Darragh Dash

Several Tools (La Feuille, Rapide, Le jardinier and Van velo)loaded up the trailer and headed for Pambula, for a ride up the Darragh to Cathcart and return. An overcast day greeted us as did L'Symbole. Clothing selection looked to be the the trickiest decision with rain abouts. A good pace was maintained to Wyndham all enjoying the steady climbs and undulating bits. We waved to the other group in Wyndham as they finished their coffee preferring to wait for the return journey before sampling a little cafe.

We attacked the darragh and you could tell all the training that had been going on as the pace was very solid all the way. Certainly your correspondents fastest ascent, and maybe for a few others as well. The weather turned a tad damp on the last bit of the climb, which was OK going up but not so sure coming back down. 4 tools waiting at the summit made the executive decision to forget the cathcart leg and started the chilly descent (bloody freezing again!!). L'symbole not quite at the summit was happy to follow our lead and turn around also. The wet road made for a careful descent but all negotiated it safely for a welcome coffee break at Wyndham.

The ride to Pambula was lots of fun, I think all of us taking the little bridge about half way back just a tad too fast and ending up on the wrong side of the road testamount to how much fun we were having, plus we finally warmed up again. Of course no ride these days seem complete without a sprint at the end (I'll blame Rapide for this inovation, even though I must confess to being a more than willing accomplice)and this ride was no exception. La feuille on this occasion getting the better of Rapide for a rare victory.

So a pleasant ride for us all and good training. Sorry no photos