2014 News and Bleat Archive |
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News 2014
z12.4 ACT Veterans Christmas Bleat
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1st Warwick Wilson |
2nd Phil Anderson |
3rd Ian Morton |
4th Sue Frost |
5th Don de Smet |
Well done to every one there. Special mention to the handicapper who got it pretty right as there is only 14 seconds between the winner and the first A grade rider to the line.
Thanks to the guys from Onya Bike for the prizes of tyres and chain lube to the top 5 winners.
Many thanks to Michael McGurgan, Robert Langridge and Alex O’shea to have volunteer on the day and of course to Henry Beaverstock.
Great Christmas to every one
Cheers Alain Arbaut
Christmas Track Race – 17th December
After the preceding two track sessions were washed out, it was a relief to have warm sunny weather for the Wednesday 17 December track session. The roll up was 18 riders, attracted by the Christmas Wheel Race and the following drinks and snacks.
The A and B Grade scratch races were each eight laps. The A Grade began at a fast pace with an initial three man break that expanded to five as Steve Jones and Jim Davey hauled it in. The final sprint was keenly contested and the surprise was to see Aaron Sedgmen hold off Steve Jones by a quarter of a wheel. Michael Langdon brought up third. The B Grade scratch held an even pace until one and a half laps from the finish when the hammer dropped along with a struggling Graeme O’Neill. The remaining riders contested a bunch sprint from which Phil Anderson emerged the victor in a close battle with Steve Hirsler and Bruce Griffin.
The Christmas Wheel Race was an all in affair with 17 riders from A and B Grade starting at their various handicaps. It was a little difficult to keep track of developments in this race. Front markers were past their first lap before the back markers took off. The lap-board could not give everyone a clear indication of their lap position. However, the race proceeded in a good spirit. Back marker Steve Jones found his handicap insurmountable. However, a back group with Michael Langdon, Aaron Sedgmen and Ben Robey initially looked a good prospect to catch the front runners. However, they slightly misjudged the required pace and dropped out of contention as the race progressed. Ben Davis realised that he was a good prospect and made a courageous break, with three laps to go. However, Andrew Peel closed to within 10 metres of Ben and eventually chased him down and overtook him for a fine win. Cameron Ermet and John Barlow in the tandem just kept hammering for the whole race and took a well deserved third place.
The track session concluded with A and B Grade Team Pursuits. Good strategy is essential for these races with best results produced by protecting the weaker team riders. In A Grade, Steve Jones marshalled his team well and Team 1 took a good win. Team 2 made a tactical error by allowing Glen Heward to take a turn of pace. This tired Glen just sufficiently to compromise the team effort, despite his huge effort to hang on as the pace quickened.
Major place getters were as follows:
8 Lap Scratch: (A Grade) Aaron Sedgmen, Steve Jones, Michael Langdon; (B Grade) Phil Anderson, Steve Hirsler, Bruce Griffin.
6 Lap Christmas Wheel Race (Trophy Race): Andrew Peel, Ben Davis, Cameron Ermet & John Barlow (Tandem)
6 Lap Team Pursuit : (A Grade Winners) Ben Davis, Aaron Sedgemen, Gary Waldron, Steve Jones, Ben Robey, Cameron Ermet & John Barlow (T); (B Grade Winners) Steve Hirsler, Pat Rooke, Phil Anderson
Merry Christmas,
Graeme O'Neill
Boxing Day Recovery Ride – 26th December
The Boxing Day Recovery Ride starts at 8.00 am sharp outside the Jolimont Centre on Northbourne Av. This year's ride will follow the successful format of last year: two nominated sensible riders will lead ride along Federal and Old Federal highways with slower riders positioned immediately behind the leaders (so they don't get dropped if the bunch is broken up by traffic light changes) and faster riders go to the back.
We all stay together until the top of Washingmachine Hill. There, riders have a choice of going on to Lake George, the gravel pit or where ever. Those who've had too much Christmas cheer can wait in the shade a the top of the hill. Those resting can join one of the bunches on the return leg. All gather at Dobinson's or nominated coffee shop at end of ride.
Please use Google Groups (under Communication & Discussion in the 'About Us' tab) to post details of other rides during January and beyond.
Registration due by the end of the month
And a final reminder that your 2014 Registration will expire at the end of this month and you will not be able to race next year until you have registered for the 2015 season.
Simply go to the IMG site. Logon with the username and password that you used to register last year. The annual subscription for 2015 remains unchanged.
If you have forgotten your password, go to top right hand corner and click on username and password. That will enable IMG to send you another password to your email address. To ensure you transfer the numbers and letters correctly it is advised to cut and paste.
Any queries please direct them to membership@actvets.cc and not the contact on the password retrieval page.
z12.3 Dec 15 Bleat
Hello Vets, In this week's Bleat; • 2015 Registration due by the end of the month • End of Year BBQ and Presentation • Tour of Bright result • Interstate Events • Racing this Week • Race Reports
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton Archived copies of the BleatYou can find archived copies of the Bleat: here. Registration due by the end of the month A reminder that your 2014 Registration will expire at the end of this month and you will not be able to race next year until you have registered for the 2015 season. Simply go to the IMG site. Logon with the username and password that you used to register last year. The annual subscription for 2015 remains unchanged. If you have forgotten your password, go to top right hand corner and click on username and password. That will enable IMG to send you another password to your email address. To ensure you transfer the numbers and letters correctly it is advised to cut and paste. Any queries please direct them to membership@actvets.cc and not the contact on the password retrieval page. End of Year BBQ and PresentationFirstly, we had pleasure in presenting an award to the Club Member of the year, an annual award to recognise a major contribution to the ACT Vets Cycling Club. This year's award was presented to our club Secretary, Phill Coulton, in recognition of the magnificent work he has done with the ACT Government, the AFP and NSW Shires and NSW Police in securing our continued ability to race on roads in these jurisdictions particularly when their requirements have changed enormously over the year. Secondly, we made a presentation to Henry Beaverstock, one of the club stalwarts for his contribution as club timekeeper. Henry has barely missed an event, whether a road race or a criterium and has given great guidance to countless race directors in the finer points of running a race. For the 2013-14 summer season points champions, a competition which aggregates points gained in races, marshalling and race directing, our points champions are: Women: Men: Points champions for the 2014 winter season are: Women: Men: Congratulations to our Points Champions, a competition which recognises race participation as well as race prowess, topped up with service to the club with points gained from race directing and marshalling. Many thanks to the Hartley Volunteers who ran the BBQ for us on Tuesday. The Club appreciates your efforts in support of people in the ACT region with disabilities.
Tour of Bright resultGuys, I along with a large number of other Canberra Cyclist, from Vets, Vikings and CCC, went down and raced Tour of Bright over the weekend just gone. It involved much tough racing against some of the best amateur cyclists from NSW, ACT and Vic. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that Vets' very own Steve Crispin, in the form of his life, won the Elite B grade race. Not Masters grade, but open B! I suspect I was the oldest in the grade, with Steve only a few years younger, and the other 75 competitors in the prime of their riding lives. Without a TT bike, Steve was 31st after the stage 1 time trial, but then stamped his name to come 1st and then 2nd in the next 2 mountain stages, to win the KOM jersey and the General Classification, by just 5 seconds. This achievement may be worth mentioning in the next bleat, so that others, like me, don't continue to feel inadequate every time we get thumped in local races by Steve. I now feel that we are in good company. The only unanswered challenge for Steve, that I can see, is a showdown between him and Ian Downing, who unfortunately have not raced in recent times. That would be a contest best enjoyed from the sidelines I'd suggest.
