After the LeMans start atop the old surveyors mound, the field was split early. Some headed for the wrong side of Hutt, others got a clear early lead, After looking for photographic proof of the lemon tree on Marion Ct and of "Cairo only going one way", the early leg-men had stamped their authority on the race before the second checkpoint. Sam Chisholm was seen picking a tight and uncompromising line along East Tce into the parklands between Bartels and Wakefield. The race guidelines had called for evidence of a correlative relationship between intelligence and the colour purple. A reclaimed water pump in the eastern parklands was the breakthrough they needed. The leaders holeshot the gaps at Rundle and Dequettevile without so much as resting their legs on the upstroke.
The clues got a little more difficult in Hackney and many teams doubled back on their steps in the search process. Some help from friendly locals made the Stobie Pole with a specific serial number much more obvious. From Hackney the riders were met with an intermediate stage to North Adelaide Cycles on Melbourne Street. Kym and Dani couldn't be there on the day, but were thought of with fondness by all who passed to snap a photo of the orange SexyBike in the shop window.
After some checkpoints in the lanes and back-alleys of the (usually) leafy suburb of College Park, the field headed through the carpark of the Maid and Magpie back toward the city. The course referees went for a leisurely lunch, coffee and a smoke at Nano - just across the street from wonderful race sponsors Right Hand Distribution (RHD) in Ebenezer Pl (new range of Supply Store/Domestique in store now. New bags and accessories soon, great denim always). After some quick city checkpoints the leaders had developed a good six minute lead on the field, with the gap between first and second being around 2 minutes. The 3 frontrunners were equal race favourites S. Chisholm, A. Dekok and Rick A.
Another intermediate stage to the Edinburgh Hotel in Mitcham (8km) saw the 3 leaders narrow the margins between them. An item had to be bought from the drive through accompanied by proof of purchase. Some bought beers and drank them on the spot, others lighters or snacks. A quick descent to the Belair rail line was followed a tricky checkpoint involving powerful numbers and a sad cat at the rail crossing on Hilda Tce, Hawthorn.
Local knowledge was essential in plotting a course along the Belair line, some paths devolve and riders are forced to carry bikes across the tracks. The pedestrian bridge over the Goodwood Rd underpass lead to a tight dirt section toward the Millswood Bowls Club. After a quick rail crossing the field blazed past Goodwood Station down to the cycle path along the Royal Showgrounds (Goodie Walls). Cameras snapped, hearts pounded, lungs screamed, legs burned. The finish loomed.
The teams that worked well together, had shared the lead and kept eyes out for each other, began to reel the leaders in. Although the three out front still had a five minute lead, the main field was bunching up again. The final checkpoint was in the Great Southern Rail depot. A short climb to the top of the Sir Donald Bradman Drv rail overpass was followed by a quick descent and traffic heavy right hand turn into James Congdon Rd. Those that knew better kept bombing straight down it rather than assault the backstreets of Mile End and Thebarton. Adam "Creaky" Dekok had reeled Sam Chisholm right in to around seventy metres when he finally dropped the crank that had been troubling him all race, forcing him to finish the race one legged. Sam crossed the line at the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Thebarton in first place, followed by Creaky with Rick A. finishing a close third about fourty five seconds behind Adam. Eli and Will were first team home with the infamous Kouriah finishing fourth solo. The air was awash with relief and satisfaction of a race well run. Everybody smelled, but nobody stunk.
The riders kept coming in to register their positions and have their checkpoints corroborated for around fifteen minutes. A commemorative tee was given to those riders fast enough to grab one from the limited stockpile. Principle sponsors the Wheatsheaf Hotel and printer/co-collaborator/adviser Brett Davis must be thanked for the custom printed tees. The Wheatsheaf had donated two hard earned beers for each rider, which were gratefully accepted and slammed within minutes.
The amazing vibes continued as prizes were presented for first, second and third solo riders, first second and third teams and first and second ladies team (there were only two). First prize was an incredible one-of-a-kind custom bag from gracious sponsors Brisbane Outdoor Gear with collaborative artwork by SYNC.
Many thanks must go to Dave at BO Gear for all his generosity, help, support and correspondence over the course of planning the race. BO Gear specialises in locally (Brisbane) hand-made bags and accessories made from sustainable sources. Thanks to Dave for doing what he does and getting behind the Adelaide bicycle scene again. Thanks to local artist and third-place-winner SYNC (Rick) for the amazing custom artwork on the bag. A special prize was given to Dylan and Freddie for the best looking checkpoint photo (the judge was a sucker for depth of field). A carton of the finest Moo-Brew Pale was handed out courtesy of sponsors Moo-Brew. Some riders were keeping safe with seriously bright, brand new Knog lights courtesy of Australian cycle accessory maker Knog. Gloves, spoke lights, butt guards, lock ring tools and lights came courtesy of Kym at North Adelaide Cycles. 91 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide for any mechanical problems, parts or custom builds that you want/need. Domestique/Supply Store tees and stickers came courtesy of Andy at RHD. With many thanks to Walz Caps for some beautiful hats, some riders were going home with a warm head. Of course local label Ashcan Collection can't be forgotten as they(he) came through with tees and caps for some lucky riders.
As the drinks flowed and stories were swapped, the chill returned to the early evening air. Weary legs began to cool and ache. Some cursed for not bringing a jumper, others huddled by the wood fires at the Wheatsheaf to reflect on the days events. Beers were swapped for fine single malt whisky. Then few by few, the riders began to disperse, heading home for long, hot showers or baths and to ready themselves for the week ahead, safe in the knowledge that the next B&N Classic would bring them as much reward as today's had.
Thanks to all sponsors, race-organisers, Craig Beaumont for taking photos, all collaborators and of course the riders. Big thanks to partner in crime Simon Blight for helping put all this together and coming over for the weekend from Melbourne.
Anybody with more photos should send them.
