However, there is another intrepid local group who also shun the mid-day sun, but who do brave the pre-dawn elements, in all seasons of the year and who do so wearing very little at all.

This cohort of Cowra Cyclists are not all MAMILs,  {Middle Aged Men In Lycra}. Indeed we have riders aged from 16  to over 70 years of age, from both sexes and all walks of life.

A snap-shot shows that our ranks include lawyers, doctors, teachers, optometrists, policemen, accountants, journalists, shearers, agronomists, builders, local businessmen and women, truck drivers,  students, agents and last but not least, even a couple of old farmers.

The one common thread amongst us is a love of bike riding and a desire to stay reasonably fit.

The early morning start allows us to get to our work on time and to avoid the busier period because we are all very aware that in any accident the cyclist will always come off worst.

On April 2 this year, about 10 of our group rode the 70 kilometre course in the famous Blayney to Bathurst Bike race. 

This is a closed road race with over 2500 riders of varying ability, competing over 70 kilometres or a long course of 110 km.

Some very good results from local riders include;

Grant Elwin finished 4th in his age group and 48th overall. A great result considering the calibre of the riders competing. 

Therese Johnstone finished 3rd in her age group, a great podium result and was the 43rd woman to cross the line.

Anna Haebeck also finished in equal 43rd position overall and 8th in her age group.

David Trengrove finished 9th in his age group and 64th overall.

Peter Watt finished 14th in his age group and 103rd  overall.

Grant Chamberlain finished 12th in his age group and 71st overall.

Casey Proctor finished 7th in his age group and in the 92nd position overall. Yes, we all shake our heads too.

John Roberts, competed in the long course and finished in 23rd spot in his age group and in 196 spot overall. 

However the b2b is just an idle around the park when compared to The Three Peaks road race held in the Snowy Mountains.

The 235 km loop provides cyclists with a course with three major climbs, Towonga Gap, Mt Hotham and Falls Creek.

Jeremy Ryan and John Roberts  from Cowra completed this mammoth ride, with Jeremy finishing 11th overall, in a time of 8 hours 13 minutes and 31 seconds.

John Roberts or JR finished in 44th place, in 8 hours, 43 minutes and 38 seconds.

Training rides are generally arranged day by day,  via  “WhatsApp” on our mobile phones.

There are loosely, two groups training during the week. The younger and generally fitter group ride at 6am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, while the generationally sedate group ride at 6am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The normal weekday ride heads out from the Rose Garden to Chiverton, around to Noonbinna, down to the Boorowa Road then back into the Rose Garden, a distance of approximately 28 kilometres.

Weekend rides are often an amalgamation of the two groups with the highlight of the ride is usually the coffee and camaraderie at the finish.

New riders are welcome and Beginner Rides are organised on quiet back country roads.

So if anyone out there has ever dreamt of cruising this countryside with a gentle breeze, always blowing at your back, whilst wearing very little clothing, pleased feel free to join us. And remember,  when you drive past us, give us a toot or a wave, because behind all that lycra, helmet, glasses and sweat, there might just be one of your mates.

Michael Flannery