Annual Memberships are due this month: Members who are now renewing their memberships by EFT must complete and sign a 2012 membership form and either email the form to treasurer@actvets.cc, mail or bring along to an event. The disclaimer on our membership form has been amended in accordance with advice from the AVCC and the insurer. A 2012 licence will not be issued to renewing club members until a 2012 membership form has been received by the club. Details of this change can be found at http://www.actvets.cc/membership
Eligibility to Race on 3 January, 2012: If you are unfinancial when racing resumes on 3/1/12, you will not be permitted to race without paying first. Committee members will have their lists on hand and will be checking each entrant's status at registration. If you are paying by EFT, you must attach a hard copy of the payment to your signed membership form.
2012 Calendar Adjustments: (a) 21 January, Old Federal Hwy event is cancelled for lack of road approvals; (b) 12 February, Bega event postponed. Substitute events may be inserted, probably at Stromlo Park.
Racing after a Serious Illness: Our AVCC Racing Rules contain the following clause: "11. A medical certificate is required when a member returns to competition after serious illness or injury."
Current Grade Changes: These are available via the rms but will also be listed in Bleats in 2012 as a reminder to those too busy to check before racing.
For Sale: Our fond old friend, the club trailer, is for sale. He/she has been retired in favour of our sprightly new van, but is still fit for heavy duties. If you would like to make an offer, send it to the stable master Graham Hendrie at web@actvets.cc
AVCC National Championships 2012: Hobart 9/10/11 November 2012. AVCC AGM 12/12/12.


RACING THIS WEEK: LAST RACE OF THE YEAR 2011!
Tuesday, 20 December: Stromlo Crits from 5:45pm
Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.
Sign on: 15 mins before your grade's scheduled start time wearing your registered number. NO NUMBER; NO START!
When (approximate start and race times): G at 5:45pm for 15 min; CD at 6:00 for 30 mins; EF at 6:35pm for 25 mins; AB at 7:05pm for 35 mins.
Event Description: Stromlo Graded Criteriums
Race Director: Bruce Luckham
Contact: bruceluckham@gmail.com; tel. (02) 61613704
Help Needed: Bruce will need at least one volunteer to assist at the chute.  
 
RECENT RESULTS:
Peter McLennan Memorial Wheel Race, Stromlo Tuesday, 13 December.
In cool and breezy conditions 111 enthusiastic coursers, supported by family and other helpers, turned out to honour the memory of Peter McLennan and see Santa.

There was some hard charging, but also some strategic self-preservation on view in the heats, most obviously in A grade where the five qualifiers got away in a bunch. In D grade, the huge roll-out of 27 was able to resist all of the frequent but short-lived attacks (with the wind) up the back straight. Respective grade winners were Stuart Cathcart, Michael Fawke, Mark Vroomans. Lyndsey Vivian, Graham Tanton, Graham Hendrie and Mick Donaldson. Prominent among the lady qualifiers were Linda Banks, Sue Frost, Jing Huang, Pauline Thorn, Barbara Bayliss and Heather Sommariva. In C grade Janine Ridsdale might have easily won the 'most aggressive rider' award, had one been on offer.

The annual Peter McLennan Wheel Race is always thrilling, and this year's version never failed to deliver on excitement. It also produced many pain-embracing, courageous performances, two of which should endure in our memories for some years. Dispatched first, G grade scampered away into the breeze with no obvious plan of attack. F grade was an energetic trio working together, the E quintet was disciplined, D seemed stretched from the outset, and C looked cool and methodical. Casual but calculating, B waited for the rampaging A machine to arrive.

Gunnar Bursell, fresh from a year's lay off and to the delight of his very vocal admirers, was the first to establish a clear and dashing lead, powering into the wind after E grade had joined his F troop. At the same moment C caught D (they still seemed to be struggling) on lap 3, and while G grade persevered in its task Gunnar skipped away for his moment of glory. But he was soon eclipsed by a vigorous new challenger, Cath Kelleher (no novice, but racing with us for the first time). She then advanced her cause boldly, achieving an apparently unassailable position which she defended well into lap 5 and well clear of the inevitable A grade counter-attack.

Paul Connors and Ian Downing were by lap 4 in hot pursuit, but it was Ian who positioned himself for audacious (but apparently hopeless) last lap heroics. He did so spectacularly, with wind assistance, from Collarbone Corner, and I doubt that we have seen anyone change the complexion of a race so rapidly. There were loud cheers and warm support for both pursued and pursuer alike, but like any other missile Ian was suddenly there locking on to Kath's wheel. As they emerged from the top bend he found just a few seconds to draw breath and then executed the professional victory that made it look just a formality after all. But he'd had to dig deep to defeat such a determined challenger, and suffer as much as the defeated brigades - led home by Paul Connor, Michael Fawke and Paul Angelatos (results to be confirmed).

All were rewarded with a superbly organised BBQ cooked by the President and Jim Veal. And some collected medals won during the winter season points competition: Ian Downing, Graham Hendrie and Bruce Jones; Rosemary Robinson, Linda Stals and Pat Rooke. Graham Hendrie was also declared Club Volunteer of the Year.