Charlie Nicoll
Interstate Events• Classic Adelaide Masters Cycling Series during the Tour Down Under week 17-25th Jan 2015. • 2015 Riverina Rush Cycling Classic - Narrandera
RACING THIS WEEK:Tuesday, 16th December: Christmas Wheel RaceWhere: Stromlo Forrest Park The nominated marshals for this event are; • Kathryn Passalis • Dom Rideaux
Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
Wednesday, 17th December: Track RacingThe Program for Wednesday is as follows: Note that the night’s events include a major trophy race. As many trackies as possible should attend. Come as spectators if you do not intend riding. Please stay awhile after the racing as drinks and nibbles will be provided to celebrate our first Bundadome track season and the upcoming Christmas season.
Sunday, 21th December – No RaceRoad Racing has concluded for the year.
RACE REPORTS:Stromlo Crierium – 9th DecemberA cool afternoon, with cloudy skies and a stiff Easterly cross wind. For those wondering how much of a step it is to go up a grade, or what times do you need to ride to be competitive in X Grade, I present some original research here. This might also be of some use to those planning the handicaps for the Christmas Wheel Race. The following are the average and fastest lap times in each grade from last Tuesday evening. I did not time the last two laps, so these are typical lap times, not the final sprint laps. There was also a strong cross wind that will have slowed riders especially in the smaller fields. The wind was 39kph from the East when A/B Grade started at 6PM and still 32kph from the East when E/F Grade finished at 8PM. A Grade: 21 Riders; Ave Lap Time 1:42; Fastest Lap 1:40 A Grade split into many groups very early on and the lap times shown here were recorded by a bunch of 5 break-away riders making the times they recorded very impressive. Under still conditions times would be faster. The times here indicate that it’s a big step from B Grade to A Grade. They also indicate a big step from F to E but this is probably because there were only 3 riders in F. There was some confusion when I decided to give A Grade 3 laps and B Grade 2 laps to go. The reason was that A was right on the back of B at the time. However, I make no apology for decisions designed to ensure a safe race. Because A was exploded all over the track, with the leader right behind B it was difficult to communicate to all riders clearly. My apologies to anyone adversely affected. A Grade winner Stephen Isbel though he had finished but was informed he had another lap to go; fortunately his break was big enough for him to hold on. Thanks to Marshalls Lynne Prentice, Jan Koehler, Ben Davis, Henry Beaverstock, Alex O’Shea and special thanks to Phill Coulton who stood in as First Aid as Stu was not available. Steve Schwenke Uriarra Homestead – 14th DecemberWas it really a "Goldilocks day" at the race on Sunday the 14th? It was not too hot, not too cold, the course was not too hilly, not too flat and the wind was not too strong or not there at all ... So 56 fronted the start line for an abbreviated course [please see below for some comments ...] of 3 laps of the homestead to the short term, down to the top of the crossing and back to the homestead for A to D grade, while the other grades did 2 laps.. As expected there were a number of bunch sprint finishes as the "non climber brigade" fancied their chances. The only grade without a bunch sprint finish was G grade, where Tony Sheehan (surely F grade for the next race) rode the field of his wheel pretty early and soloed to a comfortable victory over Angelika Maulch and Bernie Crowe. Bad luck to Bruce Jones who had a wheel lock on the final turn while sitting comfortably in 2nd place and so had the dreaded DNF recorded against his name (and presumably a repair bill of some sort). F grade had the almost obligatory sprint finish with Ian Morton edging out Brahm Hart and Luke McGowan. While in E grade, despite Mike Hayes insisting on the start line that he was going to set a steady pace on the front until the finish, James Curran and John Barnes rolled Mike on the line in a sprint finish. D grade had a very tight finish with Warwick Wilson just edging out Terry Merrigan for 3rd with Ian Shaw chasing down the winner in Craig Kentwell. A very pleased Dale Kleeman was the winner in C grade, commenting after the event that "... I don't win many ..." - so apparently Christmas did come early this year. Alain Arbaut swapped RD duties so he could finish 2nd ahead of Ian McVay who rounded out the podium. B grade was won by a fast finishing Chris Short - who on the final run past the start finish line on the way back to the final turn attacked off the front. Not sure if he was away for the whole last part of the race but he was a worthy winner for at least attempting to get away on a day when the chances of a break succeeding was minimal. Mark Langman held off Reinhard Maulch for 2nd place. Of course A grade had a final sprint as the chances of anyone soloing away on a course like this one was remote. In a very tight finish Paul Scherl just got the better of Steve Crispin and Mark Vroomens. Many thanks to the helpers on the day, Alex Sommerava, Alex O'Shea, Clinton Porteous, Owain Tilley, Rob Langridge (who decided that he would be of more use standing on a corner than battling illness on the road) and Henry Beaverstock for the results and entries. However, there are a couple of things club riders should be aware of ... 1. the demands on the club caused by the traffic control arrangements are imposing a huge load on a number of key club members. On arriving at 7:30 club stalwarts Henry, Ian and Graham were already there starting the set up. Each turn point now requires about 9-10 signs to comply with TAMS' requirements. If you are down to marshal on an upcoming event please try and arrive nice and early to help these guys out by setting up your turn point. 2. if you are nominated to marshal please turn up - yes, somewhat obvious I know ... but it needs saying again. We had to take the Mt McDonald leg out of the race on Sunday as a number of marshals didn't turn up. This was particularly unfortunate as the turn had been set up in expectation of being used. It also compromised the event as the course was changed from the TAMS approved course - which was not too much of a problem at the homestead but could be more troublesome at other courses. 3. we had a number of riders not going through the chute after the finish - including some of the more "experienced" riders. The chute list is important for the results system, so please ensure your number is recorded as finishing and that you roll through the chute in finishing order. Finally, as this is the last road race for the year on behalf of all club members I would like to extend a big thanks to the committee who keep the club racing throughout the year.
Malcolm Paterson, Race Director |
z12.2 Dec 8 Bleat
Hello Vets, In this week's Bleat; • Registration for 2015 is now open • From the President - Where do your Race Fees go? • From the Handicapper's desk • Interstate Events • Racing this Week • Race Reports
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton Archived copies of the Bleat
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z12.1 Dec 1 Bleat
Hello Vets,In this week's Bleat; • Registration for 2015 is now open • From the Handicapper's desk in Phnom Penh • Interstate Events • Racing this Week • Race Reports
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton Archived copies of the BleatYou can find archived copies of the Bleat: here. Registration for 2015 is now open The Registration system on IMG is open for next year's subscriptions. Simply go to the IMG site. Logon with the username and password that you used to register last year. The annual subscription for 2015 remains unchanged. Note that if you are not currently a member, you can register now and get the remainder of this year and all of 2015 for the one fee. From the Handicapper's desk in Phnom Penh The tyranny of distance has not stopped the Handicapper from his duty, so from across the oceans, following are this week's gradings;
Prior to the next handicap, riders are encouraged to check their sub-grade in case the grades are split on the day. If you think your sub-grade needs adjusting, please consult with thehandicapper@actvets.cc and the race.committee@actvets.cc. The point of handicaps is for the groups to be similar enough in ability for the everyone in the group to contribute to maintaining their maximum possible speed. Attacking the first hill is not a way to win a handicap, and certainly won't result in a higher average speed. Robert Langridge Interstate Events• Classic Adelaide Masters Cycling Series during the Tour Down Under week 17-25th Jan 2015. • 2015 Riverina Rush Cycling Classic - Narrandera RACING THIS WEEK: Tuesday, 2nd December: Stromlo CriteriumWhere: Stromlo Forrest Park The nominated marshals for this event are; • Tom Tokich • Jason Quayle Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
Wednesday, 3rd December: Track RacingThe Program for Wed 3rd December is as follows: See you there!!!
