The celestial wind maker today made sure that everyone had an experience of his best product - the early starters had it at the end of their ride while those following had to contend with the biggest gusts in their early laps; the flag gave up the struggle at one point and, possibly a few riders contemplated the same. While there were times when riders could make use of the nice (potentially) fast slope to the finish there were certainly some riders who could only use it to gain some respite and recover for the next lap or grunt: "…that was bloody hard!" as they finished. So any PBs achieved were very well deserved: five minutes of major kudos to Mike Round; lesser but not insignificant amounts to the rest of that special group. In a more general context, both the course records holders were riding today. Matt finished with the comment that he thought last year's conditions were tough ?! Matt doesn't own a copy of the Cyclists' Book of Excuses but today he was 2min shy of his record. Two minutes is a lot, he said. Erica Morris led the girls home today, four minutes clear of Kate, last year's fastest. Jenny Sammons managed to show some results from her not-so-secret hills training (in the absence of Capt Paul as it turned out), collecting the best Standards result: a very chunky 14min46.

Unfortunately the low-life hoon factor was well represented on Old Yanchep Rd today and taking the brunt of their crass stupidity were our marshals John and Greg Aldridge and Trevor Robson. Hopefully none of our riders copped more than minor inconvenience but it does reinforce a view that this course may have a limited life expectancy.
 On the other hand Cam Berg reported that motorist behaviour on the other side of the course was very considerate.
 Handling things inside the compound were Phil Parr, Susie and Annie Geneve while just outside the gates, Lorraine was your starter. Once again, many thanks to Peter Brown and the Wanneroo Golf club members for their hospitality. This was a morning of contrasts.