparently I now belong to a very large club - The Cleat Topplers.
And yes, I dont envy you Pat, your wounds looked nasty.
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Permalink Reply by Matt Brennan on -
neither of you were trying hard enough...want to compare plasters and xrays?
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Permalink Reply by Matt Koukourou on -
Thanks for the great ride this morning all! Was a good day for it (unless you were Quentin, Pat or the Bollard Pat rode into....). starting both rides from the same point worked well and looking forward to future rides.
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Permalink Reply by Tim B on -
No wonder RD6 has dogs following him around, every time I see a picture of him he's got his tongue hanging out! ;)
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Permalink Reply by Steven Ellison on -
A very enjoyable ride everyone. Look forward to the next one I can attend!
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Permalink Reply by Matt Brennan on
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Dare I caption.....
looks like you got 'Schleckjacked' at the cafe!
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Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on -
thanks for the ride yesterday guys. Yes I DO ride, in case anyone doubted me. haha
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Permalink Reply by Paul Mc on
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Sorry Shav, we tease you too much I know but its only because we would like to see you out with us more :-)
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Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on
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it's all good Paul. I have been the butt of many jokes, harsh and in jest for years. Im used to it. I'd like to get out more, but I have a lot of family commitments as well as work ones that make it difficult to get out every weekend or fortnight for that matter. It's mainly to do with timing. But I'll endeavor to try harder. :-)
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