Sunday, 7th December – Cotter Time TrialWhere: Assemble at Cotter Picnic Reserve on Brindabella Rd. The nominated marshals for this event are; • Doug Widdup • Brad Sellwood • Toby Driscoll • David Rae • Jessica Baird
Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
End of Year EventsThis year, the End of Year presentation BBQ will be held on Tuesday 9th December and the traditional Christmas Wheel Race will be the 16th December. RACE REPORTS: STROMLO CRITERIUM – 25th NovemberFine weather again drew big fields for Tuesday’s criterium races with more than 100 riders saddling-up. A grade featured several breakaways, with Stephen Blackburn and Mark Harris making theirs stick to take the top honours, with Sean Iffland filling out the podium. Brendan Savage rode strongly to win B grade from Damien Obst and Travis Hicks. C grade was won by Craig Kentwell with Brad Sellwood and Tim Minehan taking out the minor placings. The D grade field split neatly into two bunches early on, with a couple of riders caught in no-man’s land. The pace was on with four DNFs. Conin Kelly took out the win in his first race with the vets, followed by John Stokman and Sean Fleming. A couple of attacks were hauled back by the big E grade bunch, with another newcomer Paul Jeffrey first to greet the judges. Alex Sommariva and Ian Shaw rode well for the placings. F grade was won by Mike Hogan with Andrew Balzanelli second and Sue Frost a well deserved third. Natalie Attenborough rode a strong race for victory in G grade followed in by Pauline Thorn and Tony Sheehan. Once again thanks to Henry Beaverstock who makes these events run like a well-oiled machine, and many thanks to marshalls Mary Lovett and Alex O’Shea.
Thanks to Race Director Mick Donaldson. Narrabundah Track Racing – 26th NovemberThe track session on Wednesday 26 November brought warm sunny weather with a gusty breeze that impacted on the time trial event. The roll up was 19 riders, split almost evenly between A and B Grades. A and B Grade scratch races were each eight laps. The A Grade race started at a moderate pace and the bunch held together until Steve Jones attacked at 1.5 laps from the finish. Steve took the win with Jim Davis and Eddie O’Farrell hot on his heals. The B Grade scratch held a good pace with four riders dropped by lap six. Sally Thomsom took the win on her first track outing with the club. The 2-Lap time trial produced times that were marginally slower that the last similar event on 15-October. The gusty weather probably played a part in this. Steve Jones and Jim Davey still managed to get around the course in less than 50 seconds, with Steve recording a best time of 49.12 seconds. In B Grade, Steve Hirstler managed a creditable best time of 57.16 to take a win from Bruce Griffin on 59.14. Alley Roach had a good night generally and her time of 54.87 showed that she is a solid A Grade competitor. The next track event was the unique Snowball where each lap has a winner given escalating points as the race progresses. This race has some unique tactical attributes as riders can snaffle a place by garnering early points. In A Grade, Steve Jones dominated. However, Jim Davey, Cameron Ermet and John Barlow were tied for second points and Ben Robey took third all using early enterprise. B Grade was quite competitive. Sally Thomson took the final two laps for a win from Steve Hirsler who took laps three and four. The track session concluded with an all in scratch race of six laps. B Grade were given a three-quarters lap start. The A Grade bunch initially took off in solid pursuit. However, by lap four, it was clear that the pace needed to be accelerated to catch B Grade. Steve Jones and Jim Davey had enough left for this challenge and worked well to close down B Grade and take first and second respectively. The next four finishers were B Grade with Phil Anderson doing a great job to take third. Major place getters were as follows: F & A Tonelli Trophy WinnersFrom last weeks F & A Tonelli Trophy Handicap winners; Jing Huang (2nd), Stjepan Hirsler (1st), Sue Duckett (3rd) |
z11.4 Nov 24 Bleat
Hello Vets, In this week's Bleat; • Fund Raising BBQ at the Crits • Registration for 2015 is now open • Handicapping • Interstate Events • Racing this Week • Race Reports
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton. Archived copies of the BleatYou can find archived copies of the Bleat: here. Fund Raising BBQ at the CritsThe Hartley Fund raising BBQ at the Tuesday nights has concluded. Thanks from Angie and Liz and the Hartley Team to everyone who supported the fund raising over the last 4 weeks. Registration for 2015 is now openThe Registration system on IMG is open for next year's subscriptions. Simply go to the IMG site. Logon with the username and password that you used to register last year. The annual subscription for 2015 remains unchanged. Note that if you are not currently a member, you can register now and get the remainder of this year and all of 2015 for the one fee. HandicappingThe Handicapper will be away for a while but as a parting gift to a lucky few, he has bestowed the following regradings; • Nick Boylan B -> A And a reminder that riders are not to downgrade themselves without approval from the Handicapper. Interstate Events• Classic Adelaide Masters Cycling Series during the Tour Down Under week 17-25th Jan 2015. • 2015 Riverina Rush Cycling Classic - Narrandera
RACING THIS WEEK:Tuesday, 25th November: Stromlo CriteriumWhere: Stromlo Forrest Park The nominated marshals for this event are; • Mary Lovett • Des Brown Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
Wednesday, 26th November: Track RacingThe Program for Wed 19 November is as follows:
Sunday, 30th November – Lookout Hill Graded ScratchWhere: Observation lookout on Tidbinbilla Road about 2.5 km towards Tharwa from Point Hut / Tidbinbilla Rd intersection. The nominated marshals for this event are; • Richard Bourne • Baden White Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
End of Year EventsThis year, the End of Year presentation BBQ will be held on Tuesday 9th December and the traditional Christmas Wheel Race will be the 16th December. RACE REPORTS:STROMLO CRITERIUM – 11th November (missed from last week's Bleat)121 riders turned out to race on Tuesday with the ‘sea breeze’ blowing heartily and keeping the temperature comfortable. B grade had the biggest field with 28 riders while D grade had 26 riders. Only F and G grades fielded less than 10 competitors. As usual G grade kicked off the evening and in the early laps they rode as a bunch with Bruce Jones, Tony Sheehan and then Paul Robey doing the work out front. Then 2 riders were dropped leaving Bruce, Paul, Tony and Felicity Toohey to fight it out. They rode together until the bell lap when Bruce and Tony sprinted away. Tony Sheehan powered to the finish ahead of a fast finishing Felicity Toohey with Bruce Jones taking third. C and D grades were next to race. In C grade there was an early break by Tom Tokich and Kevin Wells. After 10 minutes of racing they were joined by 2 other riders and by another 4 minutes there were 5 riders in the breakaway with Dale Teddy trying valiantly to join them. Dale found the going too difficult and at the finish Tom Tokich took the honours with David Rowe and Duane Toohey finishing second and third respectively. D grade rode as a bunch for the first 9 minutes of the race before 4 riders decided to make a break. After another 2 laps only John Stokman and Warwick Wilson remained in the break but with 10 minutes of regular time remaining D grade were riding as a bunch again. In the sprint to the line Gary Waldron crossed first, followed by Peter Harding and Sean Fleming. E and F grades got away next with F grade riding in a bunch with James Meredith and Mike Hogan doing the early work at the front. With 15 minutes of regular riding left 2 of the original 7 riders were dropped with James, Mike, Kim Malcolm, Sue Frost and Barbara Bayliss left to fight out the finish. In the sprint to finish Kim Malcolm outlasted Mike Hogan and Sue Frost. E Grade rode as a bunch for nearly the whole race with only Ian Morton and then Liz Lowe and Michael Golding trying to break from the bunch. Each time however, the break was closed very quickly by the other riders. Liz Lowe sprinted strongly to cross the line first ahead of Ian Morton in second and Wayne Kenner in third. Next up were A and B grades who had to ride for 31 minutes before the business end of the race. In A grade Paul Scherl and Nathan Spillane made a break at the 6 minute mark and a minute later were joined by Brendan Byatt. With 20 minutes to go they were joined in what was by now a significant break, by Ed Pelligrino, Stephen Blackburn and Mark Harris. At the 6 minute mark Paul, Stephen, Ed and Mark were left to fight out the finish. In the sprint, Mark Harris proved too strong for Stephen Blackburn and Paul Scherl. In B grade with a field of 28, there were 5 separate breakaways with James Jordan predominant early followed by David Dickson with 16 minutes to go, then Travis Hicks and James with 10 minutes left and finally Nick Boylan at the 5 minute mark. In each case the break was closed quickly by the bunch except for Nick Boylan who managed to extend his break to the length of the back straight. In the final lap however there was a bunch sprint from which Andrew Chamberlain was a clear winner from Timothy Palmer and John Thorn in third place. Thanks to Kristi McVay, Geoff Strang and Henry Beaverstock for marshalling.