Special thanks to Race Director Ian Morton (cunningly disguised) who was thoroughly supported by Henry Beaverstock and various Committee members cooking snags and monitoring registrations.

* For technical reasons some competitors and the Wheel Race Final do not yet appear on the rms, but for otherwise complete results of all events go to the web site http://rms.actvets.cc/

Queanbeyan Track Racing, Thursday, 15 December: Christmas Wheel Races
Robert Langridge prevailed this week to defeat the indefatigable Reinhard Mauch and Paul Ledbrook in the Roadies' Wheel Race. Ray Gorrell found form again to triumph over Steve Jones and Jim Davey in the Trackies' race. Best placed ladies were Rosemary Robinson (road) and Pat Rooke (track). Our thanks again to Graeme O'Neill and Alan Bontjer for directing. Here's Allan's Story:

"Two people will have their names etched onto the ACT Veterans Cycling Club Trophy for the 2011-12 Season Christmas Handicap.The wheel race was run over 4 laps, instead of the normal 2 for season wheel races. Rob Landridge won the roadies race from a mark of 90 metres, which Reinhard Mauch second, having to make up the full 90 on Rob. Paul Ledbrook a new rider took out third, doing a lot of hard work off 60 metres. Ray Gorrell won the track version, sprinting powerfully out of a large bunch who were just holding off Steve Jones (scratch) and Jim Davey who rode well off a big mark of 220 metres."

Track will start up again in 2012 on the second Thursday of January, so put Thursday, 12 January in your diary
Full results of the night can be found at www.actvets.cc/track/tracknews/trackresultssummer2011-12
The season points score can be found on the RMS.

Stromlo Longer Graded Crits, Sunday 11 December.
Perfect conditions and the prospect of a long, hard workout at Stromlo induced 65 competitors to return to the scene of Tuesday's wild sprints for a more measured program of Sunday racing. A grade was noticeably larger this week and produced a titanic struggle of the fittest: Steve Jones, defeated Reinhard Mauch and Christophe Barberet. A consistent Brendan Byatt finished ahead of Aaron Sedgmen and the rapidly improving Richard Bourne in B grade, while C Grade seemed full of those who are finding or returning to their best form, including Ross Robinson and Steve Schwenke who took the major points. Amongst the chasers were Jonathon Chowns returning from a long absence, and two D grade heroes, Vince Dunn and Mike Hayes, bent on self-improvement.

D grade was again the largest group, all fighters, and produced a hotly contested race. Dark horse, Paul Ledbrook, confirmed his potential (see Thursday's track results) in defeating Paul Clare and Michael McGurgan. John Coleman made another rare but welcome guest appearance in the pack. Brian Chugg beat Ian Morton in E grade with Linda Stals not far off in 4th. Phill Coulton struck like lightning to defeat Ian Shaw and Graham Hendrie in F, achieving his best result in more than 2 years. David Gould prevailed over Bruce Jones again in G, while Angelika Mauch finished ahead of Jing Huang.

Many thanks to Race Director Gordon McMenemy and his assistants. For full results of all events go to http://rms.actvets.cc/

Capital Summer Festival 40 km Parkes Way Cycling Time Trial, Sunday 11 December.
(Triathlon ACT & Canberra Cycling Club)
Race Number /Name /Time (hr:min:secs) /Place
757 Webster, Kenneth 00:57:01 1
733 Drew, Brad 00:57:57 2
707 Conolly, Andrew 00:59:11 3
491 Heiner, Callum 00:59:43 4
756 Croonen, Mark 01:00:17 5
728 Whitfield, Sean 01:00:25 6
761 Graham, Jesse 01:00:51 7
498 Mauch, Reinhard 01:01:11 8
763 Slater, Michael 01:01:50 9
470 Medlock, David 01:03:11 10
769 Smyth, Ben 01:03:18 11
492 Knowler & O'Connor (Tandem) 01:03:49 12
489 Yates, Andy 01:04:24 13
718 MacPherson, Ross 01:04:48 14
723 Sheather, Lee 01:06:17 15
495 Walker, Phil 01:06:48 16
487 Burns, Tim 01:07:33 17
762 Parker, Gabriel 01:07:34 18
719 Fenech, Matthew 01:08:02 19
496 Frew, Peter 01:08:08 20
765 Elder, Anthony 01:08:09 21
759 Elferkh, Tegan 01:09:32 22
494 Whitcher, Skye 01:09:38 23
488 Molineaux, Kate 01:10:19 24
499 Campbell, Hayden 01:12:31 25
489 Brozinic, Denise 01:12:48 26
768 Milton, Michael 01:13:10 27
667 Lowe, Johnathon 01:13:20 28
755 Bruen, Tim 01:14:13 29
764 Perkins, Sarah 01:15:39 30
730 Wurzer, Anton 01:16:38 31
715 Hiron, Darryl 01:17:04 32
758 Holmes, Eleanora 01:17:55 33
497 Finch & O'Connor(Tandem) 01:19:21 34
490 Harlen, Linda 01:19:48 35
766 Houghton, Kim 01:20:58 36
716 Paffett, Natasha 01:24:43 37
760 Drew, Leonie 01:28:51 38
717 Huang, Jing DNF
720 O'Neill, David DNF
482 Angeles, Peter DNF
767 Sanders, Francesca DNF
701 Barr, Angela DNS
702 Bolter, Sharon DNS
705 Bushell, Mark DNS
711 Essam, Vanessa DNS
725 Tilley, Owain DNS
729 Wilson, Denise DNS

Directing This Month?
See website for list of future events and allocated race directors. http://rms.actvets.cc/
Please notify James Jordan (handicapper@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence. If you are unable to direct for any reason please try to make alternative arrangements by swapping with other allocated Directors. If you cannot make a swap please give us at least a week's notice so we can call for a replacement in a timely fashion.

