Gracetown, Cowaramup Bay the heart of the south west Margaret River Wine Region

Tour de Gracetown Wrap up

Tour De Gracetown – 26

th March 2011

The Tour de Gracetown rolled into the Bay last weekend

and the Bay looked perfect.

We had just under 100 riders and almost as many

enthusiastic supporters... a great effort in 35 degree heat!

This year we had one of Australia’s hottest young cycling talents

Australian titles join us and spice things up.

The Peloton was supposed to be lead out of the Bay by

but her road bike was in a paddy wagon which was redirected to an incident 15mins before the start.

So the effervescent ex-Eagles champ

Despite confessing to the fact that the last time he rode a bike was in Grade5 he showed good form

to finish the 110km. As did a nameless SAS Commander who hadn’t ridden a bike ever – but

remarked “…

Peloton looked fantastic as Margaret River Police (Bear) generously lead the riders out of the Bay.

Cruising down Caves road it looked like a scene straight out of the real Tour. Best Team outfits went

to another West Coast Eagles champ

effort went to the Narrogin Boys who drove across for the ride and were resplendent in Pink lycra!!!

The pace was steady along the 25km stretch down Caves and started to move up a cog down

Redgate until stopping at

hospitality of Mr. & Mrs. Darnell and we all wish Mr. Darnell a speedy recovery. The donated water

bottles from

Once out of Rosabrook the

Yellow Jersey. Then one of Australia’s best amateur cycling teams

Shaun O’Neill showed his true class and held off various attacks and managed to whittle the attacking

groups down to 2 riders.

Entering the bay at speeds in excess of 50kmphr it was an exciting finish and this year we had a

drawn finish between Shaun Oneill and the recently crowned Australian Champion Brad Lindfield

taking out the Tour de Gracetown Yellow Jersey.

Our Tour photographer Tahlie captured the spirit of the ride and pictures can be viewed on our

website and ordered from

(Bradley Linfield) fresh from theConstable Sally from Margaret River Police,Peter Wilson stepped fwd to lead the Peloton out of the bay.he liked pain !…”Johnny Annear (Fat Duck in Busso), but definitely the bestDarnells Corner Store. As always it’s great to see the old fashionedColes Margaret River were much appreciated.Cowaramup Country Cycling Team were the first to have a crack at thePlanB had a red hot crack...butwww.thatgirlphotographics.com

The Tour After-Party was well attended and the Bar was kindly supported by

River Wine Sales

The Peloton has been and gone and another Tour is finished. But for what it’s worth I was happy just

to finish and soak up the atmosphere of seeing so many new faces and feeling part of a group of City

& Country riders (and supporters) showing the true aussie spirit and trying to make a

difference.....many thanks!

You all made a difference and together we raised approx

Marilyn at Margaret.$5000.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Tour (Sat 5

Regards

th November 2011)

John