Thanks to Race Director Ian Shaw. STROMLO CRITERIUM – 18th NovemberGood conditions out at Stromlo for the regular Tuesday night bit windy but nothing compared to previous weeks, the G’s were the usual lead out event and complained that under a yellow flag, riding neutral @ 25 meant they had to speed up, ooops… mental note for future race directors, anyway good racing and for the most part a tight bunch had Sue Belton fight off Natalie Attenborough take the points and the honour of the only ladies on the podium in any grade all night with Tony Sheehan getting a solid 3rd. With the A and B’s away @ 6:07, The A Train lined up, Messrs’ Scherl and Vroomans in the middle and that was as close as A grade got to them, by the time most had clipped in they were 200 off the pace and that was as it, with both Scherl and Vroomans taking turns up front and amazingly had enough for a sprint finish, Mark Harris, Ed Pellegrino and Stephen Isbel tried valiantly to close it out but had to settle for the minor points. The B’s suffered the same fate with Nick Boylan and Peter Prammer going hard and early with Mike McGurgan the best of the rest, with both groups smashed it was an interesting challenge trying to keep track of 53 riders in brown’s cows formation. C’s and D’s next away and while the D’s kept track on breakaways, Tom Tokich was obviously late for an appointment and was last seen a mile in front of the C’s, Terri Moore tried valiantly to stay but was ultimately rolled up by the “C” bunch, who looked more intent in sucking a wheel, rather than chase down a break. Brad Sellwood finished a solid 2nd in a hot sprint from Ben Vagnarelli. Delta force in a tight sprint saw Sean Smith take the points from the perennial seagull Peter Harding and new vets rider Wayne Kenner. Also worth noting a solid performance from Dave Clarke returning after a significant spell due a back injury, welcome back Dave. E’s and F Troop last away on the evening and running late as the Race Director couldn’t work out how to get 26 + 2 into a 24 minute timeslot without shortening either event, so throwing caution to the now abated wind, the last race ran to schedule with enough light to do so safely, E grade was led out by Michael Golding who got off the front a few times was rolled in a few times but enough left in the tank for a big finish, leading Baden White and Luke McGowan and the rest of E’s in close pursuit. F Troop suffered at the hands of Steve Hirsler who went early and put in and continued to work the corners hard and eventually won by a considerable gap, with James Mills and Mike Hogan getting the minor places. Special Thanks to the Lovely Jan Koehler, Henry Beaverstock and Al Bontjer for their assistance in running the night and keeping track of everything that was going on.
Thanks to Race Director Steve Dean. Narrabundah Track Racing – 19th NovemberThe track session on Wednesday 19 November again brought perfect weather with just a slight breeze. The roll up was 16 riders, slightly below current expectations, possibly due to the ODI cricket at Manuka Oval. A and B Grade scratch races were each twelve laps. The A Grade was pacey with three riders dropped in the initial laps. The final laps say a five-man break from which Steve Jones took the sprint. The B Grade scratch saw a bunch sprint with Glen Heward surprising everyone to take the win. As Glen only started racing at the start of this track season, this was a very creditable performance. The 200 meter fly was a challenging event for all riders. It requires just the right line and technique as the margins are fractions of a second. Mark Harris put in the best time of 13 seconds flat. He just piped Michael Langdon by 36 hundredths of a second. The four lap handicaps suggested that the handicapper is slowly improving. Mark Harris and Steve Jones took first and second in A Grade from scratch marks. Craig Kentwell dominated B Grade from the scratch mark. The track session concluded with an all in scratch race of six laps. B Grade were given half a lap start. This race was great to watch. The A Grade bunch took off in a torrid pursuit that immediately spat several riders out the back. The B Grade bunch were caught in 4 laps, after which the race became more tactical. Steve Jones won a close sprint from Mark Harris and Andrew Peel. Major place getters were as follows: Old Federal Highway F&A Tonelli Handicap – 23rd NovemberIn stark contrast to last weekend we had an extremely warm start to the day with the temperature at 20 deg by 8 o’clock. There was a need to get the race underway on time to beat the impending 35+ temp advised by the weather gurus. Firstly thanks to the marshals for their support, for signing up by Thursday night and being on time Sunday morning as this made my job that much easier. G Grade hit the road first with A grade some 35 minutes later. By the time G grade had returned from the Shingle Hill Way turn a lone rider from F grade was already in hot pursuit. D grade did manage to keep it all together for the first loop down to the lake end of Hadlow Drive, and they appeared to be the only grade to manage this. At the turn on the start line our lone F grader had been identified as non-other than Stjepan Hisler (Stephen) who has been noticed performing well in the crits over recent weeks. The other grades had begun to make ground on the leaders at the turn however the temperature was rising and this may have begun to take a toll on our riders. This was somewhat evident with the 10 DNF’s at the turn. Another notable ride was by Sue Duckett who had her first ride with the vets at Tuesday’s crit, joined the club late in the week and then was in a close competition with Jing Huang at the turn. As the time ticked down the team on the finish line began to wonder if the A grade hot shots could reel in the lower grades something they were not able to do in last year’s event. Over the rise came the lead car followed by a lone rider dressed in black. Stephen (F grade) had held on to take a well-deserved win being nearly a minute in front of the next finisher Jing Huang (G grade) followed by our new member Sue Duckett (F grade). The A graders once again missed out on the medals in this event. Fastest rider on the day was Christophe Barbaret (A grade). First B grader was Ben McDuff, first C grader was Dale Kleeman, first D grader was Terry Merrigan and first E Grader was Don DeSmet. Thanks again to the team of helpers; Henry Beaverstock, Mike Hayes, Geoff Strang, Mark Langman, Kev Hennessy, Ben Davis, Frank O’Sullivan & Alex O’Shea.
