By Dave Blake
2010 Dots , Hotham the biggest event on the Bandidos Dots Calender !
19 starters, 2 houses rented and a big weekend waited for all who set themselves the challenge of Hothams punishing 31km.
Then out of nowhere our Bandido email system was stormed by a severe CARDIGAN VIRUS taking out Bandidos like green bottles sitting on the fence.
The final count was 7 Bandidos riding and 12 down and out for the count.
Friday and a early departure from work we all made our way up to the snow road and dinner at Oxley. True to form the feeding station delivered in spades as we fueled up on Salmon, Pasta and Rib Eye steaks along with a strict intake of fluids, including a local pale ale brew and red red wine.
All while Ray Martin and Anne Marie where touring the Northern delights of Wangaratta, bloody SATNAV!
Saterday morning we woke to blue sky
Nobody seemed to be in a hurry, I think we were half expecting to be watching DVD’s all day avoiding the wild weather that had been forecast. Eventually we got into gear and headed out for a gentle spin over to Harrietville.
Handicaps and Personal best times where etched into everyone’s mind as we gathered at the Harrietville bridge, and amazingly the task ahead of us was clear for all to see as Mt Hotham was drenched in sunlight.
Both Ray and Andrew had been given proxy times that had been calculated and debated over dinner the night before. Andrew had a tough time to beat as the handicappers took their revenge after seeing him vanish into the distance only weeks earlier on Mt Donna Buang.
It didn’t take long before we sorted ourselves out, I took off early setting the pace for the first 500 metres ! At least I can claim to have been in the front, for part of the climb. Before I knew it I was 5th on the road with Andrew leading the way on the orange BMC.
Close on his heals was Bob, Ray and Giovani. I had officially cracked at the MEG and was set to suffer for the next 25km.
Sadly the tussle up front was out of sight, so I can only go on what I hear. Andrew led from start to finish with Bob, John and Ray swapping positions several times as the climb continued. Going into the last climb the three of them were together waiting for the attack. In the end less than a minute separated them as they crossed the finish line.
Getting ready for a safe and speedy decent, Light Cloud cover was moving in so it was time to get going.
Final Results are below with John Throssle taking out the DOTS on the day with a PB and 8 points.
My favourite part of the day enjoying Cold beer at Harrietville and generally having a laugh about how lucky we were to be there!
Overall results and recipient of the DOTS Jersey after 2 events is Ray Martin on 12 points
Next DOTS EVENT is Mt Bulla, watch for details soon.
See you on the road DAVE.
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