Last Sunday's ride had six starters, the Engineer, the Builder, the Ex Para, the Man fromWanaka, the Rave Organiser and the Optimist. The Engineer gave up at Tai Tapu with some excuse about an upper respiratoty tract infection. This was shortly after passing the Water Skier, the Helicopter Pilot and the Physiotherapist who were travelling in the opposite direction. The Water Skier had been on the phone the previous day with concerns about his move from Campagnolo to Shitmano despite advice from the Optimist to the contrary.
Shortly after Tai Tapu the Optimist was not amused to feel water droplets that were not due to the Builder clearing his nose. Earlier in the morning the decision had been taken to wear shorts to to the mild temperature. Five kilometres later the squall had arrived with a vengeance and the wise call was made to stop (or hide) at the Motukarara cafe. Fortunately for the group it seemed to take about 45 minutes to make five coffees, did I mention that the Engineer had gone home with a sniffle?? How can it take 45 minutes to make five coffees? There were only two other customers!! Anyway normal service resumed with sunshine for the ascent of the Stelvio (er I mean Cooper's). Contrary to team orders the boys waited at the top for me. More next week......
Shortly after Tai Tapu the Optimist was not amused to feel water droplets that were not due to the Builder clearing his nose. Earlier in the morning the decision had been taken to wear shorts to to the mild temperature. Five kilometres later the squall had arrived with a vengeance and the wise call was made to stop (or hide) at the Motukarara cafe. Fortunately for the group it seemed to take about 45 minutes to make five coffees, did I mention that the Engineer had gone home with a sniffle?? How can it take 45 minutes to make five coffees? There were only two other customers!! Anyway normal service resumed with sunshine for the ascent of the Stelvio (er I mean Cooper's). Contrary to team orders the boys waited at the top for me. More next week......