Phill Coulton |
z11.3 Nov 17 Bleat
Hello Vets, In this week's Bleat; • Message from the President • Next Traffic Controller Course • Fund Raising BBQ at the Crits • Registration for 2015 is now open • Handicapping • Interstate Events • Racing this Week • Race Reports Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton. Having problems with IMGIf you are having difficulties with the IMG registration, please follow the instructions on the IMG website and if that cannot solve your problem then contact the club at membership@actvets.cc Message from the PresidentAfter attempting to follow, from overseas and parts north, the very hectic goings on of our club during the last three months it has been good to get back home and see the fruits of lots of hard work coming together and our members enjoying some great racing, specifically: The CritsRacing at Stromlo Forest Park on Tuesday evening now seems like the summer race of choice for our members. We are seeing big fields, close and exciting racing across all grades, with a great atmosphere and rider camaraderie. The handicapper has been busy 'rewarding' consistent winners with upgrades, while also being also kind with the odd downgrade - to keep things fair. Make sure you don't miss the Christmas Wheel Race on 16 December, the last criterium race for 2014. Road RacingThe winter road season finished with some difficulty owing to new traffic controller and road signage requirements being mandated in the ACT. We also had a run of poor weather. We thank our members for their patience and forbearance during this period. We are also grateful to our members who spent a day of their lives to become accredited traffic controllers (ATC) and their ongoing support in providing this important service instead of the prohibitively expensive alternative of contracting professional ATCs to do this. The club is also very grateful to both the Canberra Cycling and Vikings clubs for offering us their compliant signage while we have our own new signs produced. After a sensible hiatus in October, the road racing season is back . . . or would have been had the weather been kinder this Sunday morning. We did have eight officials out at Uriaria, but with only five hardy riders registered at 8.45 am and the rain coming down hard we all called it a day. The message in this is:- if it's scheduled, it will go ahead, provided a 'quorum' of members turn up to race. The club will only cancel if conditions are so poor it would be dangerous to race (ie high winds, lightening and blinding rain) - so vote with your feet (or rather pedals) and get in some great road racing. All it needs is YOU! We would like to see more members challenging themselves and each other on our fantastic road courses in and around the ACT - have a look at this week's handicap at Old Federal Hwy, for instance. Track RacingThe track season is successfully underway at the new and improved velodrome at Narrabundah following track practice sessions. Graeme O'Neill has the track program running like clock work with a warmup/induction session at 5.30pm Wednesdays followed by a mix of graded and handicap races with all abilities being catered for in a very friendly and supportive atmosphere. Its also great to see the different track machines going round ranging from vintage 'steelies' to carbon fibre wonders. Numbers are also building with each week as more and more members discover the joys of track racing on a proper velodrome. 'Do yourself a favour' and go out and have a look one Wednesday afternoon, but be warned - you could be hooked - I think I have been. 2015 ProgramOur 2015 program is being finalised and will be out shortly. It looks like the ACT Vets will once again be offering club members Canberra's most complete and comprehensive bicycle racing program with up to three races each week (criterium, road and track) in the warmer months and a weekly (road, criterium or time trial) race in the winter months. The 2015 program will formalise this year's October road racing hiatus - to better get the Crit. and Track programs under way. We will also have a recess in January and better recognise and avoid clashing with other major cycling events such as the NRS, Tour de Femme, Fitzes etc - as we have done in recent years. There will be some new courses and race formats, too and we will also look to have a criterium race each month during winter, whether at SFP or Dairy Flat - stay tuned. FeedbackI welcome members support, feedback and suggestions - whether positive or negative. Simply drop me a line at president@actvets.cc and I will promise to get back to you. I would personally like to give great feedback to our hard working committee and officials, particularly: our secretary Phil Coulton for his patient and persistent work in equipping us to meet the new ACT Government's requirements, effectively negotiating with and building goodwill with NSW shires and just quietly getting on with the job; to Rob Langridge and his race committee for doing the hard yards of planning and organising races, co-opting marshals and keeping things fair in the handicapping department; and to our very valuable officials like Barb Bayliss, Graham Hendrie, Ian Morton, without whose reliable service, week in and week out, the club would cease to function. Finally to our valuable members who have stepped up to marshal and help out at races - with the biggest contributor being club stalwart, Henry Beverstock. You are all what makes the ACT Vets Club the club it is. Long may it continue. Regards Alex O'Shea
Next Traffic Controller CourseAs a result of the popular demand placed on the training so far, there will be one other training day scheduled for Saturday 22 November. This is an additional day supplied by Roads ACT. For ease of administration, Capital Cycling will take on the registration process for this training. The training day will be; Registrants are asked to provide the necessary details at the following registration platform: https://eventdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=8523&OrgID=4426 Please ensure that all details are completed. If the registrants are available to undertake the training on 22 November, please ensure that this date is nominated in the registration process. Could you also please contact Ben DavisBen.Davis@Teradata.com and let him know you have registered. If you have any questions, please contact John Armstrong on 02 6248 7995. Fund Raising BBQ at the CritsSome club members will be riding the Hartley Lifecare Challenge from Canberra to Mt Kosciusko and back in late November. For the next four weeks they will be running a BBQ at the crits to raise some much needed funds for this wonderful cause that helps people living with disability in our community. So after you have done the hardwork in your race, we encourage you to stick around and buy something to eat and drink. Registration for 2015 is now openThe Registration system on IMG is open for next year's subscriptions. Simply go to the IMG site. Logon with the username and password that you used to register last year. The annual subscription for 2015 remains unchanged. Note that if you are not currently a member, you can register now and get the remainder of this year and all of 2015 for the one fee. HandicappingOnly one change this week; • Liz Lowe E -> D And a reminder that riders are not to downgrade themselves without approval from the Handicapper. Interstate Events• Tour of Two Rivers, Sunday 23rd November • Classic Adelaide Masters Cycling Series during the Tour Down Under week 17-25th Jan 2015. • 2015 Riverina Rush Cycling Classic - Narrandera
RACING THIS WEEK:Tuesday, 18th November: Stromlo CriteriumWhere: Stromlo Forrest Park The nominated marshals for this event are; • David Gunther • Jan Koehler Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
Wednesday, 19th November: Track RacingThe Program for Wed 19 November is as follows: Sunday, 23rd November – Old Federal Highway Handicap F & A Tonelli TrophyWhere: Gravel Pit, intersection Federal Highway and Shingle Hill Way. The nominated marshals for this event are; • Ben Davis • Mark Langman • Frank O'Sullivan • Bob Miller
Phill will also need Lead and Trail car drivers. Please let Phill know if you assist. Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
End of Year EventsThis year, the End of Year presentation BBQ will be held on Tuesday 9th December and the traditional Christmas Wheel Race will be the 16th December. RACE REPORT:Narrabundah Track Racing – 5th NovemberThe track session on Wednesday 12 November brought perfect weather and a good roll up of 24 riders. Club president Alex O’Shea dropped in for a look and expressed some interest in having a go at this exciting form of racing. A and B grade scratch races were each ten laps. In both races there were finish sprints from the bunch. A grade was particularly close with Ben Davis emerging in the final metres to take a fine win. Brad Sellwood dominated the B Grade and won comfortably. The four lap scratch races took a little organising logistically, but went well once underway. Not even the handicapper can predict the form in these races. The lotteries went to Gary Waldron in A grade and Craig Kentwell in B grade, both fine performances. Win-and-Out races provided the next entertainment. Wins were taken by Michael Langdon in A grade and Brad Sellwood in B grade. A special mention should go to Cameron Ermet and John Barlow on a track tandem. They managed to gap the field for the third and fourth sprints. Their commendable initiative went unrewarded. They were chased down by a single rider in both sprints. The track session concluded with an all in scratch race of six laps. Jim Davey had the endurance for this one and took a win from Chris Thompson. Major place getters were as follows: Uriarra Homestead – 16th NovemberGraded scratch races were scheduled for Uriarra but these were cancelled at the start time (9.00am). reasons for the cancellation were; . only 5 riders registered for all grades Some of the five cyclists that were willing to ride had cycled out to the event and home again so it was with great reluctance that the race was cancelled. Thank to the marshals and traffic controllers (who outnumbered the cyclists). The people that we had recorded are Henry Beaverstock, Ben Robey, James Meredith, Andrew McKechnie, Simon Milnes and Graham Hendrie. There may have been a couple more volunteers so if I haven't noted your name please contact me to enable me to correct any omission. (paul.robey3@gmail.com) or 62913913. Thanks also to the the Vikings Cycle Club and Jeremy Smith for the loan of 20+ road signs needed to meet the new traffic control requirements. The ACT VCC signs were still being made and therefore unavailable for the race on Sunday.