Current List to Jan 31:
Bruce Luckham (20/12/11)
Christmas/New Year: No scheduled races
Kim Malcolm (3/1/12)
Ross McPherson (7/1/12)
Steve Jones (10/1/12)
Kirsti McVay (17/1/12)
Alain Menager (24/1/12)
Francoise Mossard (31/1/12)

TIMELY REMINDERS:
Wheel Race BBQ Tomorrow!: The Committee will be putting on the traditional Wheel Race BBQ during tomorrow evening’s race at Stromlo. Vets, family, and friends are invited to the BBQ to see how much extra power a nicely cooked sausage gives them in, or recovering from, the sprint. Cooking will commence during the race, some soft drinks will be provided. Please BYO any performance enhancing beverages that you feel you may also need.

QBN Track Christmas Party, Thursday 15th December: Please bring a plate of food and a ho! ho! ho! something to drink. 

Next Committee Meeting: Wednesday 14 December at Weston Club at 7:30 pm.

Annual Memberships are due this month: Members who are now renewing their memberships by EFT must complete and sign a 2012 membership form and either email the form to treasurer@actvets.cc, mail or bring along to an event. The disclaimer on our membership form has been amended in accordance with advice from the AVCC and the insurer. A 2012 licence will not be issued to renewing club members until a 2012 membership form has been received by the club. Details of this change can be found at http://www.actvets.cc/membership

RACING THIS WEEK:
Tuesday, 13 December: Christmas Wheel Race Program from 5:45pm
(Shorter graded scratch races as a prelude to a fast, furious, final hcp.)
Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.
Sign on: 15 mins before your grade's scheduled start time wearing your registered number. NO NUMBER; NO START!
When (approximate start and race times): G at 5:45pm for 10 min + 1 lap; EF at 6:00pm for 12 mins + 1; AB at 6:15pm for 18 min + 1; CD at 6:40pm for 15min + 1.
Event Description: Normal competition points apply in these 'heats'. First 5 in each grade qualify for the Wheel Race Final at approx. 7:10 pm, a handicap in which the hares pursue the tortoises. Additional season points apply to this hcp. Teamwork is important to individual success. More details at the sign-on desk. The Committee will be putting on the traditional Wheel Race BBQ during and after the Wheel Race.
Race Director: Mick Jermyn
Contact: mick.jermin@optus.com.au; Tel. 62877345
Help Needed: Mick will need at least one volunteer to assist at the chute, and one more to help monitor the progress of the handicap. Several more are needed to assist Lee Hopson and Barabra Bayliss around the bbq.

Thursday, 15 December: Queanbeyan Track Racing
Where: Queanbeyan Park
When: Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm.
Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome.
Contact: track@actvets.cc
As always results can be found on the rms and more detail at http://www.actvets.cc/track/tracknews

Sunday, 18 December:  Stromlo Longer Criteriums.
Where: Stromlo Forest Park - Criterium track
When: CD at 8:00 am for 40 mins plus two laps; EFG at 8:45 am for 30mins plus 2; AB at 9:20 am for 50 min plus 2.
Sign on: at least 15 mins before your scheduled start time, wearing your registered number. NO NUMBER, NO START!
Race Director: Gordon McMenemy.
Contact: gordo4486@yahoo.com.au; Tel. 62924895
Help Needed: Gordon will require at least 1 assistant to help at the start/finish zone and the chute.  

RECENT RESULTS:
Stromlo Criteriums, Tuesday, 6 December.
91 competitors turned out in windy but rather gloomy conditions. Nonetheless, the racing was vigorous and enthusiastic as usual. Three ladies captured a share of the points: Jing Huang was second in G; Rosemary Robinson 5th in E and Linda Banks 3rd in D. Janine Ridsdale was a fighting 6th in C, but all the winners were blokes: Paul Connor (A), Stuart Cathcart (B) Brendan Byatt (C), Bob Perkins (E), Paul McKay (F) and David Gould (G). Newcomer Selwyn Snell had to be imported into D grade to defeat the sprightly Vince Dunn. Meanwhile, in E grade, Kelvin Alley finished a gallant third in his first crit since March.

Many thanks to Race Director Andrew Hislop, ably assisted by Henry Beaverstock and Barbara Bayliss. For full results of all events go to the web site http://rms.actvets.cc/

Queanbeyan Track Racing, Thursday, 8 December
Jing Huang was again prominent, winning the  Roadies' two lap hcp ahead of Robert Langridge and Peter Leach. Anton Wurzer again dominated the Trackies' hcp, beating Darren Clarke and Ray Gorrell over the line. Our thanks to Graeme O'Neill and Alan Bontjer for directing events.

