Stage one (Friday, after work)
The Tour de Collie team made their way down the Kwinana, Forrest, and Coal Fields highways to the stunning start point of the inaugural tour, the beautiful Potters Gorge, campsite at Wellington Dam. All arrived within a few minutes of each other and campsites were ready for a fun evening around a warm fire catching up on many capers since they last saw each other a few short weeks ago at Karda. With numerous stages looming in the morning there was due reservation in overindulging, but despite this there were the usual belly laughs that come with a reunited team and the wonderful friendships. All friendships are likely to be put to one side tomorrow though when the tour proper starts.
Stage two (Saturday morning)
It should be noted that two of the four participants have experienced a modified Tour de Collie in the past, however, no advantage has been gained by this experience. In fact, the other 2 Tour participants stand to gain. A freezing cold campsite, shrouded in a thick mist made for an eerie start to today’s stages. Despite the weather the spectators were flocking to the start, fluttering and flittering with excitement, taking advantage of ground level and stadium viewing points.
With the bikes, loaded up, the team headed down to the dam wall to commence the Tour at the most awe-inspiring mural. Actually viewing this mural happens beneath another stunning mural, both of which have been seen and admired by some in the team before, but the newbies were equally enamoured. Still trying to warm up the team jumped back in the team vehicle and headed along the coalfields highway into Collie.
On the advice of the nutrition support to the team, they breakfasted at the beautiful and hospitable Colliefileds hotel, indulging in eggs with various accompaniments, all sure to provide the sustenance needed for stages, three, for, five and six of the Tour de Collie.
Stage three (the middle of Saturday)
A clear general classification leader is yet to emerge, although if enthusiasm attracts points, then it’s a dead heat so far. In order to allow sufficient time for the generation of energy from their carefully prescribed nutritional supplementation, the tour directors included this moderate stage, starting with the gorgeous black cockatoo mural immediately behind the hotel.
From there the peloton headed past the library over towards Collie Senior high school where they admired the fabulous mural of two men and a border collie. A favourite of many of the experienced members on the team, along with the mural across the road, and I think it quickly became a favourite of the new tourers.
This stage of the tour is particularly picturesque, not unlike other prestigious tours. It’s also relatively windy, with the next mural down a narrow (not quite cobbled) lane. This one is a favourite of Green Hair Man (not to be confused with the green jersey wearer).
The next mural was at the RSL club where the team were able to toss a penny with the two-up players and smile at the family photo the soldier keeps in his pocket. Of course, the team paid their respects to the nurse among the boys, before the tour course took them across the road and into the local handicraft region.
The final part of this stage was along past the coal mine memorial and the local swimming pool, back to the team vehicle.
Stage four (Saturday afternoon)
With three warmup stages under their belts it was time to get the bikes onto the road. The tour directors planned this stage through some of the most picturesque local scenery. Although not covering a huge distance, like other notable time trials, there were some great highlights. Particular favourite murals emerged, including the blue and silver lizard, the backdrop for a team photo, and the squiggles and doodles on the orange wall. Further around the course, a cheeky rider was noted to prematurely climb onto a podium, egged on by other team members. With a few stages to go, they were duly reminded to get back on their bike!
Stage five (later on Saturday afternoon)
With the town stage of the tour behind them, the team headed off on a longer country-side stage, passing the Marron mural, and beyond the pumphouse mural, to the section of the stage that follows the Collie River towards Wellington Dam.
At this point it should be noted that all tour participants were putting in outstanding performances, worthy of accolades. The stage involved a category four climb, followed by a moderate descent to the Minninup pool. Also worthy of note, the descent appeared to cause some dissent, with one team member heard to repeatedly bemoan the inevitable re-ascent of the mountain. Fortunately, the tour organisers anticipated this, with the addition of a rest at the pool before the commencement of stage six.
Stage six (even later on Saturday afternoon)
Well rested the team were eager and energised to re-ascend the mountain, which proved to be far less difficult than the dissenting team member thought it would be. Indeed, a change of lead rider allowed the peloton, the opportunity to plan a strategy for the completion of this stage. The final section of the stage afforded the riders the opportunity to follow the river back to the team vehicle, with one gruelling category five mountain climb proving almost too much for the peloton. However their sheer guts and determination ensured they all crossed the finish line together, completing day two of the Tour de Collie, in equal first places.
Stage seven (Saturday evening)
Back at the campsite the team took the opportunity to gather on the beach for a strategy meeting and to reflect on their amazing successes across the first six stages of the Tour de Collie.
The evening evolved into one of great charades around a roaring fire, visited by the team mascot Pamela Medicine. Eventually, the team members headed off to bed to rest in anticipation of the remaining stages of what is turning out to be a Tour de Collie to remember.
Stage eight (Sunday morning)
As with day one, day two started cold and misty. Nonetheless, team spirits were high and the camp pack up proceeded in synchrony, with all team members ready to enjoy the final day of the Tour de Collie. The team vehicles were moved into position in the day use area and the forest section of the stage got underway. There was no clear break away from the peloton across this stage, with the team arriving at the kiosk in a new tour record time. The next section of the stage involved a new experience for all team members, a flat, smooth cruise across the wall of the dam, with the dam extending out to their left and the river to their right. Again, the team remained together, fighting their impulses to break away, turning at the end of the wall to return in perfect formation. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that the team are cohesive and complimentary. For additional coverage of this stage, the organisers strongly recommend you view the aerial footage documented by Leroy. Following further nutritional supplementation, the team efficiently completed the final section of the stage, returning to the team vehicles well within the required stage completion time.
Stage nine, the final stage (Sunday afternoon).
After a wonderful Tour de Collie, the celebratory stage moved to the Bush Shack Brewery where the team indulged in good food and great beverages.
All team members agreed that the organisers decision to postpone the Tour de Collie by one week was an outstanding one. A Tour de Collie in the rain would’ve had far less appeal than this wonderful Tour de Collie, held across a stunningly, sunny winter weekend. To close the tour the team proceeded past the colourful spectators of Gnomesville and the ancient King Jarrah before concluding the tour with hugs and best wishes, until they meet to do it all again, after their well-deserved holidays in Europe. It’ll be hard to beat the Tour de Collie, but without a doubt they’ll all give it their best shot.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein, genius
The Solo Avocado 