Paul Robey (Race Director)
From the HandicapperAfter a dearth of rain and Sunday road races, we thought an event at Uriarra Homestead would be a simple task given that TAMS had approved the race and we had a set of signs thanks to the Vikings. (We had a contingency should the club's signs not be completed on time--and they weren't!) But this time it was the weather that spoilt things. By 8:30 a crowd of marshals and few riders were gathered by the van at the homestead. With the arrival of the true hard nuts by bike, Nick Boylan, Mark Taylor and James Jordan, the decision to race was made and I got back in the car for the traditional 'in-car' warm-up. This involves staying dry until the race starts and hoping the rain eases off after that. Instead, the heavens opened and by 8:50 the race was cancelled owing to poor visibility. The hard nuts couldn't get any wetter so they shunned lifts and pedalled back up Canberra. Frustratingly, by the time I was driving past Casuarina Sands the rain was easing, and conditions would have been conducive to racing. There's an Old Fed handicap on next Sunday, surely this will won't be washed out. Thanks to Paul Robey and the faithful marshals who came irrespective of the weather. Rob Langridge |
z11.2 Nov 10 Bleat
Hello Vets,In this week's Bleat; • Lee Hopson races in Style • Race Fees for Summer Season • Next Traffic Controller Course • Fund Raising BBQ at the Crits • Registration for 2015 is now open • Handicapping • Interstate Events • Racing this Week Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton. Having problems with IMGIf you are having difficulties with the IMG registration, please follow the instructions on the IMG website and if that cannot solve your problem then contact the club at membership@actvets.cc Lee Hopson races in Style This October I raced in the first Australian Brompton Championships on a Crit course at Sydney’s Olympic Park. The 30 minute Crit was run by Lidcombe Auburn Cycling Club. This was the first Australian Championships but National Championships are also run in places like Austria, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, Taiwan and the USA. If you’re not familiar with Bromptons they are a strange looking small-wheeled design that can be quickly folded and either transported on trains and buses or carried up flights of stairs to flats or offices. Built in London they are now the UK’s most prolific bicycle manufacturers with some 35,000 units made each year. The race is slightly different from other Criteriums as the rules are that participants must ride a Brompton bicycle, must wear a collared shirt, a tie and a jacket. No visible Lycra garments and an approved helmet. The race start is a ‘Le Mans’ style with racers running to their folded bikes, and unfolding them before getting onto the Crit circuit. Paul Craft was the race commentator and as there were other cycling events happening on the same day there was a rather large crowd to cheer everyone on. Its hot racing in a tie and a blazer and once the race had started, I found out much to my amazement that I was racing against Steve Hodge who was some where in the bunch. The first male and female racers win return air fairs to the UK to participate in the World Championships as well as the honor of out folding and out pacing everyone else in the field. There are prizes for the best dressed and also for the fastest folders. It’s on again next year and with the sales of Bromptons going up and several Canberra bike dealers selling them, the race will only get bigger. Cheers Lee Hopson
Race Fees for Summer Season The race fees for the summer season have been set as follows; • Road races - $10 • Criterium - $5 • Track - $5* *Note: The Track Hire is a fixed fee for the evening so as long as the number of track riders remains at current levels, the $5 fee is sustainable. If the number of participants declines, then the fee may need to be reviewed.
Next Traffic Controller CourseAs a result of the popular demand placed on the training so far, there will be one other training day scheduled for Saturday 22 November. This is an additional day supplied by Roads ACT. For ease of administration, Capital Cycling will take on the registration process for this training. The training day will be; Registrants are asked to provide the necessary details at the following registration platform: https://eventdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=8523&OrgID=4426 Please ensure that all details are completed. If the registrants are available to undertake the training on 22 November, please ensure that this date is nominated in the registration process. Could you also please contact Ben Davis Ben.Davis@Teradata.com and let him know you have registered. If you have any questions, please contact John Armstrong on 02 6248 7995.
Fund Raising BBQ at the CritsSome club members will be riding the Hartley Lifecare Challenge from Canberra to Mt Kosciusko and back in late November. For the next four weeks they will be running a BBQ at the crits to raise some much needed funds for this wonderful cause that helps people living with disability in our community. So after you have done the hardwork in your race, we encourage you to stick around and buy something to eat and drink.
Registration for 2015 is now openThe Registration system on IMG is open for next year's subscriptions. Simply go to the IMG site. Logon with the username and password that you used to register last year. The annual subscription for 2015 remains unchanged. Note that if you are not currently a member, you can register now and get the remainder of this year and all of 2015 for the one fee.
HandicappingThe handicapper has seen fit to turn his gaze upon his own form and decided to put himself up; • Robert Langridge B -> A • Jason Parkes B -> A • Alan Bontjer B -> A • Stuart Stabler C -> B • Damien Obst C -> B • John Barnes D -> C • Stephen Cusack D -> C • Andrew Murrell C -> B • James Curran E -> D
And a reminder that riders are not to downgrade themselves without approval from the Handicapper. Interstate Events• Tour of Two Rivers, Sunday 23rd November • Classic Adelaide Masters Cycling Series during the Tour Down Under week 17-25th Jan 2015. • 2015 Riverina Rush Cycling Classic - Narrandera
RACING THIS WEEK:Tuesday, 11th November: Stromlo CriteriumWhere: Stromlo Forrest Park The nominated marshals for this event are; • Kristi McVay • Geoff Strang
Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
Wednesday, 12th November: Track RacingThe Program for Wed 12 November is as follows:
Sunday, 16th November – Uriarra Homestead Graded ScratchWhere: Uriarra Homestead, Uriarra Rd - Brindabella Rd T-Junction. The nominated marshals for this event are; • Kev Hennessy • Simon Milnes • Adrian Rollins • Christophe Barberet • Paul Welsh
Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
End of Year EventsThis year, the End of Year presentation BBQ will be held on Tuesday 9th December and the traditional Christmas Wheel Race will be the 16th December.
