The Siren Variation!

This morning a pretty large bunch of Sirens, Valkyries and Vikings set off for the regular Sunday training ride known as the PROD (Permitted Ride of Delight) and what a delight it was!

We thought that given the epic results of late including Dees 4th place and 1st female at Coota, Lisa's 2nd place at GCC, and my first top ten finish, not to mention the Vikings taking out the Interclub trophy over Goulburn, Bankstown and CCC - we'd better make it a celebration, and what better place than the Siren's new sponsor, Siren Bar and Restaurant in Goulburn.

There were two groups according to speed, with Eleanora, Linda and Leonie rolling together in a nice evenly matched group, and Lisa, AngeB and I riding Valko-Maxx styles with Bosworth, Braddles, Mr T, Sir Callahan, Draft Porter, Club Captain Drew, Mr Larkin, and muffin-enthusiast Oliver for company.

Everyone had read the forecast and packed at least one layer too many so there was an ongoing strip tease on the way out.

Once we got to the Tulip Farm the sprints started and there were some splits on the hills, with a regroup at the top of washing machine.

The bunch picked up a nice fast pace down to Lake G, and Leonie pushed her group to the top of Shingle before turning. 

The Valko-Maxx bunch, on the way back from Lake G made a left at Shingle hll rd, and continued on to Tallagandra Lane.

About 3/4 of the way along Tallagandra, whilst climbing a hill, not working particularly hard (HR was about 165 which is E1 for me) I started to feel a bit fuzzy and think it would be a good idea to sit down by he side of the road and have a nap. Recognising the early warning sign of a bonk coming on, i whipped out a vanilla power gel (mmmmm nom nom nom) and was shortly ok to keep going.

We turned onto Mulligans Flat for about 500m of dirt which wasn't too concerning, and by the time we got into Gungahlin, everyone was talking about food and coffee. 

Arriving at Siren Bar, we lined our bikes up like a parade along the side of the bar and pulled some tables together for a fantastic breakfast (big thanks to Siren for squeezing us in on a busy Father's Day Sunday)  and breakfast and coffee soon rolled into beer o'clock!!

The food was great and  the staff really looked after us even though they were pretty slammed.

Everyone was a bit achy getting back on again, but soon we were rolling into town, and back towards the city, rounding out with 101km for me by the time I got home, and something like 60km for Leonie's group. I am SUPER impressed that it was Leonie pushing the bunch to get up Shingle Hill and get those extra efforts in, and then make it to Siren Bar un-mentored. Well done girls, its awesome that you pushed yourselves, but also - a really big step forward in terms of your development as riders that you ran your own ride and followed a route yourselves. You are officially all independent roadie racers now and your progress over the last few months is kinda mind-bogglingly impressive. 

It was beautiful weather, fantastic company, a great bunch and pace and one of those rides that reminds you why you love riding your bike so much.

Thanks guys, after a pretty bat-crazy week - that was exactly what I needed.

Looking forward to repeating the Siren variation again soon! Can't wait till we have our new Siren kit to wear to Siren!!!