The first sunrise of the year saw a rather select group of riders facing the beady eyes of MrP & R - not sure why the Ps were sitting on a beach towel as the wind made it a tad chilly and probably not beach-going weather at that time of the day. The wind also made sure there was not going to be a large number of PBs recorded but there were a few who reckoned this was going to be THE day and began 2008 in style. Effervescent Aviva reckoned she, too was going for a Personal - in reverse; and achieved it. Possibly today's bubbles were still real and not the metaphorical variety. But she did get to the start line whereas more than a third of those who had registered their intent to ride, didn't…

But having a relatively smaller field did give Lorraine the opportunity to have a ride on the course herself after sorting out most of the registrations reshuffle; unfortunately it wasn't the most opportune day for a top ride as we've said so hers was probably all the more meritorious - missing the course record by a mere 4sec.
 The fact that most of the Juniors were away made little difference to Luke's performance as he's used to life at the pointy end of the field but this time claiming top spot. In doing so Luke had to catch his 30sec man Brad Hall, himself no stranger to the rarified atmosphere of the fast-ten.

And just out of that group this time but well used to being near the head of it was Scotty McDowell - back from Victoria for a brief visit and riding a borrowed road bike - great to see him though!

Lorraine had managed to hand over desk duties to Andrew Mackie in order to get a few minutes warm-up on the rollers; AussieBob was again helping things to run with a semblance of order on that side of the road while opposite Nicky and friends looked after a shorter but no less hectic start line, Natalie called numbers once more and Susie (unfortunately on the injured list) assisted and sorted things all over the place as usual anyway. On the corners riders had Mark Burke and Jeff Kealley to look after them. Thanks, everyone!

Amanda Graham was out on the course yet again today and her pics can be found HERE

A note for everyone to remember - once you have finished or if you are riding out of the park before all the racing has finished, please be aware of riders still on-course particularly between the Pines and the roundabout. The last couple of events we have had riders in that stretch of road apparently quite oblivious of other riders still competing. Not good…