Ruapehu Report

The mountain

It's an emotive sight, Mt Ruapehu where only the day before, the Meo GP had circulated. Take away the burnt out cars on the lawns, the P addicts lurking in the bushes, the SUV's creating their own carbon footprint and if you blink, you could be at the foot of the Alpe d'Huez or the Col d' Galibier.

We resisted the temptation to attempt the climb the morning after the race, very wise.

Swiss balls

Lovers tries to insert his ball into an impossibly small space for the journey to Ohakune.

Inspired by the new oracle of coaching 'Antosh' "course I'll help you out with your core strength, mate", mentor and father figure to Lovers, every attempt was made not to miss a day without the big gonad substitute that has become an essential piece of cycling equipment for the more vulnerable and impressionable Meo GP members.

On the road

Jono & Backy share the work at the back of the bunch, Jono suffering from a severe case of driving fatigue that normally results in several near misses with trucks. Persistent rubber necking at chicks and chat of the benefits of Super Record ownership kept us occupied as we travelled north.

Davis room

Notorious for the surgery room precision of his wardrobe and sock drawer, Davis quickly claimed the second double room and, armed with his fully calibrated set square, arranges his kit assisted by GPS alignment.

Jono & Backy's room

Not up to Davis standards, but not bad.

Lovers room

Craig, equally tardy and slovenly while away from the Mrs. The pathetic attempt to conceal litres of 'GS', Antosh's training guides, tapes of Antosh yelling 'have I told you about the time I beat Robbie McEwen? As a sleep aid, photos of Antosh's wins, a dog eared, unreleased Antosh memoir entitled "its my way or the fucking highway", Antosh/Jenny Craig's diet programme, baby food, tasteless chocolate, cocktails, chocolate milk, Foxton fizz, 2 minute noodles and assorted body fluids under piles of soiled Ricoh cycling kit.

Joe's room

Joe is taking up Davis' generous offer on a lesson in 'how to keep your sock drawer in order'. Davis is currently developing a 'how to...' series of lessons which will be posted on YouTube soon. 

A few 'units' at the awards ceremony

I can see the Director shaking his head in disapproval now.

Jono.