Regarding the Police, the Air Wing does Detection of traffic offenders through Operation Airtector – to detect and apprehend blatant traffic violators on the state highways as part of its routine work. So cyclists are subject to observation from above just like any other road vehicle. And let me be clear: I certainly don’t object to that—I’m more than happy for the law to be enforced on me or any other cyclist exactly the way it is enforced on other road users. But as I’ve outlined above, there are other far more significant menaces on the road than cyclists, even those who take part in the “infamous” Hell Ride.

And is anyone at all surprised that there was no bad behaviour on the Hell Ride today? With the coverage in the media this week, I’ve no doubt every rider on Beach Rd was really keeping it in check. But eventually someone on Beach Rd is going to get pinged for some kind of traffic infringement and you can bet your last razoo that it will be the most widely reported misdeameanor in many a long day. And ultimately that’s what irritates me the most—the complete lack of proportion about who the real road hazards are. Folks, I’ll give you a clue: it’s ain’t cyclists.

What about all the youngsters who are going to be inspired to have a bash at racing by Robbie McEwan and other Aussies proudly competing in the Tour de France and other amazing events on the world stage? How are they going to develop the skills and talent to represent Australia when they have helicopters flying overhead and dickheads in cars throwing beer cans at them?

Speaking of which, how many idiots in cars will be arrested because of footage taken by said police helicopter?

This really gets my fur in a bunch.