Stage Five: McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill - Egos

Another perfect day for racing. The stage begins in beautiful MacLaren Vale, among the scenic vineyards.

Sweezus has high hopes of being King of the Mountain. It feels as though today will be his day.

Arthur has undertaken to come up with a strong supportive plan.

David and Vello will be happy just to finish. They are looking forward to the Legends' Night Dinner in the evening, which Sir Chris Hoy is attending, along with other legends.

.....


Gaius and Lu Ban are riding side by side along the main Road to Willunga, still not talking.

They turn down Aldinga Road, towards Aldinga.

Squeak! Squeak! It's the Dragon, squeaking.

They reach the Esplanade, and ride along the limestone cliffs towards Snapper Point.

Squeak! Squeak! Getting louder.

Jens Voigt flies past, leading an early breakaway.

Squeak-eee! yells Voigt, over his shoulder.

Lu Ban gives Voigt a piercing look, which is ineffectual. Voigt has already vanished in the distance.

At last Gaius feels obliged to say something.

I can't help noticing, Lu Ban, says Gaius, that all is not well with the Dragon.

Lu Ban turns his head to look at Gaius.

Perhaps it is a punishment for hubris, says Lu Ban.

The hubris of the Dragon? asks Gaius.

The Dragon is blameless, says Lu Ban. Perhaps I was too proud.

I'm very glad to hear you say it, says Gaius. I thought, since the trouble on the Corkscrew the other day, that perhaps......

I blame you, says Lu Ban.

Do you? says Gaius. Be that as it may, it is pleasanter like this, riding together, don't you think so?

No, says Lu Ban. My Dragon is squeaking. Everyone who passes us must notice.

Why is it squeaking, just as a matter of interest? asks Gaius.

Empty, says Lu Ban. It was once packed full of weapons, giving it strength and stability.

So it was, says Gaius. And yet, it didn't rattle.

Why should it? says Lu Ban. It was perfectly weighted. Although I must admit it went too fast.

I wonder.... says Gaius slowly ........if there would be room in there for..... Olive Python?

Lu Ban's eyes light up. He thinks perhaps there would.

But on the other hand, how galling for a carpenter immortal, military strategist, engineer and team captain to take his counsel from a natural historian.

He pedals slowly, wrestling with his ego.

......

Meanwhile, just below the summit of Willunga Hill, Olive Python lies waiting, having been recruited earlier by Arthur.

There she falls asleep, and dreams of fruit bats.