Triple Darragh

Sunday saw the tools preparation step up a notch with the much anticipated triple Darragh. Four Tools congregated in Wyndham on A cool Sunday morning, but where was La cle?

The Mystery was revealed as we started the first ascent and discovered a lone rider making her way down the mountain. Having made an early start due to having to work later in the day. So now we were five
A passing motorist told us to beware there was a tree across the road and it was quite impressive really. Onwards and upwards and another tree awaited us this time on the downhill section.

The top of the climb was rather cold and it was a necessity to rug up for the downhill run. Rapide had a stated goal of doing each leg quicker than the last. So the first leg just over an hour and the descent just over 30 minutes. Le cle had to reluctantly depart so a double Darragh there and showing strong form on what was her second ascent.

We left some food at the bottom of the mountain hidden away. L'Symbole liked his baked beans providing plenty of energy for the days exertions, And I'm not really sure what Rapide is indicating in the photo, maybe it was the size of his cluster he should have brought along??

So up again a couple more times. Rapide immproving his time each ascent by just a little, Van velo being very consistent, La Feuille and Symbole well wouldn't have a clue really. L'Symbole did claim three firsts though on the day, reaching the pair of pink undies lying on the road first each time we went up the hill. (not sure if that was something the rest of us wanted to claim.)

So not only did we go fairly hard up the hill each time, rapide set the challenge to go faster each time down as well. So after the first leisurely descent of around 32 minutes the goal was set at under 30 for the second. So Rapide conned the rest of us to help him (well la feuille anyway) and we managed a brisk 27 minutes 19 seconds.

Third time up and we decided to wait for everyone to reach the top this time to help with the goal of breaking the previous descending time so having every one was going to help here. Rapide kept a good look out for L'Symbole so he didn't get too cold. It was going to be a challenge as the second descent was done flat out. So with a full peloton of 4 we charged down the hill, pushed hard up the rises, and flat out down the hill, We lost a few on the way down with only two at the finish but a neat 27 minutes and the goal achieved. Back to Wyndham and the triple Darragh ticked off.

But the day didn't end there. The tools then retired to the singing whippet (L'Symbole's summer house)for a gourmet omelette, some vin rouge, and cafe au lait. An excellent way to end a good days ride for all.