Uriarra Homestead Time Trial, Sunday 11 December.
22 starters and 4 officials turned out in warm but showery weather . The winners within their grade categories were Polly Templeton (G), Ian Morton (F) Mal Rimes (E), Jeff Culnane (D), Aaron Sedgmen (C), Michael Falke (B) and Niels-Henrik Laugesen (A).

Many thanks to Race Director Andrew Peel, assisted by Graham Hendrie, Mike Spoljaric and Bruce Jones, for successfully managing this event and making it possible.  For full results of all events go to the web site http://rms.actvets.cc/

Directing This Month?
See website for list of future events and allocated race directors. http://rms.actvets.cc/
Please notify James Jordan (handicapper@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence. If you are unable to direct for any reason please try to make alternative arrangements by swapping with other allocated Directors. If you cannot make a swap please give us at least a week's notice so we can call for a replacement in a timely fashion.

Current List:
Mick Jermyn (13/12/11)
Gordon McMenemy (18/12/11)
Bruce Luckham (20/12/11)
Christmas/New Year: No scheduled races
Kim Malcolm (3/1/12)
Ross McPherson (7/1/12)

TIMELY REMINDERS:
Annual Membership Fees are due next month, and the good news is that although our insurance rates have increased, there will be no increase in membership fees in the short term.
Bleats will be again edited by Richard Gorrell, until mid-February 2012, so please send copy or questions to him at vice.president@actvets.cc

RACING THIS WEEK: 
Tuesday, 29 November: Stromlo Criteriums from 5:45pm
Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.
Sign on: 15 mins before your grade's scheduled start time wearing your registered number. NO NUMBER; NO START!
When (approximate start and race times): G at 5:45 for 15min; AB at 6:00 for 35min; CD at 6:40 for 30min; EF at 7:10 for 25 min.
Race Director: Peter Harding
Contact: pete.harding@bigpond.com.au; tel. 6255 6696
Help Needed: At least one volunteer to assist at the chute.

Thursday, 1 December: Queanbeyan Track Racing
Where: Queanbeyan Park
When: Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm.
Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome.
Contact: track@actvets.cc
As always results can be found on the rms and more detail at http://www.actvets.cc/track/tracknews

Sunday, 4 December: Uriarra Homestead Graded Scratch
When: 8:00 am Sunday 4 December.
Sign on: from 7:15 to 7:45 am wearing you registered number. NO NUMBER, NO START!
Where: Uriarra Homestead near intersection of Brindabella and Uriarra Roads
Parking: Off the road on the Homestead side of Brindabella Road. Please do not park on the opposite (left) side of the road which will be used as a start/finish zone.
Course: Start at Uriarra Homestead; ride uphill to Blue Range Spur; U-turn downhill to top of Uriarra Crossing; U-Turn back to Blue Range Spur, for second time; U-Turn to top pf Crossing for second time; U-Turn to finish at Homestead.
Race Distance: 38.2 km for all grades
Race Director: Angelika Mauch
Contact: rma33006@bigpond.net.au; tel.6299 6457
Help Needed: Angelika will require at least 3 road marshals and three other assistants to help at the start/finish zone and the chute.

RECENT RESULTS:
Lookout Hill Time Trial, Sunday 27 November.
38 starters and 5 officials turned out on a cool, breezy but fine morning. A grade provided the largest group and the fastest time of the the day for Allan Sieper (27.45) ove4r the 19.5 km course. Other grade winners included James Jordan, Les Ridsdale (by more than 3 minutes in C), Jeff Culnane, Pat Rooke, Ian Morton, Bruce Jones. Barbara Bayliss and Jing Huang were at their consistent best finishing second in their respective grades. John Barlow and Cameron led the tandems home.
Many thanks to Race Director Wayne Gregson, Aurelio Biurra, Bill Frost, Graham Hendrie and Chris Daly for making this event possible and successful.
For full results of all events go to the web site http://rms.actvets.cc/

Some Notes on Rules & Scoring for the Time Trials (from James Jordan):

All time trials are run as individual events, as well as part of an overall series.

To be considered eligible for the series title all races must be completed.

Riders who have a mechanical on a course will be considered to have raced, but will not earn any points.

Any bike, road or time trial, can be used for the course, but must be the same bike and wheel set for each course.  Penalty for using different bike or wheel set is 60 points.

Although it is expected that each rider will honour the series and try as hard as they can for each race the Series Director can decided that a rider has ‘sandbagged’. This is where a rider has deliberately gone slowly on their first effort on a course to maximise points.  Riders will be disqualified should this decision be made. Points are earned by beating the previous time run on each course. Each second is worth one point. (For example, Joan Smith's  first attempt on Short course is 34 min 15 seconds. The second attempt is 33 min 10 seconds. Difference in time is 1 min 5 seconds which equals 65 points.)

An additional 5 points will be issued for each course raced for the fastest rider in each grade.

Directing This Month?
Please notify James Jordan (handicapper@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence. If you are unable to direct for any reason please try to make alternative arrangements by swapping with other allocated Directors. If you cannot make a swap please give us at least a weeks notice so we can call for a replacement in a timely fashion.

