Hands up all those who thought today’s ambient outside air temperature was perfect for a ride into the city…?
Hmmm only 30…
A bit of a scratched record but definitely up there with the phenomenon that is now in ER legend.
What more can be said about the growing accumulation of MAMILS now pedalling the OTP into town, is the more merrier. We are entering into a “Spring Cycle” which traditionally is the time to convince friends, neighbours, enemies, pensioners, wannerbies, any animate human..onto the treadly and out into the world on the second best way. If you have a suitable target for recruitment, the ER press gang are very keen to be directed that way. A red X on the door is sufficient.
Lovely pace and cadence set, once en route the initial shock of not being frozen wore off about 3 minutes into the ride, followed swiftly by the unfamiliar feeling of breaking a sweat up the second hill, and then uncomfortably warm attacking Rawhiti St sprint…YHC had a go at a record this morning only to be humiliated by the wagging tail on Schlecks Dogma, YHC was dropped with ease, although I was only off my PB by about 2 seconds…drawing board…hello Mr Pamp more punishment please.
For all the numbers, regroups and casual chit chat, the ride proceeded with swift efficiency, arriving through all without incident, it was though on the upper end of practical, perhaps a split departure time would be more advisable, the first 20 arriving at Gordon should leave once “critical mass” has been reached, and the remainders leave as per schedule…regroups and differing cruise speeds will naturally ensure a full peloton arrives for coffee at the usual time.
Scaramanga KOM …yes, it was won, by whom though is a mystery to YHC, the last time I saw the leaders heading into the park, Simba and entourage were off the front and accelerating, Tef and myself were bottlenecked behind a random rider, and taken well out of contention, and a tail end bunch were delayed by traffic ensuring a well fragmented attack , a good gap to cross into crows nest and incentive to give the Burlington dash a bit of a tickle.
Stealth was making friends with trucks at the Miller St lights, by the end of the sequence, hankies were being waved, and warm wishes exchanged…great to have some friends with big wheels, and spreading the enthusiasm to our Truckie mates is always welcome.
B&T needed no staff this morning, if Vic had sat down I am sure the ERs would have churned out the caffeine unassisted..delivery to the table by Satnav, a man of various talents and LM for such good deeds..the front of house was wall to wall lycra, standing room only, except that Bullet took up positions in the bushes to conduct one of his new business meetings involving swatches of cloth, a rotadex and smart phone…watch this space for a new brand, and imminent launch of new ordinance.
Return smasher booked for 6pm, and the early bus 5:15 jolly back up the shore.
Have a great day all.
BT