“WELL, SINCE MY BABY LEFT ME,…..” >>> GAWLER WHEELERS Group Ride Report: Saturday 21st April 2012.

Gawler Wheelers-ROUTE31-Gawler-Lyndoch-Williamstown-Warren Res-Williamstown-Gawler-BEGINNER HILLS

http://www.bikemap.net/route/1326511

No. of Riders : 51

TO JOIN GAWLER WHEELERS Group click >>http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/group/GawlerWheelers

*** TODAY's PHOTO GALLERY BELOW ***

Ride Summary

During today’s ride brief we recalled that on this day in 1956 the song “HEARTBREAK HOTEL” hit #1 on the charts and became the best-selling single that year. Rock & Roll was born and our music would never be the same again! Appropriately the GW ride today was dedicated to THE KING….ELVIS.

Wilson during the ride brief also announced that after scouring the globe, in our quest to continuously improve the Gawler Wheelers experience, a new concept would be introduced to our rides….THE WHISTLE. I will let others tell you all about it.

We had quite a few newbies join us today. Dan’s friend Kate came along for the first time and had a really great ride, as did newbie Carl. AC member and Audax Guru Claudio also joined us today, together with his sister Aurelia who is visiting from Sydney and his son Gianluca. Welcome to you all.

In another big surprise pro-cyclist Jack Bobridge’s Dad, Karl, joined us again for another GW ride together with partner Elaine. Naturally we all have our fingers crossed that our local hero, Jack, takes out GOLD at the London Olympics.

It is difficult to find the superlatives to describe today’s GW ride. The 60km route took the 51 of us through the beautiful Barossa Valley via Lyndoch, Williamstown, the Warren Reservoir, the Whispering Wall and back home. The rain held off, the temp was just right, the road surfaces were a joy to ride on, there was no wind and you could not wish for better company. This route has it all….such as inclines to satisfy the hills riders and help others improve their climbing skills. Gentle undulations let everyone put their foot down if they wish and glorious descents provide the rewards for the hard work. A MAGNIFICENT RIDE! (Keen to hear what others thought!)

One of the things we love about GW is the interesting people you meet and the wonderful new friends you make. After the ride we got chatting to newbie Claudio and what an interesting story he has to tell. He is 63 years of age and only started cycling 3 years ago. He had a diabetes problem then and weighed in at 110kgs. Since then he has shed 30kgs! In August 2011 he rode the 17th PARIS-BREST-PARIS Randonneur, (PBP), the most famous long-distance randonnée. 5,000 riders participated including 110 Aussies. The PBP is over 1,230 kms and there is a 90 hour time limit. Claudio finished the ride in 89 hours & 45 minutes and he describes it as his ultimate achievement. FANTASTIC Claudio…what an inspirational story….you are THE KING!!

WOW…..ANOTHER SENSATIONAL Gawler Wheelers morning!

NEXT WEEK: We will be holding one fantastic FLAT ride. Everyone is welcome to attend including YOU! Details will be posted on AC events soon. Today’s photo gallery follows:

Newbies Gianluca, Claudio and Auriela getting their bikes ready↓

Carl arrives for his first ride with the Gawler Wheelers↓

Led Zeppelin’s lead singer on Heartbreak Hotel↓

Lorraine & Juz….”A Little Less Conversation” please!..time to go↓

Gary …..love the headwear mate!↓

Wilson at the ride brief explaining THE WHISTLE concept↓

Nice to see Jon back riding with us↓

Get up Mitchell…time to ride again! It’s Now or Never!↓

Newbie Kate with Dan at Lyndoch...Frank "I'm All Shook Up!"

Lyndoch. Recent newbie Mark is now a GW regular↓

Newbie Aurelia….saying Frank…."Don’t Be Cruel”↓

George Harrison on Heartbreak Hotel↓

Sandy Creek. Jack’s Dad, Karl with Elaine↓

Gianluca at Lyndoch…..great lad....all the best with your Year 12↓

Not sure about the tattoo? Return To Sender perhaps!↓

Heartbreak at the Williamstown Hotel…not open yet!↓

Williamstown. Karl Bobridge was popular company today!↓

...and here he is his lad..... our local hero↓

Rolling Stone's Keith Richard on Elvis and Heartbreak Hotel↓

The Heinrich family at the Warren Reservoir. Brothers Peter and Mark with young Mitchell.↓

Re-group at the Warren Reservoir↓

Detail on the Warren Reservoir FYI↓

Great views at the top of Yettie Road↓

…although the Yettie Rd incline has nice kick to it!↓

Gawler Wheelers article in this weeks local paper↓

Andrew’s family join him back at Jaspers. From the left Lexi, Heidi and Lily↓

Finally....ELVIS ….THE KING…on a bike at Paramount Studios.↓

Gawler Wheelers is all about comradeship, fun, fitness and chasing our dreams. Join the GW group on AC. Come on our rides. Contact details below. Until next week >> Cheers for now...Frank.