Woodend to Melbourne would have to be one of my favorite rides. Yesterday was no exception. Arriving at the start point via the team support vehicle driven by one of the disabled athletes (my wife injured in the Ghost Riders Labour Day ride) we met the depleted English team and Paul (who arrived on the bus).
Due to a ruction in the UK camp, only Steve was able to attend. Luckily Kevin stepped in for Graham and they both got a lift up with the English cheer squad. Unfortunately Greg and Dennis were unable to attend due to damage sustained in an earlier campaign involving a motor car. As we didn't anticipate the Alpine conditions several of us were a tad under dressed. Warmed by the robust climb out of Woodend we endured happily until the sun peeked out and bathed the countryside in a warm
comfortable glow.
With cunning and skillful negotiation we were able to secure the contract of a new rider, Paul from Team Greenvale Spin class. Like the Tiwi Islanders are to AFL football so to are the Grimison's to cycling. Other attendees included Bab's and Bill.
The highlights of the ride were the Pepper Steak Pie and the Rosmary and Lamb Pie from the Riddle's Creek Bakery, although some thought the Strudel was king.
When the rest of the group turned off at Konagaderra Rd to head for Craigieburn (or Northcote? in Bab's case) I continued on to Sunbury with Paul to later endure the Gellies Rd Hill and the nasty climb up out of Lighthouse Gully. A great day!
