It’s called an “Indian summer” in North America – unseasonably warm weather that comes after the start of autumn…perfect for a cycle with just a hint of wind from the north. Ten little “Indians” set out from BP Urunga on Sunday, for a ride to Sawtell via Boambee.
Well, that’s what President George told us we were to do in his absence, but an attack of the lazies must have infected us all and we ended up at Garden Mania shortly after 10am. Everyone vowed not to tell him that we didn’t do the proper ride, so he’ll never know….
The ride up the highway went quickly for most of the riders – Tim, Mike, Ian, Alan, Don, Michele, Grant and Phil. Colleen was road testing the heavier touring bike she’ll take overseas in a few weeks’ time and slowed right down, and Herb had a flat tyre that everyone, uncharacteristically, left him on his own to repair.
We picked up three Coffs Harbour BUG riders (Rochelle, Leon and Dave) who had ridden south to meet us, and we regrouped at Lindsay Road, Boambee.
The first attack of the lazies happened here, where Colleen and Michele vowed they wouldn’t do any hills. They were assured by Ride Leader Alan that there were none and so went on to enjoy the nicest part of the day’s cycle, meandering through the manicured lawns and paddocks to the swimming pool.
At this turnaround point, there was some discussion about whether riders wanted to do the Ayshire Park Road with its notorious hills; Phil looked tempted but decided to keep with the group, which was suffering another attack of the lazies. We turned around and headed back to the highway and on to Garden Mania.
The plan was to have coffee and then cycle on to Sawtell, but you know what they say about best laid plans. The sunny Sunday morning, scones fresh out of the oven, and the lazies – when it came to deciding whether to go on to Sawtell or head back to Urunga straight down the Highway, you should know by now what we decided to do. But don’t tell George.