Morning everyone,
The day dawned nice and clear, and it's been awhile since I've got out of bed at 4am. Definitely not used to that any more! After a decent breakfast I left home at 5am and headed off into the city for a 6am meet up with the crew from the Queensland University of Technology for their twice weekly river ride. I've used some Google pics off websites here as I didn't bring a camera along for this mornings ride.
Pic courtesy of Australian Cyclist: http://www.australiancyclist.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=24661
Fifteen people turned out for a well paced ride. All levels of ability, and all manner of road bikes were present. While waiting at the designated spot, groups of serious pelotons rode past, on some expensive machinery including Pinarello's, Spesh Venges, Williers et al.
We set off promptly at 6am and the pace was pretty fast, until we settled into a reasonably formed peloton and everyone started riding in their own "space". This time I decided to ride down the back with some friends coming off some injuries. It was nice not to flog myself stupid for a change, but instead enjoy the ride and scenery, and "have a chat".
The city - early morning
The University of Queensland loop, which runs right beside the Brisbane River is particularly pleasant early in the morning and we passed several groups moving at a slower pace. It seems there were hundreds of cyclists out enjoying the cool weather. The wind had gotten up though and it was a good decision to sit in behind the others and get some free speed, whereas normally I'd be up front dragging others behind me. The hills around the back of the university are smooth asphalt and it's here people tend to "go for it" and see who can keep up. It's a short section but heaps of fun.
Back of University of Qld - http://grannysbike.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/river-loop-brisbane.html
We hit the Tennyson tennis centre and the pace suddenly sped up. Whilst keeping up with one of the young guns I almost over cooked a roundabout but managed to keep things upright, but only just!
We stopped at the top of the cemetery hill at Dutton Park for a re-group. The hill is a killer - short and very sharp. Always good to arrive at the top breathless and exhausted after going at it hard.
We then had the mandatory coffee at a fabulous bakery at Southbank Parklands. Trouble was it seemed every other cyclist was also there. The smells coming from the ovens were enough to make me feel starving, but I resisted the temptation, but it was hard :-)
Now I'm a work and back into it for another day. One day these IT projects will go according to plan and the world will be a brighter place. Until that happens I'll just have to deal with the stress!
Have a great day.
