All tools fronted up on Sunday to tackle the second BV100. The weather was fine and clear and the enthusiastic tools all arrived early keen for the awaiting challenge. Of course fate being as it is, the first setback occurred before we left Merimbula with Le jardinier, having a flat. L'symbole received the Wyndham handicap getting up the road while the necessary repairs were made. Of course this presented a challenge to Rapide who just has to try and chase down any breakaways. So getting back to the road a good pace was kept by all up the highway towards Bega. Approaching Bega Rapide made his bid to haul in the breakaway which he managed within the town limits.
We regrouped with Rapide at nth Bega while the breakaway continued. Waiting for us Was associate tool Arch with his camera. thankfully for the blog he took some photos of the intrepid tools. Jo here leading the way in her stylish new black outfit and matching new white bike shoes.
Somewhere around now we lost a tool. While Rapide this time with la feuille in tow did his spartacus impersonation chasing L'symbole again, Le jardinier suffered puncture number two and decided that maybe it wasn't his day and returned to Bega. So a few more pictures from Arch. Metre vos sac on his new bike featuring prominently with his unique riding style.
Regrouped, we climbed Macleods Hill some taking the scenic route and other, tougher tools, doing it the tough way straight up the highway. We waved goodbye to Arch and continued up the highway, pretty well together. We enjoyed a good run to Cobargo all especially enjoying the last few ks which were predominantly downhill. A quick water and energy bar stop ensued.
And L'symbole was reacquanted with some old friends. Well two motorcycles in fact. And no blog would be complete without a picture of these bikes and of La Cle's hand.
We dragged Mark away and started towards Bermagui, the wind picked up and provided plenty of assistance on route towards the coast, so all made excellent time and a general increase in their average.
Bermi was the lunch stop for a well earned rest, where we enjoyed our chicken and salad rolls, chocolate milks and bananas, but we couldn't sit there and enjoy the sunny day for too long, so it wasn't long before we hit the road again. The wind had become quite strong and perhaps offered some assistance as we headed south once more. Perhaps we slowed a little but overall a good pace was maintained all the way to Tathra despite some degree of fatigue starting to set in. Another break in Tathra before we attacked the final section, our breaks were certainly starting to lengthen just a bit and there was some tardiness getting going again, but spirits were still high despite covering over 130 ks and the thought that Monks hill was waiting 10 ks up the road.
The climb up from the beach was especially enjoyable, not. But we all got going again properly along the flats towards Monks hill. While as difficult as ever we all seemed to manage it quite well, knowing that few hills remained to the finish. So we pushed on, regrouped at the top of the hill then enjoyed the downhill into Merimbula and the finish. About 160 ks 8 and a bit hours since starting, between 6 and 6.5 hrs riding time for all, 2400 metres odd of climbing and another long ride down for all.
Fortunately we made it in time to get a coffee, brag about how well we all had done, and make some plans for future rides. A very satisfying day!!
