Yesterday I was lucky enough to be invited to ride with Bianchi and the Vacansoleil-DCM team.  The ride started from Bicycle Express in Adelaide, went down Anzac Highway to Glenelg, up to the Outer Harbor, and then back the same route.  I have the ride logged in Strava (Bianchi / Vacansoleil-DCM Ride), though only Strava members can see it.  The rest can see this summary:

We started the day getting our Bianchi kit and Oltres sorted and fitted–  I got a 55cm Oltre with Dura Ace. After that, we met the Vancansoleil-DCM team in front of the shop and took some photos.

Photo: Fred Morini.  More photos: Bianchi.

It was about 30C and very sunny when the 25-30 riders left. This included the Vacansoleil-DCM team and the rest of us.  I’m the one on the Oltre in the black Bianchi kit:

It was a lot of fun and noisy riding in a group of 25-30 Oltres– Fulcrum and Campy freewheels plus a few carbon wheels make quite a lot of noise.  I’ve ridden this route numerous times, and it’s a great way to see many of the beaches and ride on some of the better roads in the area.  While I would have liked to have ridden some hills, this was a good alternative.  By the time we arrived back at the shop, the temperature was approaching 37C, and it was good to get out of the sun.  The Netti/Bianchi kit has a different fit than my normal lycra, so I do was some new tan lines as a memento from the ride.  The forecast for the first stage of the Tour Down Under is for 39C, and I don’t envy the riders who will be out there.  I’ll be out at a few of the stages of the Tour Down Under this week, so check back soon for photos.

I’d like to thank Bianchi, the Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team and especially Brian at Road Rage Cycles for a great ride!