Rule #9

If you have ever read Velominati - The Rules of Cycling you will understand the what I am on about. We had long since passed Rule #5 by going out on a public holiday when the weather was really looking shocking. Little did we know that the weather would really turn on us and make this ride one of the most memorable rides ever (for all the wrong reasons). I joined Roy, Mandy, Werner, Natasha, Mark, Jess, Becky, Jay and Bevan for a group ride. Roy took us on some new routes that I had not ridden before - we went out to Sentrarand and then back via the train tracks. Half way though the ride the wind really started blowing and then the rain came. This I can honestly say, was one of the hardest rides I have ever done, by the time I got home (after riding 70km) I was completely wet to the bone and frozen solid. Here are my Strava stats for the ride - whoohoo I got one KOM.

Here are a few photos of the group when we stopped for a puncture (before the rain and wind set in)...

Jess and Becky

Roy tackling his tube

Aaah so that’s what a cyclist brain looks like!!!

Safety in numbers...

Great ride last Sunday organized by George, there were 11 other passionate mountain bike riders and I had the esteemed opportunity to lead them on some of the routes that Greg, Mark, Adam and I had pioneered before. It was great to be riding in such a big group for the first time, especially after hearing about another bike jacking near the R21 highway on the previous day (close to where we rode).

 

We met at the BP garage and then headed out past Dunblane, past the quarry, brick works and back via Serengeti. My Strava stats for the ride are on this link. Another highlight was the brief coffee stop at the end of the ride, great to spend time with like minded souls intertwined with the fantastic sport of cycling.  The group was a great fit as all of the riders were at the same level and we never really had to wait for people to catch up. What a fantastic experience to meet new people and to also be given that mantle of route director - thanks George for you efforts in organizing these group rides - they are a lot safer and social.

The group dazzled by the early morning sun..

Christi wondering why the pace is so slow...

 

Beautiful parts of the East Rand where a house can not be seen anywhere

Time for a quick stop to fuel up.

 

Coffee stop pic 1 - spot Gary's racing strips on his forehead

Coffee stop pic2