See website for list of future events and allocated race directors. http://rms.actvets.cc/

NEXT WEEKS BLEAT WILL BE EDITED BY RICHARD GORRELL: Please send copy or questions to him at VICE.president@actvets.cc

Racing This Week:  Tuesday, 22 November: Stromlo Criteriums from 5:45pm

Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.

When (approximate start and race times): G at 5:45 for 15min EF at 6:00 for 25min AB at 6:30 for 35min CD at 7:10 for 30min (Approximate Start and Race Times)

Race Director: Darius Everett, darius.everett@health.gov.au, (02) 62883073

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time, wearing your registered number.

NO NUMBER; NO START!

At least one volunteer to assist at the chute.

Thursday, 24 November: Queanbeyan Track Racing

Where: Queanbeyan Park

When: Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm.

Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome.

Contact:track@actvets.cc

Some new track photos can be found at http://www.actvets.cc/photos of the riders group that turned up to track last night and then the roadies first scratch race.

A note out to trackies and roadies who we miss every week when they don’t turn up – Andre, Ottmar, Seymour, Alley, Dennis, James, Angie, Fiona, Linda, Braham, Sue, Rosemary, Reinhard, Angelika and more.

A big thanks to Allan Bontjer for “crutching along” to direct the meeting last night – Allan was struck by a motorcyclist last month and suffered a broken leg, so a big effort by him to come along and run the show.

As always results can be found on the rms and more detail at http://www.actvets.cc/track/tracknews

Anton Wurzer

Sunday, 27 November: Lookout Hill Time Trial (Wayne Gregson) Dist(19.5km)

Sunday, 27 November 8:00am start

Lookout Hill - Tharwa Short Turn - Pt Hut Turn - Finish at Lookout Hill

<<<For those of you present at last weekends race at Lookout Hill, Graham announced the Time Trial was to be at Uriarra. Clearly that is not correct and he has asked that we emphasise the location in this Bleat>>>>

Race Director: Wayne Gregson, wgregson@tpg.com.au, 62884398

Observation lookout on Tidbinbilla Road about 2.5 km towards Tharwa from Point Hut / Tidbinbilla Rd intersection (or about 4.5 km from Tharwa villiage).

Recent Results

Lookout Hill Graded Scratch. For full results go to the web site http://rms.actvets.cc/

No race report available however a small but quality field battled it out on the tough Lookout Hill course. I am pleased to see that a long list of marshals was on hand to help Race Director Ian Downing. Thanks to them for volunteering at short notice. Marshals on the day were Fiona Mavris, Jeff Culnane, Elton Ivers, Brad White, and Robert Langridge.

Directing This Month? Please notify James Jordan (handicapper@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence. If you are unable to direct for any reason please try to make alternate arrangements by swapping with other allocated Directors. If you cannot make a swap please give us at least a weeks notice so we can call for a replacement in a timely fashion.

See website for list of future events and allocated race directors. http://rms.actvets.cc/

Timely Reminders:    URGENT, URGENT! We have no Director for Tuesdays Crit this week (nominated director unavailable). If someone could please volunteer could they let James Jordan know so arrangements can be finalised ASAP. James can be contacted by phone 0400 966 695 or email handicapper@actvets.cc    THIS BLEAT AND NEXT WEEKS WILL BE EDITED BY ROB DIAMOND: Please send copy or questions to him at president@actvets.cc   Racing This Week:  Tuesday, 15 November: Stromlo Criteriums from 5:45pm Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit. When (approximate start and race times): G at 5:45 for 15min CD at 6:00 for 30min EF at 6:35 for 25min AB at 7:05 for 35min (Approximate Start and Race Times) Registration: at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time, wearing your registered number. NO NUMBER; NO START! Race Director: TBA Help Needed: At least one volunteer to assist at the chute. Thursday, 17 November: Queanbeyan Track Racing Where: Queanbeyan Park When: Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm. Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome. Contact:track@actvets.cc Sunday, 20 November: Lookout Hill Graded Scratch, Distance(46km/38km) Lookout Hill - Tharwa Short Turn - Pt Hut- Apollo Rd - return to Finish 500 Meters before lookout hill. EFG - Start, short Tharwa turn, Pt Hut, short Tharwa turn, Pt Hut, Short Tharwa Turn Finish. Race Director: Ian Downing, grosca@webone.com.au, (02) 6247 4636 Recent Events: There was no racing last weekend however many of our members participated or marshalled at the Tour de Femme. A quick look at the results saw as many as a dozen Vets ladies in the top 50. And there were some very good results. Janine Ridsdale came 7th overall finishing fast in the lead bunch. Congratulations to all Vets ladies who participated. The list is a long one. Directing This Month? Please Confirm Please check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence. If you are unable to direct for any reason please try to make alternate arrangements by swapping with other allocated Directors. If you cannot make a swap please give us at least a weeks notice so we can call for a replacement in a timely fashion. Volunteer needed (Stromlo, Tuesday 15 Nov) Ian Downing (Lookout Hill, Sunday 20 Nov.) Darius Everett (Stromlo, Tuesday 22 Nov.)

