Despite threatening skies, there was a sense of optimism among the 16 riders at the start/finish line as a sliver of sun appeared to the north.
Heading off with the wind at his back was our limit rider Ray Hamilton, giving 13 minutes to Kaz Griffiths and Heather Lias, and a further three minutes to the 16-minute group of Claire Goodman and Mel Smolenaars.
Matt Dobeli and Will Kettle, at 21 minutes, were wondering how they'd catch the groups ahead and hold off the 24-minute group of John Brian and Simon Hall, the 27-minute group of Cam Smith, Matt Grealy and Troy Griffiths and the scratch group of Nick Woods and Kevin and Neville Laffy.
Turning left into 24 lane, all groups were confronted with the stiff headwind for the first of three laps.
Gaps closed as the stronger groups made their move.
Early in lap two, the 24-minute group had caught Matt and Will and the group of five set off together on a strong second lap, while out front, Mel and Claire had caught the group in front at around the same time.
Ray had dreams of riding solo from coast to coast, but the group of four women were flying.
Cam, Matt G and Troy had joined Matt D, John and Simon, with the resultant lack of cohesion at speed flicking Matt D and Troy off the back.
All the while, scratch, under the radar like an AUKUS submarine, moved through the field with a minimum of fuss.
Into the final straight it was Mel and Claire holding the wheels of Neville and Nick from scratch with Nick riding strongly for the win from Neville in 2nd, Mel in 3rd, Claire in 4th and Kaz in 5th.
First (and fastest time) - Nick Woods.
Second - Neville Laffy.
Third (and first female) - Mel Smolenaars.
Fourth - Claire Goodman.
Fifth - Kaz Griffiths.
A huge thanks to race director H, handicapper Cam and all our marshals, without your efforts we can't race.
We'll enjoy a winter break from road racing for 4 weeks, with our next event being our Cyclocross weekend in Moama on June 27-28 - see you then.
12°C