Festive Bike Ride...who's up for 2010?

Wow, what a day. Bit of a unique one for me really. I haven't organised a bike ride as an event and actually ridden it. Had it's ups and downs (and no, not just the hills) but overall I can look back at it, smile, cringe, but ultimately know that next years is bound to be bigger and better, not that this one wasn't great.

From the photo, you'll see we were thin on the ground, thinner than I anticipated but nevertheless knew could occur. Bit surprising as apart from being chilly, the weather was superb for January. From left to right we have Phil, Bob, Paul, Yours truly and Rob. We were also joined by Matt and Jonathon from St Johns (eventually!)

Key to an event and publicising it is sticking to the positive stories, which I can do. But I can't let the opportunity for a whinge and a moan to escape. So, here it is short and sweet style; Pub should have been opened up at 7.30am and St Johns should have showed up there not Cannon Hill Park, and as Matt got the idea and was there at 7.30, I don't know why the bikes and Jonathon were at Cannon Hill Park. Whinge over.

All the lads took on the longer route through Frankley and over (and around) the hilly bit. Few rest stops and a leisurely pace back to the pub finished off with some warm soup and a buffet. Overall, I think we all enjoyed it, a good little run out on a pleasant morning, and even a few new ideas for 2010 springing up.

Really must say a HUGE thank you to my wife, my sister, my parents, my in-laws and Jen & Jonathon. Not only were volunteers from work a bit thin on the ground (should I expect more after orgabising a ride the day after the Christmas party?!) but without these guys I couldn't have rode the route and organised it, so thank you so much.

There's always a sense of relief after completing the event. It's pretty much job done for the day and all you can hope for is a good report from your participants. I'll catch up with them in the week. They've raised a fair whack of money, which totally makes it worth it and for that I am really appreciative. I mean it is my job after all, and it will be used to improve people's lives.

So I can look forward to next week, tying off the loose ends of this event and confirming plans for the next event...Australian Barbie on the 30th January. Yep a BBQ in January...right after a bike ride in December. Have I got my seasons mixed up?!?!