Timely Reminders: 

URGENT, URGENT! JIM CRUDEN NEEDS HELPERS TO KEEP SUNDAY'S RACE ALIVE: Contact him at  jcruden@ozemail.com.au, or (02) 6284 7766 ASAP today.

NO EVENT NEXT SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER: Sunday is an intended 'rest day'.

THE NEXT TWO BLEATS WILL BE EDITED BY ROB DIAMOND: Please send copy or questions to him at president@actvets.cc

Tuesday, 8 November: Stromlo Criteriums (Week 6) from 5:45pm

Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.
When (approximate start and race times): G at 5:45 for 15min; E/F at 6:00 for 15 min A/B at 6:20 for 25min; C/D at 6:45 for 20min.

Registration: at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time, wearing your registered number. NO NUMBER; NO START!
Race Director: Tony O'Connor

Contact: tel 6238 3673; email tony.o'connor@deewr.gov.au

Help Needed: Tony will need at least one volunteer to assist at the chute.

Thursday, 10 October: Queanbeyan Track Racing
Where: Queanbeyan Park
When: Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm.
Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome.
Contact:track@actvets.cc

Sunday, 13 November: NO RACE SCHEDULED

Recent Events:
Stromlo Crits, Tuesday 1 November.
What a difference sunshine makes! This week's racing induced a record turnout of 124 (including a crowd of 31 in D grade). It must be harder to get to the front and score points these days, but most of Tuesday's winners were on form and no strangers to the podium: Paul Connor, Reinhard Mauch, Paul Angelatos and Paul Rickets. Jane Jones scored her third victory in recent F grade appearances, while both newcomer Leigh Goldsmith (in G) and Simon Bateman (in F) won for the first time. An unfortunate crash disrupted the A/B race and recruited a new member for Club Clavicle (see Peter Marshall's story below). Many thanks to Race Director John Thorn for coping with this and successfully managing an exciting and extremely popular program.
Full results at http://rms.actvets.cc/

And Another Tale of Woe (supplementing those of Allan Bontjer and Andrew Peel):
Unfortunately last night didn't go according to my plan: i.e. sit in the pack huffing and surprise Ian Downing and others (and self) on the bell lap! The accident has resulted in a broken collarbone and a number of weeks off the bike. I would like to pass on my gratitude to those who assisted and those who put their bodies on the line by ushering riders around my sorry carcass (apologies to all grades for presenting an obstacle on course); a big thank you to Rod Bates who assisted and volunteered to cleaned up after me (bike etc). Sorry for ruining your race, Rod! And, apologies to John Thorn for interrupting the event. - Pete Marshall

Sunday 6 November: Uriarra-Mt McDonald Graded Scratch.
Apologies! Circumstances have required this early edition of the Bleat, so there is no report for this event yet. Thanks in advance to Jim Cruden and all who assisted. Please check for results at the usual site: http://rms.actvets.cc/

Directing This Month? Please Confirm

Please check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence.

Anthony O'Connor (Stromlo,Tuesday 8 Nov.)

Steven Dean (Stromlo, Tuesday 15 Nov)
Ian Downing (Lookout Hill, Sunday 20 Nov.)
Darius Everett (Stromlo, Tuesday 22 Nov.)

Timely Reminders: 

DIRECTOR REQUIRED FOR SUNDAY (to replace Chris Daly). This event will be abandoned if we cannot find a volunteer Race Director before Wednesday at 8:00pm. See race details below. Contact: handicapper@actvets.cc ; vice.president@actvets.cc

ALLAN BONTJER has survived his op and is now happily at home. He sends his thanks to all well-wishers and those who visited while he was bed-bound in hospital.

Tuesday, 1 November: Stromlo Criteriums (Week 5) from 5:45pm

Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.
When (approximate start and race times):  G at 5:45 for 15min; AB at 6:00 for 35min CD at 6:40 for 30min; EF at 7:10 for 25min. Registration at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time, wearing your registered number. NO NUMBER; NO START!
Race Director: John Thorn

Contact: jpthorn@gmail.com, (02) 6226 8023

Help Needed: John will need at least one volunteer to assist at the chute.

Thursday, 3 October: Queanbeyan Track Racing
Where: Queanbeyan Park
When: Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm.
Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome.
Contact:track@actvets.cc

Sunday, 6 November at 8:00 am: Uriarra Homestead/Mt McDonald Graded Scratch
Where: Uriarra Homestead at junction of Uriarra and Brindabella Rds.
Registration: From 7:15 to 7:45pm, wearing your registered number. No number - no start!
Course Description: Start > Condor Creek; U-turn back to start then to top of Uriarra Crossing U-turn; then to Uriarra/Brindabella junction and left onto Brindabella road to Mt. McDonald short turn; U-turn back to junction and left to Brindabella short turn; U-turn back to top of Uriarra Crossing again; U-turn back to finish at Homestead. As an option, G grade may choose to race the same course without the first leg - to Condor Creek and back
Race Distance: 48.2 km for all grades A to F; G grade option approx 36km.
Race Director: TBA


Recent Events:

Fair Weather Stromlo Crits Tuesday 25/10/11: Many thanks to Race Director Lee Hopson. Here is his forever optimistic account of the events of that memorable evening:

