The Sprint at You Yangs Road

 

Barrie (B1), Gus (B2), “Hollywood” and Eddie the Eagle (aka Chewy O’Grady) in the sprint for the line on You Yangs Rd.

Barrie – keeper of the SMS and motivator of the group, he always works really hard in the peloton .  Intensely competitive and driven, but a good team player to have in the group.  Can turn on blistering pace in an attack (as Chewy can testify!) and in a sprint finish, often finishing in front as shown in the picture.  His most recent bike adventure/achievement – 185 km Scody High Country Challenge with the 16 km / 1600m climb of Mt Buller completed in an hour and 2 minutes.

Gus – often invisible on rides, but always there in the sprint!  Relies on his bananas to keep the strength up (or at least that’s what I was told was it’s significance). Very strong all round rider – a good wheel to follow in a strong head wind, but you might need to look at the back of the peloton!  Has been known to resort to sneaky tactics in the sprint finish (e.g. tickling opponents, taking them out with hip and shoulder bump, etc).

Rob – aka "Hollywood Hincapie" (click the link)

Eddie – the Eagle, otherwise known as “Chewy O’Grady”. Eddie is the inspiration of the peloton and keeps the other riders honest.  At 68 years of age, he serves it up, day after day to riders up to 30 years his junior.  Cunning as a rat, with the strength of an ox and the endurance of a foxhound, he is always at the rear derailleur of a leading rider, ready to have a “red hot go” whenever sprint points are on offer or when the opportunity to break away from the peloton presents itself.  Rain, hail or shine, Eddie rides his 50k every day, and will probably be doing so long after the rest of us have retired from cycling!  Has been known to lose his false teeth when pushed really hard, gasping for breath!