The BOM was spot on, what else did we really expect, an overcast and
foggy morning that was DRY!!!
A staggered start at the blocks, the initial groupetto comprising of
Bam, Drastic, Admin, Harry and YHC ready for the off at 6.30am. Satnav
had alreadt texted a no show – you were up at 5.30am mate so you
should have just kept going – so we gave it 2 mins for stragglers
before turning the pedals.
Bam Bam off to his usual single speed start – fast – and Mona Vale was
being eaten up. Vague sounds of Drastic calling for an ‘ease up’ but
at the gate there was talk of him wanting a recovery spin prior to
Bathurst Hill Climbing Champs Saturday and Blayney to Bathurst on
Sunday but it was Drastic afterall so that was ignored. After more
vigorous shouting we realised that Michael had just reached the start
as we had left and was trying to bridge the gap!
Bam Bam did eventually ease up, but unfortunatley completely,
puncturing after the Show Ground Berg which gave both Michael and the
running Zlatko the chance to hop on before we were back on the pedals.
A foggy and incident free roll through Forest Way to Allambie, ride
master Drastic forewarning the newbies of the sharp left – right- stop
the end and Bam Bam forewarning them not to follow Drastic as he has a
tendency to get lost on Allambie. A perfect descent marred by a slow
moving station wagon but at the bottom were we greeted by the sun and
all was forgiven, we were at the beach.
The full cycle path variation this morning, including the loop through
the park and the underpass – as we cleared the Surf Club we were
greeted by one of the world’s best views – no not my backside, Manly
Beach, Sun, Waves, Sand and scantily clad beach folk for all
(diversity is to be celebrated).
Drastic led us along the Clutters Manly Exit, straight up a wall but
much quieter than Sydney Street, and then through the Spit and Mosman.
No traffic to be seen in the suburbs of the rich & famous, suburban
cycling at its best and finally finished with the heart starter over
the bridge to catch the OTP convoy leaving the B&T.
A cracking start to a sunny Friday, departures for the GG suggested
from 4pm onwards – I will be hoping to catch the 5.15 SHBS.
Schleck