Saturday 22 January 2011
After a quick lunch, I packed my gear and head for old Willunga Hill. From previous visits, I've got my spot picked out, about 2km from the top. Getting there can be an interesting exercise. Like most I followed the main road (Willunga by pass), up the hill and parked my bike. The a short treck on foot and a very steep descent (controlled fall in my case :() and I had arrived.
I positioned myself about 50 metres from the bend and this enabled me to see the riders approach from some distance, giving me plenty of time to get ready for what I hope will be some decent shots. I checked my gear and fired a few practice shots to make sure all was go.
After about a 30 minute wait the first group of riders arrived, and slowly the others followed. The hill was having its affect and causing the ride group to stretch out. Probably more than some of the riders intended ;)
About half an hour later they started to come through again for their second ascent. This time stretch was even more apparent, with the end stragglers, Cavendish and co at least 6 minutes behind the front riders. Due to the gaps between riding groups, some of the spectators had started to walk down the hill, apparently unaware that the green light van hadn't appeared, indicating to me at least that more riders were still to come into view. A couple of intermediate groups did not have a police escort, meaning they had to dodge spectators walking down the road, not good for the riders! You would think that after all these years spectators would know the drill.
After the green light van had passed I made my way back up the steep incline back to the road and headed for home. Whilst waiting to cross the road I noticed some recreational cyclist travelling down the main road at considerable speed with no apparent regard for their own or others' safety.
Next stage - Adelaide circuit (Final Stage)
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