I think every rider knew it from the moment they got up this morning.....it was going to be COLD!!
Now I know some people reading this will come from places like Canberra or Melbourne or some other place that really does get cold but here in Brisbane when the thermometer drops below 5 degrees we call it artic and artic is was.
As we assembled at Conti cafe at 5.30am everyone was checking out what the other riders has deemed appropriate for the day. At one extreme we had a couple of riders Craig, Jenno and myself who didn't think it warranted leg warmers or long gloves while others had the full kit on with booties, arm warmers, leg warmers, gortex gloves and ear warmers.
As the 14 riders including first time Cyc'd rider James rolled out into countryside rather than seeing the temperature rise it actually started to drop. I know this because my garmin was dutifully telling me just how bloody cold it was and I of course was compelled to relay this onto Brad who said he didn't really want to know. I think that was because his fur lined gloves were only rated to 0 degrees.
Riding out of Brisbane to Dayboro is one of the real pleasures of riding in Brisbane with good undulating roads and fresh country air. It was as we were quietly taking in the beauty of the countryside that I noticed something that I hadn't seen before. Now we sometimes talk ourselves up by referring to the Cyc'd Train but today we looked like a steam train with steam coming out of everyone as we picked up the pace. It must have been quite a sight for the cars as they sped past us.
By now the fingerless glove group were suffering quite badly as the temperature dropped below 2 degrees but none of us would admit to it being cold, a little cool perhaps even brisk but cold....never!!
As we neared Dayboro Anna who was joining us for just her second ride started to feel unwell. Anna is training for an epic riding adventure in September where she will join 7 other riders for a 15 day ride across the Nullabour to raise money for cancer research as part of Sharky's 7 in 7. Yesterday Anna conquered Mt Glorious for the first time and she was feeling the pinch today. In true Cyc'd spirit Jenno, CRaig and Flyn stayed with Anna making sure she safely arrived at Dayboro. Well done Anna and boys great job there.
Anna is one gutsy lady and even though she has only been riding for a few months she has totally committed herself to the cause. I think this weekend for Anna can be summed up with that great old saying "What doesn't kill makes you stronger" and I'm sure she will be better for the effort she put in this weekend.
As we waited at the Dayboro bakery we saw our old friend Kevvie who leads the Smiddy support crew and he came over and had a chat with all the boys.
The ride back was done at a great pace with everyone contributing and the group sticking together. It was pretty uneventful except when Craig rode ever the biggest rock ever to flat.
There was one rather funny call from Brad as we headed out of Dayboro. Normally you will hear "hole", "rock", "stopping" etc but when Brad let a "Snow" call we all had a good laugh because it was still bloody COLD!!
The Samford range is always a great opportunity for the climbers to test their legs and Brock lived up to his nickname "Valverde" and attacked right from the start. Jenno was the next to throw his hat in the ring and attacked although they were both soon gathered in by the bunch.
Adam suffered a chain break as we approached Mitchelton which split the pack and saw the two groups head their own way to various coffee shops.
It was another great Cyc'd Sunday ride and I know we all can't wait to do it again next Sunday.....let's just hope its a little warmer!!!