Sat 22 October: Lookout Hill Age Standard Time Trial
46 time-triallers including a brace of tandems were expertly managed by Race Director Jan Koehler assisted by Bill Frost and James Meredith. There were many outsatnding performances. That man of iron, Reinhard Mauch, struck again by winning the men's category with a time almost 7 minutes under Age Standard! The two he left in his wake, Owain Tilley and Peter Klein, were hardly 'defeated' men, since they both posted times more than 3 minutes under AS. In the women's division, Lee Sheather was also more than three mins. under her AS, and almost 4 minutes on the scale to the better of Rosemary Robinson and Barbara Bayliss who followed her in the rankings. Don Mankewitch (with Robert Bleeker) was again successful in the tandems division with a time just 2 seconds above AS. Lindy Hou (with Elton Ivers) and John Barlow (with Cameron Emert) filled the minor placings. See full results at http://rms.actvets.cc/

FIT ABILITY - Call for pilots:

Many of you are aware of the FIT-Ability program where visually impaired riders cycle on  tandem bike. In past years we have had as many as 8 tandems in the Tour de Femme. This year I have had to restrict numbers for the Tour de Femme as I do not have enough female pilots to allow all visually impaired women who may like to participate. We are also looking for new talent for tandem races in some Thursday night crits with Vikings and some vets weekend races. If you are interested in trying riding a tandem please call Rosemary Robinson on 0429811960 or rosemaryr2@iinet.net.au


Cycling ACT 2012 Calendar:
 
We are asking keen photographers in the Cycling community if they have any photos of any aspect of ACT Cycling or featuring ACT Cyclists taken in the last 12 months that they would like to see published in the ACT Calendar.
 
Photographs that people would like to submit for consideration to be included in the Calendar should be emailed to actcycling.photos@gmail.com
 
Photos need to be submitted by Friday 4th November 2011 to be considered for inclusion in the Calendar.
 
A $150 cash prize is available for the photo judged to be the best from those photos chosen for inclusion in the Calendar.  Submission of photos grants permission to Cycling ACT to publish the image in the 2012 Cycling ACT calendar and to use the image in promotion and marketing of the Calendar and Cycling in the ACT.
 
Cheers – Lexie
Cycling ACT

 

Directing This Month? Please Confirm

Please check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence.

John Thorn (Stromlo Tuesday 1 November)

DIRECTOR REQUIRED! (Uriarra Homestead Sunday 6 November, at 8:00 am)

Steven Dean (Stromlo Tuesday 15 November)

Help Needed: Lee will need at least one volunteer to assist at the chute.

Thursday, 27 October: Queanbeyan Track Racing
Where: Queanbeyan Park
When: Warm up from 5:30 pm; first race at 6:00 pm.
Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome.
Contact:track@actvets.cc

Saturday, 29 October, from 1:30 pm: Stromlo Scratch Races (Longer Criteriums)
Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit
Registration: From 1:00 and at least 15 mins before your scheduled start time, wearing your registered number. No number - no start!
When: E/F/G grade at 1:30 for 30 mins; A/B at 2:05 for 55 mins; C/D at 3:05 for 45 mins.
Race Director: Patrick McNamara
Contact: Patrick.McNamara@ipaustralia.gov.au; tel. (02) 6295 6671

Help Needed on Saturday: Patrick will need at least one assistant to help out at the chute.

Recent Events: From the Race Committee:
Directing This Month? Please Confirm

Timely Reminders:
It is compulsory to wear your registered number when racing. That number should have your emergency contact details on its reverse side, and be worn above your left hip. Directors are now asked to check that all competitors comply with this rule at the start line. NO NUMBER (and it must be your own or one allocated at the registration desk), NO START!

It is also required that when you renew your membership that you sign a disclaimer on the new 2012 form. Again, NO SIGNATURE - NO RACING! Desk officials and Race Directors should also be made aware of this fundamental requirement for trial riders and new members. For further explanation, see Mel Davies' notes below.

Crit Grades: If you do not have a nominated crit grade next to your name or number in the rms lists, you are expected to race crits in the grade you race road events.

Racing This Week:

Tuesday, 11 October - Stromlo Criteriums (Week 2) from 5:45pm

Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.

Sign-on: Wearing your registered number with emergency contact details on reverse, at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.

When (approximate start and race times): G at 5:45 for 15min;  E/F at 6:00 for 15 min; A/B at 6:20 for 25 min; C/D at 6:45 for 20 min

Race Director: Bryan McGlynn

Contact: e: brianmcglynn36@yahoo.com.au m: 0409 003534

Help Needed: Bryan will need at least one volunteer to assist him.

Thursday, 13 October 6:00pm - Queanbeyan Track Racing
Where: Queanbeyan Park
When: Warm up from 5:30; first race at 6pm.
Scratch races, two lap handicap, derny races and Italian pursuits. Road and track bikes welcome.
Contact:track@actvets.cc
There is a mailing list for track riders. If you would like to be added to this list please reply to track@actvets.cc 
Track News: http://www.actvets.cc/track and a news page http://www.actvets.cc/track/tracknews

Saturday, 15 October - Old Federal Highway Hcp
Where: The 'Gravel Pit' on Old Federal Highway at its intersection with Shingle Hill Way (TL from Federal Highway approx 9km from Sutton overpass).

