Pakenham to Drouin

Well, the Alt Thursday Drouin ride has come and gone and what an interesting convoluted start we had.

Kirsten intimidated the socks of us  by inviting her friend Celia who so happened had been training for the Olympic riding team and was a champion triathalon  competitor. However, we males managed to avoid shame through the good offices of Peter (No! I' s not had a stroke) Duivenvoorden.

Having ridden Donna B with 7 out of 9 gears working, Peter excelled himself this time and arrived with only 1 out of 9 gears in going condition. Hank to the rescue and diagnosed stuffed cables. Hank carries a workshop on his bike in the form of a saddle bag full of spare cables and pliers.  We all watched and learnt as the master (Hank) operated. Peter's repair took an hour but we made good use of it by sending the ladies off on their own, thereby avoiding male egos being dented by Celia. Thanks Peter.

In hindsight, we should have sent Werner with Celia. Werner rocked up with a new carbon fibre, aero styled road bike. It weighed less than my drink bottle even before I put water in it. On the return from Drouin, Werner open up the bike and broke the land speed record.

Meanwhile, John (Max) Mudgway explored every McDonald store and every Bunnings in Pakenham, except the ones at the start point. Not to worry, as Hank was still operating on Peter's bike as Max arrived knowing more about the Pakenham envidons that any of us.

From that point on all went according to plan...almost.

John B and Werner suggested a short cut (or was it an easier route? ) to take. Hmmmmm!  I should have known better. Still, what happens on the road stays on the road. 

 A  brisk 77 km ride, good weather, friendly winds, no cars of note and good company.

Thanks to convener Max.

Jon