RR4R

Rotary Ride 4 Research March 15 to 22, 2020

 

Boronia Rotary has been running this event for near on 20 years. They are quite remarkable in the access they have to resources to make this on-road 580/600 km cycle over 6 days available to 45 cyclists, each of whom has procured donations to the cause. The ride is broken reasonably equally as Latte; Espresso and Maniacal! Participants nominate their preference beforehand. There was some upward and downward movement between the groups over the 6 days. Each group is proceeded with a lead vehicle, equipped with hazard lights, followed by a small bus for the injured and exhausted, plus a further vehicle towing the specialised trailer for 15 bicycles. All privately sponsored by various motor vehicle suppliers. Very impressive!

Early Sunday morning 15^th all were collected from Marie Wallace and transported to Lake Bolac for the ride to Halls Gap. The following days rides being Murtoa to Brim; Patche Wollock to Rosebery; Horsham to Ararat; Ararat to Learmonth and finally Ballarat to Daylesford. The Grampians were glorious, the Silos worthy of a visit and the skies out there on the plains, so big and all encompassing. Ghosties had a number of participants including Henke, Karlo, Kirsten, Jurgen, Kerry, Peter, Yvonne, David, Helen, and Ian. Unfortunately Harold and Irene had to withdraw at the last moment.

Road riding is not for the faint hearted and there is much to be learned, in particular train line crossings, especially Day 2. Henke came a major cropper with both Jurgen and Peter doing their best to annihilate him. Kirsten, not to be left out finished the job. Henke is slowly recovering. Whilst this incident was being dealt with Ken from another group was caught gaping at the proceedings, failed to concentrate on the track ahead, knocking himself out and destroying his helmet to boot. In an unrelated incident Helen, fortunately at the rear of the Peloton, fell hard without bringing anyone down. All then proceeded well till Day 6 when 2 Olde Hands @ this Event, Karen and Peter, crossed into one another on a steep descent doing damage to each other.

Despite the carnage it was a wonderful opportunity to participate in a unique road ride with awesome support and facility. I learnt a great deal and am firm in my resolve that I don't do Peloton, however I plan to return next year. Training starts around October!

 

Helen

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Helen Geddes
m 0417 494 496

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