RACE REPORT:Narrabundah Track Racing – 5th NovemberEarly completion of remedial work on the Bundadome provided an opportunity to reinstate a previously cancelled track session on Wednesday, 5 November. We had good attendance with 19 riders and a number of interested spectators, some of whom will likely race in future. The A grade scratch race was again tactical. However, an early break by Ed Garnett and Michael Langdon was brought back. Steve Jones powered to a win from a bunch sprint. The B Grade bunch stayed together during their scratch race, allowing Brad Sellwood to win with a fine sprint. The 20 lap points races were hard events, with sprints every 5 laps. Steve Jones dominated A Grade winning three of the four sprints. In B Grade, Craig Kentwell and Brad Sellwood garnered equal points to share a win. Ashley Sked provided some excitement with a break in the final few laps of the B Grade race. However, his initiative went unrewarded when he faded in the final lap. The Italian Pursuit races were both close. Uneven team numbers was compensated for by one rider in the smaller team doing an initial two laps before dropping out. The B Grade Italian pursuit was particularly close with less than 200mm deciding the race outcome. Major place getters were as follows: |
z11.1 Nov 3 Bleat
Hello Vets,In this week's Bleat; • Rider Insurance • Next Traffic Controller Course • Marshal Roster for the Remainder of the Year • Fund Raising BBQ at the Crits • Registration for 2015 is now open • Latest Handicapping • Interstate Events • Racing this Week
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton.
Rider Insurance As you may be aware from the recent news, a judgement for damages was handed down in the case of Franklin v Blick as a result of a cycling accident. The committee is currently sourcing the full details of our current policy through the AVCC so that club members can understand what we are fully covered for. We'll keep you posted on the outcome. Next Traffic Controller Course As a result of the popular demand placed on the training so far, there will be one other training day scheduled for Saturday 22 November. This is an additional day supplied by Roads ACT. For ease of administration, Capital Cycling will take on the registration process for this training. The training day will be; Registrants are asked to provide the necessary details at the following registration platform: https://eventdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=8523&OrgID=4426 Please ensure that all details are completed. If the registrants are available to undertake the training on 22 November, please ensure that this date is nominated in the registration process. Could you also please contact Ben DavisBen.Davis@Teradata.com and let him know you have registered. If you have any questions, please contact John Armstrong on 02 6248 7995. Marshal Roster for the Remainder of the Year Nominated Marshals please check your availability and arrange a replacement if you cannot make your event;
Fund Raising BBQ at the CritsSome club members will be riding the Hartley Lifecare Challenge from Canberra to Mt Kosciusko and back in late November. For the next four weeks they will be running a BBQ at the crits to raise some much needed funds for this wonderful cause that helps people living with disability in our community. So after you have done the hardwork in your race, we encourage you to stick around and buy something to eat and drink. Registration for 2015 is now open The Registration system on IMG is open for next year's subscriptions. Simply go to the IMG site. Logon with the username and password that you used to register last year. The annual subscription for 2015 remains unchanged. Note that if you are not currently a member, you can register now and get the remainder of this year and all of 2015 for the one fee. Latest Handicapping The Grade changes this week from the Handicapper; • Andrew Welsh C -> D • Luke McGowan F -> E • Sue Frost E -> F • Kim Malcolm E -> F • Stuart Stabler D -> C And a reminder that riders are not to downgrade themselves without approval from the Handicapper. Interstate Events• Fantastic weekend at Cootamundra! - 8th-9th November • 2015 Riverina Rush Cycling Classic - Narrandera
RACING THIS WEEK:Tuesday, 4th November: Stromlo Criterium
Where: Stromlo Forrest Park The nominated marshals for this event are; • Reinhard Mauch • Liz Lowe Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
Wednesday, 5th November: Track RacingRegrettably, the Bundadome is out of action for two weeks to smooth some bumpy surface areas causing rider complaints. The next racing will be 12 November. Sunday, 9th November: There is no road race this weekend due to the Tour de Femme The Tour de Femme is on this weekend and is women’s-only twenty four kilometer ride that doubles as both a race and a participation event. Full details at http://www.canberracyclingclub.org.au/women/tour-de-femme/.
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z10.4 Oct 27 Bleat
Hello Vets,In this week's Bleat; • Fund Raising BBQ at the Crits • Registration for 2015 is now open • The Handicapper Awakes • Another Marshalling Course • Everesting the National Arboretum • Ride 2 Remember • Interstate Events • Racing this Week • Race Reports
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton.
Fund Raising BBQ at the Crits Some club members will be riding the Hartley Lifecare Challenge from Canberra to Mt Kosciusko and back in late November. For the next four weeks they will be running a BBQ at the crits to raise some much needed funds for this wonderful cause that helps people living with disability in our community. So after you have done the hardwork in your race, we encourage you to stick around and buy something to eat and drink. Registration for 2015 is now open The Registration system on IMG is open for next year's subscriptions. Simply go to the IMG site. Logon with the username and password that you used to register last year. The annual subscription for 2015 remains unchanged. Note that if you are not currently a member, you can register now and get the remainder of this year and all of 2015 for the one fee. The Handicapper Awakes The Handicapper has awoken from his winter slumber and had cast a critical eye across the field. This week's changes are; • Damien Obst D -> C • Simon Tennent TBA -> B • Peter Prammer B -> C • Dave McCook A -> B • Russell Marston C -> D • Vince Dunn C -> D • Andrew McKechnie TBA -> D • Seymour Savell-Boss D -> E And a reminder that riders are not to downgrade themselves without approval from the Handicapper. Another Marshalling CourseWe have had word that there may be another marshalling course coming soon. Dates are to be determined but if you are interested could you please contact Ben Davis Ben.Davis@Teradata.com and let him know. Everesting the National Arboretum What is you ask? Everesting is repeating a hill on your bicycle until you reach the 8848 climbing meters gained to summit Mt Everest. I hope to inspire others to join the RECOGNISE movement and to promote Indigenous health. Join me and the Recognise crew for a yarn and a feed at the Southern Deck for a great family day out (and if you are keen bring your bike as well); The Arboretum is a 120 metre climb so I’ll need to do 78 laps (just to be safe). One whole lap is 4.3 kilometres which means I’ll ride 335km all up. I plan to start at 3am on Saturday 1 November, and aim to finish between 8pm to 10pm. Public access to the Arboretum is from 6.30am (riders willing to join me early on will have access from the side gate before 6.30am). If you are keen to volunteer on the day, please get in touch at media@recognise.org.au Chris Simpson Ride 2 RememberIt is the inaugural Ride 2 Remember, scheduled for November 2nd. It's purpose is to get the Australian public to think about the contemporary veteran when they take their minutes silence on November 11th, and to fundraise for their support in the lead up. There will be 30km and 15km circuits around the Lake, which will finish at the Australian War Memorial Rides will start from 8:00am and wrap up by lunchtime. We want to encourage families and social groups along, and it sounds like your group might enjoy participating for a social event(even though it may be a bit short by your standards and is not a timed race!). This is the first year we are running the event and would love to get as many participants supporting our cause as possible. If you'd like more information, please head to http://soldieron.org.au/events/ride-2-remember Interstate Events • Fantastic weekend at Cootamundra! - 8th-9th November • 2015 Riverina Rush Cycling Classic - Narrandera
RACING THIS WEEK:Tuesday, 28th October: Stromlo Criterium
Where: Stromlo Forrest Park The nominated marshals for this event are; • Patrick McNamara • Anne Broadbent
Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
Wednesday, 29th October: Track RacingRegrettably, the Bundadome is now out of action for two weeks to smooth some bumpy surface areas causing rider complaints. The next racing will be 12 November. Sunday, 2nd November: There is no road race this weekend Unfortunately, all the race arrangements are still not in place to be fully compliant. RACE REPORT: Narrabundah Track Racing – 22nd OctoberThe season’s second track race session was held on Wed 22 October. Again, we had good attendance with 22 riders and several interested spectators. Racing is now in full swing, with most riders comfortable and reasonably proficient on the banking. As usual the A grade scratch race was exciting and tactical with a number of breaks and feints before Andrew Peel, Jim Davey and Michael Langdon powered to a close finish. The 2-Lap handicaps in A and B Grade were not quite as close as hoped for. However, Aaron Rockey and James Meredith made the most of their handicaps to hold off the pack for very well deserved wins. In the A Grade mystery race, Michael Langdon made a well timed break on lap six. His initiative was rewarded by a convincing win, as the finish lap had been secretly set as lap 7. Major place getters were as follows: 8 Lap Scratch: (A Grade) Andrew Peel, Jim Davey, Michael Langdon; (B Grade) Craig Kentwell, Glen Howard, James Meredith. 2-Lap Handicap: (A Grade) Michael Langdon, Andrew Peel, Ben Robey; (B Grade) James Meredith, Ashley Sked, Glen Howard. Mystery Race: (A Grade) Michael Langdon, Chris Thompson, Ed Garnett; (B Grade) Craig Kentwell, Glen Howard, Bruce Griffin. 6 Lap Scratch: (A Grade) Ed Garnett, Chris Thompson, Michael Langdon. The newly refurbished venue for track racing is rekindling enthusiasm. The track is pure excitement to race on. If you have a track bike, come and joint the fun.
