I think, it may be said, most were hoping that a bunch of chattering cyclists, may just tease the old man Zeus, God of thunder, clouds and weather, into dumping a whole lotta much needed rain on us, but alas, it was in vain. What we did get was 4 degrees at 7am, and a soft snowy pillow of fog, at tarmac level, all the way to Nairibin. A real “pea-souper” it was difficult at times to know if one was ascending or descending.
Arriving at the Nairibin Cricket Club (that extraordinary pitch where two mature trees appear to be fielding at silly point), frozen fingers were thawed, by hot tea and coffee (after mine, host Keith Ladyman had finished wrestling with a recalcitrant generator), hot buttered cinnamon pikelets and mint cream bikkies followed. Caravaners, Peter and Julie Fairall, were in charge of back-up generator, photo shoot and Mr. Fix-its. (The Nairibin Cricket Club ran as an active sporting club and social centre for the district from 1906 until 1993. Local identities Malcolm Gooding and Beth Bartram provided an informal talk at our last tour 6th June 2011, about the district as well as tales of cricket prowess and social occasions).
Refreshed, it was time to head for home. Mr. Sol had broken through and lifted the fog into the ether, leaving a sparkling morning, bright and brisk, reconfirming why we all ride a push-bike, just magic stuff, healthy and invigorating.
Race Marshalls may be speaking to Dave Wall (peptide test?) as he still rides up hills, as fast as we do, riding down them, and Robbie McDougall, who was seen, sneaking into the team car, on the second cat climb, (broken gear cable, stuck in 1 gear.....Top Gear).
A very enjoyable morning indeed. A lot of fun, thank you Dumbleyung.
Article by R.Allen