The day started with great promise, with a solid winter turnout and Nurzo trading his sling for a scrambler. Great to see him back on the bike.
8 riders, Brian/5, R90S Mark, Mick S, David S, Navigator Nick, Steve, Peter Bee and Bozo had a simple run up the Lesmurdie Hill before the triple transect of the Bickley Valley and a complete drenching. A brief stop at Mundaring Weir to compare notes on how waterproof Gloves were before meandering to Malmalling.
Emerging onto Roland Road, there were 40 to 50 kangaroos grazing in a paddock off to our right. On Lancewood Road, two small kangaroos jumped across our path before we continued to the Connemara Drive, Campersic Road loop. Emerging on O'Brien Road there were two mobs of kangaroos of 30 to 40. A sedate circuit of Clinton Road was met with two more mobs of about ten kangaroos each. More kangaroos on Berry Road and Reserve Road making a total of between 100 to 150, the greatest number spotted on a Sunday ride.
The greatest hazard was a small car reversing on a blind bend, in the middle of the road, after a crest, that almost caused a huge pile up as we had to brake heavily. Fortunately nothing was occupying the remaining one third of the road and we were able to transit around him/her/them.
Arriving at Gidgegannup we were greeted with the acoustic joy of heavy rain on the roof of the Bakery before heading home down Toodyay Road. The soaking we had received was evident for some riders with the dye from their gloves forming interesting patterns on their hands and wrists.
Thanks to the group for taking a punt on the weather and to Peter Bee for running as Spray End Charlie.
The discomfort of heavy rain was almost forgotten as we transitioned into discussion at the bakery and had a reasonable ride home. Great to get out with a group whose main grumble was the forecasting skills of the ride leader.