Thursday 17 December

A very unfriendly scene confronted the starters on our regular ride. Blowing a gale and it had just been 40 degrees half an hour before kick off. Andy, Mark, me and a late ring-in with Arch making his return to the peloton. The temp dropped as did the wind and it turned out a pleasant ride despite the deep digs. Arch had come just for the hill climb; he started from nth Bega and never joined our train across the flat. No sign at the second bridge or at the top of the climbs where we waited. ???

Back to the hill climb where we found Arch and had a go at the hill. Mr Garmin forgot(or some such thing) how to do a lap time but looked like he did a good time. PBs for Mark (6.49) and me (5.26)possibly a bit of wind assist but we are taking them anyway. Arch did what Arch does. Didn't time it or finish at the end so hard to tell but I would guess low 6s. Lucky he doesn't what to play like the rest of us because he is such a strong rider.

Mark took the bridge sprint in one of the best shows yet. Arch had left us by now and Andy attacked hard and long from the start. Mark and I paced ourselves to catch him but it was getting close. The catch was at about 50mtrs and Mark came around with about 15mtrs to go to take it by about a half wheel. Thrilling stuff.

Thursday night has morphed from it's early days but continues to be a challenge and great fun.