Account No 1 - supplied by guest writer Bill Vandendool - ride convenor
In which the Early Train (almost) gets the Bird!
The buzz in the Mitre 10 carpark at 8.30am was all about the weather, the wind and "what do you mean we're going to Warragul?" And so, with the mythical city of Warragul firmly in our sights we set off in what we assumed to be it's general direction, into a cool, refreshing ( some say cold ) head wind, on an overcast but thankfully smoke-free morning.
The 16 members of the peloton were skillfully herded along the roads through Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield and Bunyip using the now indispensible aid of "radio" communication. For those unfamiliar with, and confused by, this marvel of modern technology, rest assured that your correspondent is similarly bemused. Suffice it to say that those lucky enough to be granted access to these devices are suddenly endowed with magical powers such that they seem able to read each others thoughts! Astounding!
With vehicular traffic at a minimum we cruised comfortably, and in quite an orderly fashion, along to Longwarry, where we were reminded of the on-going bushfire relief operations by a convoy of vehicles towing trailers containing rolls of hay to feed fire-affected stock further east. The pace had been dictated, until now, by an enthusiastic Monarch with energy to burn. Her Majesty, Queen Glenda, resplendent in her tiara, was often showing her subjects a clean pair of heels as she demonstrated her regal abilities. By now the riders were well warmed up and abandoning arm-warmers and jackets as they sipped from water bottles while taking a short break before the railway crossing.
Suitably refreshed, the group faced the crossing of the rail line like the migratory herd of wildebeast crossing the Mara River. The first few had made it safely across when, without warning, a loud crash was heard. The main group was brought to a sudden stop, partway across, by the sight of John Bird lying crumpled under his beautiful Cannondale. No, it wasn't one of those feared Mara River crocs, but a cunningly placed gap in the railway crossing roadway panels which had sought out and fastened itself to John's front wheel, resulting in a cartwheel of Olympic qualifying standard and a meeting between John's face with the road surface.
Obviously, in any such encounter, his face was always going to come off second-best and the scars on his face, arm and leg are certain to give him boasting rights for some time to come. After some expert application of bandaids by Ghostrider number 85 and various ministrations by other concerned members, including some minor repairs to the aforementioned Cannondale, John decided to continue in his quest to reach Warragul, despite his injuries.
While all this was going on, and the group were milling around the railway crossing, there was a sudden flurry of activity as the crossing bells began ringing and the automatic pedestrian gate threatened to crush Werner's bike, which was parked directly in its arc. Quick thinking averted what would surely have been a second tragedy. Moments later the V-line Bullet Train roared through the crossing with such speed and so close that bikes and equipment were scattered in its wake.
Perhaps this incident could serve as a reminder that railway crossings are dangerous places and helmets are essential equipment. Were it not for his helmet, John's concussion would certainly have been much worse.
After all this excitement, we were ready for a coffee, so it was next stop Drouin and a welcome break at the bakery to calm a few nerves and satisfy a few caffeine cravings. At this point the decision was made that those who wished would continue on to Warragul, while Glenda, Chris, Marysia, Linda and Gael, whose work in the peloton was ably done and appreciated by all, returned with full honours to Pakenham. I suspect that the prospect of a tail wind was just too tempting!
As the Warragul contingent was departing the bakery, we were informed that there was a new, concrete bike path recently constructed from Drouin to Warragul, so, ever keen for new adventures, we set off to find it. After a little confusion, and a short section of gravel path, we found ourselves on what was indeed a new concrete path which took a scenic route ( ie - the long way ) to Warragul, but nevertheless offered us quite an entertaining ride. I still wonder though whether the bridge builders and the path builders were working off the same plan! At Warragul we waved goodbye to Werner as he headed off towards the freeway with the obvious intention of making it a quick solo ride home.
At about 12.30, we found a nice cafe in the main shopping street and enjoyed a relaxing lunch break before leaping back on our bikes to take advantage of the magnificent tail wind that we had all been anticipating on the outward leg. With blues skies and a helpful breeze we were sailing back through Drouin after what seemed like only a few minutes of inspired riding along the old Princes Highway.
