How did we get to half way through April already?

I've been a bit slack on the blog so time to catch up on what's been happening.

First up: Bron's last ride. It was time to bite back the tears and do a bit of a victory lap last Thursday. Cate, Michelle and I joined Bron on a leisurely trip to dockside. Nothing too strenuous...

Then on Saturday she headed off into the night. 

The goodbye slideshow...

Dear Bron from cara gartland on Vimeo.

*sigh*

hellllooooo over there!!!

Right. Onwards! Sunday morning was glorious and we decided to take the Toohey Forest route. With Michelle and I were Cate and Ruth. Ruth was tackling Dornoch Terrace for the first time and got up there no problem. You've gotta have a Dornoch photo for your first time up, don't you?

When we arrived at Toohey Forest (using the new improved route) it was just amazing. There was a mist in the trees shining into pollen and spider webs and creating shafts of light. I wish I had my proper camera with me... here's a couple of phone shots...

 Then to Monday night and the trivia night meeting. Attended by Kirsty and Satyajit (hosts with the mosts), Emma, Michelle, Paula, Cate, Me, Darryl, Marilyn, Ruth, Celia, Jacque Boon and even Bron texted to see how we were going! We had plenty to talk about and it sounds like it's going to be an amazing night! Watch this space. Michelle also had the uniform design which I think looks brilliant. With any luck, this will be completed by the trivia night and then maybe we can think about perhaps wearing it (or at least the top half) on the night???? Just a thought there, ladies!

And so to this morning: Kirsty's first ride in a month. Welcome back Kirsty! We missed you!! We went across the Go Between, over to St. Lucia, the Uni, Park Road, South Bank and home. It was a gorgeous morning...

Riders: Katina, Kirsty, Michelle, Cate, Me

Looking forward to the weekend and I'd like to do Mount Coot-tha again on Sunday. For those who don't think they can do it but would like a little taster, I would recommend coming with us and riding up the first hill which is the one alongside the botanical gardens and the quarry. It's dead straight and about 300m long with a similar gradient to Dornoch Terrace. After that you can just turn around and go home again or if you are feeling good, head to the next plateau. I have asked Linda to come along again too. Time TBA.  
Hill-phobics: Don't think you aren't ready for this first hill. If you can get up Dornoch, you can get up this one. Just take your time, breathe steadily and use a nice low gear.