Another day, another ride.

I think that we can safely break today's ride down into 2 category of rider; i.e. the night shift (those who arrived at the agreed time of 6.30am) and the day shift (those who subsequently came along to join in during the daylight hours)

Location: Mount Annan Botanic Gardens (bicycle nursery section)

Those present:

• Rohan Bell (svelte-like leader from the front)
• Mario Pengue (team manager but aka "the anatomy analyst")
• Neil Gabin(Grade 1 improving rider)
• Ian Henderson (hanger on but only just)
• Fred Peacock(aka "Fearless Fred" yellow jersey contender)
• Kenny O'Donnell (no longer sleeping it off / catering manager)

Svelte-like expedition leader

Those absent:

• Tony Dodds (pursuing a better offer on the M7 )
• Lance Armstrong (frankly has got better things to do)

This week we managed to avoid the customary surly interrogation from the Rangers demanding to "see our papers" but were instead waved on with a cheery gesture which was just as well as some members of the group are still resolutely flouting the law when it comes to "having the correct paperwork in order". It seems that there are more weighty matters on rider's minds than complying with the mere details of placating the requirements of officialdom and no doubt these issues will be addressed at some point in the future.

Generally the standard of equipment and fitness are improving and I couldn't help noticing that riders are starting to "customise" their appearance taking the opportunity of bringing their own individual form and style of expression to this elitist art form. The team manager seems to have started sporting what on first appearance appears to be a monocle or extended eye patch but on closer inspection is some kind of self- help dentistry tool, but it actually turns out that it is nothing more sinister than a mirror so that he can check that his appearance is in order whilst riding so that passers by can get the full benefit.

Manager demonstrating his mirror whilst praying about the journey

The catering manager meanwhile was resplendent in short longs and "bee hive" helmet with matching ear muffs which he claims is to keep the flies out of his ears but which I suspect is really so that he can block out the whinging of the Hanger On as he fails to keep up with the other riders on the circuits of Gardens and bemoaning yet another late arrival at the coffee shop for well deserved refreshments. The pick-me-up break at the regular watering hole was sponsored today courtesy of the catering manager who has set the entry level bar forthe refreshment of coffee and Easter Buns. I think that this "soft start approach" is a build up for the greater culinary delights that lie ahead of us on this unfolding adventure that will eventually see us cross the border into what can only be regarded as the foreign country of Victoria, we shall see.

Svelte-like leader (left), Catering Manager (center) & Fearless Fred (right)

After refreshments were over the expedition leader ably backed up by Fearless Fred and the Hanger On decided that they hadn't had enough pain for the dayand wanted to add another 25Kms to the already growing tally of road miles. Half way round on the Camden by pass we were trundling along minding our own business when momentarily we got mistaken for cyclists who knew what they were doing as we were briefly swallowed up by a pack of about 30 what you would call,"proper riders " but this myth was soon dispelled when they noticed Fred's black socks and the Hanger On ,who, barely able to contain his excitement nearly lost his balance and carved up his team leader narrowly avoiding wearing more tarmac. This excitement also gave Fred his second wind and it was at this point that he stormed into the lead and claimed the yellow jersey as his own, nailing the home leg of the Narellan road, leaving the Hanger On once again to "make his own arrangements".

Note disappearing pack in background- e.g., they've gone!

Novice rider Grade 1 refusing to go any further without renegotiating terms & conditions

Well that's about enough excitement for one week. Best wishes for now. Until the next up date

From the Hanger On