Stage 2: Norwood to Lobethal - Not Yet

Wonderful! It is not a hot day!

The teams roll out of Norwood and head for the hills.

Belle waits at Ashton, the first climb.

Lauren comes up with a paper bag full of pickled plums.

Want one? asks Lauren. Watch out, they're really sour.

Thanks, says Belle. She takes one. How'd you go yesterday?

No luck, says Lauren. Ageless had forgotten the tools.

I guess he thought he wouldn't need them on a picnic, says Belle.

He promised to bring them today, says Lauren

Another picnic? says Belle.

So it would seem, says Lauren. He and Kobo are down at Fox Creek.

Great, says Belle. Have you brought the empty bottle?

Yes, says Lauren.

They watch the teams work their way up the first intermediate climb.

Go papa! shouts Belle, when she sees him.

Vello gives her the thumbs up.

She throws him a red pickled plum.

Missed it!

What was that she threw at me? asks Vello.

Looked like a pickled plum, says David. 

Glad I missed it, says Vello

They keep pedalling, as does everyone.

Pedal pedal, until they reach Lobethal. 

Then it's three laps round Lobethal, including the cat 2 Fox Creek climb.

Ageless and Kobo are picnicking beside a stretch of Fox Creek.

French stick with paté and radishes for him. Stuffed rice balls for her.

Lauren appears, with an empty bottle.

Tools? asks Lauren.

Here, says Ageless. 

The race is coming! cries Kobo.

All three turn to look. 

Who is winning?

You really can't tell yet. 

A bit later, in Lobethal, after three laps: 

Who is it?

It's Isaac Del Toro.

That's great, but do we know if Lauren obtained any molecules from the tools that Baby Pierre used, and which Ageless brought to the picnic?

Not yet.