It’s all about the team……..

Spokes kicked into summer today with a 25km team handicap in Deepdale. It was brilliant to see seven teams of between three and five riders taking part, albeit one rider didn’t seem to be too sure about which team he was on! Teams were set off at one minute intervals which made for a very close finish. The experienced team of Max Nowrojee, Mort Harslett, Tim Glenister and John Tam took line honours and also claimed the fastest time, averaging an impressive 32.7km/hr on quite a windy course.

The next five teams crossed the line within two minutes of each other. Experience, novice and those returning to cycling worked hard with Ian Andrews, Scott Andrews and Jennie Haste coming in second and the team of Suzie Otterson, Sharon Barneston and Bec Swan crossing the line with the third fastest time.

Reg Pomery, Roger Swan and Paul ‘2 seconds’ Wilson rode well to hold off a determined Deb Greene, Paula Purcher, Donna Menneguzzo and Deb Andrews, and a fast finishing Paul Hearne, Barb Glenister and Claire Tyrrell. The team of Reg, Roger and Paul actually started with a fourth member, Dave Rakuscek, however he went missing during the event and surfaced on the fastest team – the jury is still out as to which time he is attributed with………

However it was Darryl and his Harem who really embraced the team-spirit for the ride. Darryl and Vicky Sheilds encouraged previously regular cyclists Fleur Bishop and Angel Sotiroff to dust of their bikes and also welcomed new member Sonia Davies to the Club and road riding. The smiles of all at the end of the event really summed up how much we all love to ride and how nice it is to ride with friends. A full list of team averages is below.

Special thanks to Barb for her delicious cake, and for ‘jumping ship’ at the last minute so that teams were evenly matched. Thanks also to Jennie for her yummy slice and to Peter Burchell for marshalling and time keeping.

Don’t forget the end of season BBQ at 7pm, Saturday 28th November 2009. The BBQ is fully catered by the Club so ensure your name is given to Bec Swan so that we have ample supplies.

Team, Finish Time and Average speed

Darryl, Vicky, Fleur, Angel and Sonia 59:07 26.3 Km/h

Paul, Barb and Claire 52:01 28.8 Km/h

Deb, Donna, Paula and Deb 51:45 29.0 Km/h

Roger, Willo and Reg (and Dave) 51:23 29.2 Km/h

Suzie, Sharon and Bec 51:16 29.3 Km/h

Ian, Scott and Jennie 50:48 29.5 Km/h

Max, Mort, Tim and John (and Dave) 45:54 32.7 Km/h

Coffee, pancakes, oh.......and a ride

It was such a beautiful morning for cycling and there was another great turnout for the social ride around Geraldton today. Barb headed up the pack and did a great job of keeping everyone together, setting a pace that catered for every ability. The sunshine and very slight wind meant the 30km distance passed very quickly and the majority of the pack were keen to continue enjoying the weather by partaking in a coffee afterwards, with a couple also partaking in breakfast.

The main topic of conversation during the ride and cuppa was the club's 25km team event around Deepdale next Sunday (15th Nov 2009) with five teams sorted by the time the coffee cups were emptied. Teams so far are as follows:
1. Darryl, Fleur and Angel
2. Jennie and the flying Andrews men (Ian and Scott)
3. Tim, Max and Mort
4. Roger, Paul '2 seconds' Wilson, and Reg
5. Barb, Suzie, Bec and Sharon

Now is the time to dust your bike off and whip out the Lycra so get your team together and come and join in some good fun cycling. The event starts at 9.00am on Arthur Road, Deepdale with registration closing at 8.40am. To get there you head out on the airport road, turn right onto Deepdale Road and then left onto Arthur Road. Start and finish line is about 500m up the road. Barb has promised to bring her delicious slice and from personal experience, that is enough to get me there!

If you need help getting a team together then please let us know as don't want you to miss the ride.

Comments about the new Blog

Bloody marvellous Roger. I hope it helps to get more interest and support for Spokes.

I'll have a chat with the 'morning crew'... a bunch of dedicated, super fit, toned, 'pull those descriptions off better in the dark' riders who deserve a mention on the sight in hope of inspiring a few more insomniacs and or fitness fanatics (lol) to join us. Or just to lay a guilt trip on the ones that are choosing to lie in at the moment.

Love the photos...maybe one of the morning tea should be included to entice people like me who only race for Barbara's slice.

Love ye work, good luck. Jennie.

Love the new website . . . . . . onya Rog.. . . . . Vicky you crack me up!!

Cheers

Deb Greene

Nice website

Johnos kit looks that old in the photos....I thought I was looking at some old 1980's photos...

cant the club put the hat around and get him a modern kit?

Gorms

Gyday Roger

Well done Mate . Great idea!

Cheers

Dave

Sunday Social Ride

Today saw Darryl and Vicky host a social ride from Red Rooster with the warmer weather enticing 20 plus riders along on the gentle roll through Waggrakine, back along the highway into town and then home via Champion Bay.

It was brilliant to have new riders Zane and Farrah joining the group, both riding well and easily managing the speed and distance. Welcome back also to Max, Fleur, Suzie, Sharon and Willo - familiar faces back in the pack.

Spokes have a social ride planned for next week, leaving from the water park on the foreshore at 8am. Distance and speed will be steady so please come along and enjoy a Sunday morning ride with coffee and cake at Skeetas afterwards.

Don't forget to get your team together for the Deepdale 25km Circuit on 15-Nov-2009. Teams of between three and five riders can enter and registration closes at 8.40am with the first team away at 9.00am. If you need help with a team then please let us know.

For further information please contact Peter Burchell on 0427 11700 or check out the Spokes blog.