Graeme O'Neill. |
z10.3 Oct 20 Bleat
Hello Vets,In this week's Bleat; • Fund Raising BBQ at the Crits • Everesting the National Arboretum • Renovation and repair of "The Bundahdome" • Fitz's Challenge – 26 October 2014 • Ride 2 Remember • Interstate Events • Racing this Week • Race Reports
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton.
Fund Raising BBQ at the Crits Some club members will be riding the Hartley Lifecare Challenge from Canberra to Mt Kosciusko and back in late November. For the next four weeks they will be running a BBQ at the crits to raise some much needed funds for this wonderful cause that helps people living with disability in our community. So after you have done the handwork in your race, we encourage you to stick around and buy something to eat. Everesting the National Arboretum What is you ask? Everesting is repeating a hill on your bicycle until you reach the 8848 climbing meters gained to summit Mt Everest. I hope to inspire others to join the RECOGNISE movement and to promote Indigenous health. Join me and the Recognise crew for a yarn and a feed at the Southern Deck for a great family day out (and if you are keen bring your bike as well); The Arboretum is a 120 metre climb so I’ll need to do 78 laps (just to be safe). One whole lap is 4.3 kilometres which means I’ll ride 335km all up. I plan to start at 3am on Saturday 1 November, and aim to finish between 8pm to 10pm. Public access to the Arboretum is from 6.30am (riders willing to join me early on will have access from the side gate before 6.30am). If you are keen to volunteer on the day, please get in touch at media@recognise.org.au Chris Simpson Renovation and repair of "The Bundahdome"Renovation and repair of sprinters lane in turns one and two will begin on 27 October and be completed by 5 November. The contractors have advised that they expect the track to be available for use on the intermediate weekend (1,2 November). Vets track racing organisers will meet soon and advise on the season plans after the initial practice sessions Fitz's Challenge – 26 October 2014 Canberra's biggest and best known long-distance one-day cyclo-sportive participation event on sealed rural roads in hilly terrain in the southwest of ACT. Challenge yourself over 255 km, 205 km, 165 km, 105 km or 50 km – these are serious physical challenges to test your capabilities. (The 205 and 255 km rides qualify as Audax rides for those interested). Conducted by Pedal Power ACT (www.pedalpower.org.au) Full details and registration at www.fitzs.com.au Ride 2 Remember It is the inaugural Ride 2 Remember, scheduled for November 2nd. It's purpose is to get the Australian public to think about the contemporary veteran when they take their minutes silence on November 11th, and to fundraise for their support in the lead up. There will be 30km and 15km circuits around the Lake, which will finish at the Australian War Memorial Rides will start from 8:00am and wrap up by lunchtime. We want to encourage families and social groups along, and it sounds like your group might enjoy participating for a social event(even though it may be a bit short by your standards and is not a timed race!). This is the first year we are running the event and would love to get as many participants supporting our cause as possible. If you'd like more information, please head to http://soldieron.org.au/events/ride-2-remember Interstate Events • 2014 Jones Winery Flat Chat Challenge! - 25th October 2014 • Fantastic weekend at Cootamundra! - 8th-9th November • 2015 Riverina Rush Cycling Classic - Narrandera RACING THIS WEEK: Tuesday, 21st October: Stromlo Criterium
Where: Stromlo Forrest Park The nominated marshals for this event are; • Luke McGowan • Damien Pollard • Stjepan Hirsler
Please confirm with the Race Director that you are available. If you unable to make the date that you have been rostered please find a replacement.
Wednesday, 22nd October: Track RacingWhere: Narrabundah Velodrome There is no road race this weekend
RACE REPORT:Stromlo Criterium – 14th OctoberThe crit on the 14th wasn't cancelled rather it was a non event for lack of riders. Admittedly the continuing rain in the morning was off-putting but by late afternoon the track was dry. It was cold and blustery though. So at 5.45 with no G graders it wasn't looking promising. By 6 we had a handful of riders but not enough to make a race for any one grade or even a combination. So at 6.15 we abandoned. Well done to the few hardy souls who turned up to race. Thanks to Graham Hendrie for opening up and preparing for race registrations. Mick Jermyn was ready to marshal so all the elements were in place. Hopefully better weather this week.
Thanks to Rob Diamond for race refereeing.
Narrabundah Track Racing – 15th OctoberThe season’s first track races were held on Wed 15 October. The session had good attendance with 20 riders giving the Bundadome a workout. All grades completed an echelon practice session, despite interruption by rain, for a short period. All riders completed a 2-lap time trial and A Grade completed an 8-Lap scratch race before the light faded. The A grade scratch race was exciting, with a gutsy break from Michael Langdon, successfully chased down by Steve Jones and Jim Davey. Major place getters were as follows: 2-Lap Time trial: (A Grade) Jim Davey 48.53s, Steve Jones 48.54s, Steve Dean 48.83s; (B Grade) Craig Kentwell 56.06s, Bruce Griffin 57.75s, Steve Hirsler 57.90s 8-Lap Scratch Race: (A Grade) Steve Jones, Jim Davey, Michael Langdon The new venue for track racing seems to be rekindling enthusiasm. If you have a track bike gathering dust in the garage, come and joint the fun. Graeme O'Neill. |
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