On a day when our nation says “thank you” to the “diggers” who have fought for the freedom and lifestyle we enjoy here in Australia and New Zealand, it didn’t seem right for me to forego a training bike ride just because it was raining.

A heavy track!

It was raining quite heavily as I prepared to head out on the 50k bike path circuit to Woy Woy. But the rain abated just as I headed out. For the first 25k the weather gods smiled on me – I was comfortable on my Ripley and cruising. It was at this point, near Bensville, that the sky grew very very dark, except for the flashes of lightning, and the thunder began to rubble around me. The heavens then opened up, the weather gods began to laugh and I got drenched.

Bike path alongside Brisbane Waters near Woy Woy felt like an extension of Brisbane Waters!

A great mountain bike cyclist is always prepared so I happened to have in my back pack a dry riding shirt and a waterproof jacket that I had lugged around NZ last year and not used. Feeling pretty cold and uncomfortable after riding in the pouring rain for 5 kms I pulled in under a large spreading tree and changed into my wet weather gear. Can’t explain it but for some reason my beaut water proof gloves were still at home. (Guess I’m only a good mountain bike cyclist!!)

A spot with the right atmosphere for changing into something a little more comfortable

I trudged on through the growing puddles on the bike path till I reached the Woy Woy epitaph where the Anzac dawn service had been held earlier this morning. Some hardly, dedicated souls had made it out and braved the weather, their way of saying “thanks”.

The ducks loved the weather

Grey skies, flags at half mast, the seats used by the early risers, and the wreaths of flower at the Woy Woy epitaph.

Lest we forget!

I took my helmet off for a minute or so and said a silent “thank you” of my own. Then, grateful to be free to do so, I rode on in safety to where ever I wanted! The rain had stopped by now and I enjoyed the rest of the ride.

Oh, a curious aside. I have had this annoying clicking sound on the bike – mainly when peddling with effort up hill. It was definitely present at the start of the ride but after all the heavy rain and puddles I rode in it mysteriously disappeared! The second half of the ride was beautifully silent and the Ripley felt fantastic (did I say I love this bike?). I’ll be interested to ride it again once its dried out and see if the noise returns or not. Fingers crossed!

(Oh, and on another aside, I rewarded my efforts of the morning by spending Anzac Day afternoon watching Collingwood comeback from a 41-3 deficit at quarter time to win the twentieth AFL Anzac Day clash against Essondon in front of 91,000 fans. The pies epitomised the never say die, never give up Anzac spirit!)