A strong easterly wind meant a fast ride out, but a struggle for all riders on the return journey.

The chopping block bunch of Mick Cooper, Mark McKenna and Alex Russell were working well together, reeling in Chris Brook who was on his own, after the turnaround.

These four were then on the chase for Evan Elliott, Mark Weir and Stephen Hoynes who started six minutes ahead of them.

Despite starting 50 seconds behind the chopping block group, Craig May and Tim Hines really put the hammer down, managing to reel in the now combined bunch ahead of them within the last kilometre.

At that point Alex Russell and Evan Elliott were the only two riders able to go with them.

Alex Russell has been riding well at the end of the season and hung on to just pip Tim and Craig for fourth spot over the line. All their hard work saw Tim and Craig have the fastest time of 57.07, giving them an average of 37.82km/h for the course.

However, all this chasing was in vain as Kathy Furney, John O'Brien and Susan Madden took full advantage of their handicaps, with Kathy coming over the line first, well ahead of Susan and John who took second and third.

Riders will now have a break from racing with the short course summer event not commencing until Thursday, November 5.

It would be remiss not to thank all those people who performed marshalling and refereeing duties during the season, particularly Betty Elliott who has been giving up her Saturday afternoons to assist the club as a marshall.

For full race results, and information on the Orana Veterans Cycle Club please check out the website at www.oranavets.org.au.

Race results: in place order and with adjusted times: Kathy Furney 78m.24s, Susan Madden, John O'Brien 66.32, Alex Russell 57.56, Tim Hines, Craig May 57.07, Evan Elliott 63.57, Mark McKenna 58.03, Chris Brook 63.01, Mark Weir, Stephen Hoynes 64.02, Mick Cooper 58.07, while Chris Turtle failed to finish the race.