Without hesitating, we charged on, revelling in the conditions, until we finally stopped for a welcome drinks break at the milk bar in Nar Nar Goon. With Pakenham so close however, and having kept competitive urges at bay for so long, it was inevitable that this would be the point at which the sprinters would feel the need strut their stuff. Kevin, Phil and John were the first to go, but soon a resurgent John Bird and your humble correspondent joined the fray for an energy-sapping dash for the line. Honourable mention should be made of Marie Knight, a sprinter of some renown, downhill specialist and our newest member, who gave little away to her bigger, stronger competition! After 95km of delightful roads the sprint finish was (almost) reminiscent of a stage finish of Le Tour.
It was pleasing to find, on returning to our cars, that the management of Mitre 10 had left each of us a charming letter of appreciation, that the parking of our vehicles in their carpark had attracted so many other customers to follow our lead and given them an exceptionally profitable days trading. I feel that a sponsorship may soon be offered!
Account No 2 - supplied by guest writer Jon Bate
A rare occurrence
This is the story of Sunday’s ride to Warrigal and back, in which several RARE EVENTS took place.
As always, we invaded the Mitre 10 car park at Pakenham much to the chagrin of the Manager, who, in our absence on the ride, took the opportunity to warn us off the grounds. Never are we to park there again. It seems that we took up too much space on the deserted car park that Sunday.
Off to the ride were 16 takers, all decked out in yellow lycra (some of it with big holes in the legs - as was pointed out to me – discreetly) and onwards to our destination, coffee at Drouin and lunch at Warrigal.
The casual head wind that greeted us marred no spirits and the ride was leisurely, all the way to Nan Nar Goon.
Here we had the first toilet stop, and our FIRST EVENT.
We mounted the treadlies and at the starting speed of 8kph left Nar Nar Goon headed toward Bunyip. Well most of us did. John Bird decided to be different and headed for the minutest crack in the metal planking that covers the road/railway crossing. With supreme accuracy he placed the front wheel of his bike precisely in the centre of the crack. The crack and the rim width matched perfectly. This meant that his plastic Cannonball came to an instant halt. Not so John. Over the bars he went, all of him, and within a micro seconds was recumbent on the railway line. Naturally the bike followed him as his cleats were still locked in. That saved the bike from serious damage, so that was ok. As for John and the 100kph bullet train bearing down, well…. ask him next time you meet. Also ask Werner about his bike and railway gates that close when a bullet trains skittle through.
Gathering our wits and wounds, onwards we sped, onwards to coffee in the sun at Drouin, having stopped on route to see the haze of smoke over the Bunyip Ridge, and all the CFA people blocking the access roads to it.
From Drouin, 5 ladies decided to segregate and ride back to Pakenham, probably to cuddle the Mitre 10 manager into being more gracious (Failure noted). The remaining 11 tried the new concrete bike path between Drouin and Warrigal. Nice, but the road is better.
Lunch at Warrigal, warm, no smoke, no panic. A leisurely time to allow numbness to leave the bum. So it was a lovely respite except for Bob Andrews. He braved the journey on a hybrid concoction, whilst everyone else chose road bikes. It did not take Bob long for him to realize the error of his ways especially as on several occasions I watched him pedaling furiously to keep up with the pelaton, whilst the rest of us were freewheeling. Good effort Bob. Off to Peter’s shop I reckon.
Now for the second of the TWO EVENTS. We had a TAIL WIND all the way back to Pakenham. From Warrigal to Drouin the need to pedal was virtually redundant. From Drouin to Nan Nar Goon you only had to push the pedals every second minute. What an experience. Never to be forgotten. One for the Annals.
So back to the carpark. A quick discussion about Pakenham Mitre10 hospitality and to home. Thanks to the ride convener Bill Vandendool for organizing the whole shebang including the tail wind. Please do it again.
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| Gathered at the rail crossing celebrating John's near death experience |
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| Some of the successful "Warraguleers" resting up before the return ride to Pakenham |