When: Sign on by 1:15 pm. G grade starts at 1:30 pm, followed by others at prescribed intervals.
Race Description: Handicap.
Course: Start Gravel Pit; TL onto Shingle Hill Way; U-Turn near Yass River Crossing; Tl on to Old Federal Hwy, heading north towards Lake George; U-turn back to finish zone near Shingle Hill Way junction; U-turn for a second lap to Lake George turn and back to finish.

Race Distance:  Approx. 46 km

Race Director:  Paul Angelatos
Contact: pangelatos@providenceconsulting.com.au; tel. 62811077

Help Needed: Paul will need at least 3 turn marshals, two drivers (lead and trailing cars) and at least two others to assist at the start and finish. Please contact him as soon as possible.

The Need to Sign a Disclaimer when Renewing your Membership -
A Note from Mel Davies, AVCC Secretary/Treasurer:
"Please note that membership forms have to be endorsed with the signature of the applicant. This is to protect ourselves should an applicant later plead ignorance regarding the points raised in the declaration form.

We have received instructions from our Broker, who has been in contact with QBE Insurance, that says we have to tighten up our procedures regarding risk management, as is the practice for all other sports covered by the company. As part of that tightening we have been instructed to come up with a common Declaration for membership forms that must be adopted by all clubs as from 1st October this year (meaning old declarations have to be scrapped). Please note that this is imperative. We cannot afford to alienate the insurers and any club that does not conform with this instruction may jeopardise our future relationships with QBE. As we have to soon negotiate the insurance fees,  the necessity of abiding by their instruction should be obvious. As such forms may be called for should a serious accident occur than it is in the interests of all clubs to take this seriously.

The Declaration on membership forms must be as follows:
I the undersigned agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the . (name of state body), the Australian Veteran Cycling Council (AVCC) and affiliated clubs as they may be formulated from time to time. I further agree to observe and comply with all oral and written instructions issued by the appointed officials of the . (name of club), . (name of State body) and/or the AVCC. In consideration of my participation in the activities of the club I freely release the . (name of club),  the. (name of State body) and the AVCC, and officials of the aforementioned bodies from any and all liability for any injury, loss and damage arising out of the activities, I accept the dangers that may be involved in competitive cycling and undertake to participate entirely at my own risk. I understand that my registration fee includes a level of accident insurance cover and that details can be viewed on the AVCC web page. I acknowledge that the insurance benefits provided are limited and that I should consider carrying personal insurance as well as ambulance and private health cover. I further declare that I have no health problems that make me incapable of competing safely in AVCC events and that I will inform the AVCC or affiliates should health concerns arise.

Cover for insurance is dated from 1st October 2011 or time of receipt of your form if after this date and lasts until 31st December 2012. For renewals after 1st January 2012, please note the insurance company does not allow days-of-grace. All racing members are covered by insurance for racing and training (including private training) and all officials and affiliates are covered for public liability: N.B. A rider who reaches the age of 80 years before 1st January 2012 must obtain a medical clearance and a letter from a club official attesting to his/her ability to compete, and clearance must be received by the AVCC Secretary from the insurer before the rider is allowed insurance cover and permitted to compete.

NB - (i) regarding ambulance cover, one member last year received a shock when he discovered that while QBE covered part of his ambulance bill , he was still $2,000 out of pocket - thus the specific mention of that in the declaration.
(ii) regarding the warning of the dangers of cycle racing as a sport, this arises out of a current case being brought by a rider against the WA CA, whereby a triathlon rider who rode on the track for the first time, and fell, has sued CA because she was not warned that cycling was a dangerous sport."

Directing Next Month?: Please Confirm
Please check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence.

Bryan McGlynn ( Stromlo Crits - Tues 11 October)

Paul Angelatos (Old Federal Hwy Hcp – Sat 15 October).

Christophe Barberet (Stromlo Crits - Tues 18 October)

Jan Koehler (Lookout Hill Time Trial – Sat 22 October).

Timely Reminders:
Committee Meeting tonight at the Weston Club at 8:00pm.
Race Director still required for Old Federal Hwy Hcp on 15 October.

Racing This Week:

Tuesday, 4 October - Stromlo Criteriums (Week 1) from 5:45pm

Where: Stromlo Forest Park Circuit.
When (approximate start and race times): G at 5:45 for 15min; A&B at 6:00 for 35min; C&D at 6:40 for 30min; E&F at 7:10 for 25min.
Race Director: Sue Powell

Contact: sue.powell@anu.edu.au, (mob) 0427 609 364

Help Needed: Sue will need at least one volunteer to assist her.

Thursday, 6 October 6:00pm - Queanbeyan Track Racing
The track racing season will kick off with a practice session on Thursday 6 October at the Queanbeyan track. There will be no racing. All interested riders are invited - particularly new riders and track novices. It is a great opportunity to give track a try!

Note:
+ Queanbeyan track is located in the park in Central Queanbeyan (behind the police station);
+ Track & road bikes acceptable;
+ New riders can get practical advice on gearing, bunch riding & track etiquette;
+ Interested riders can try out a track bike;
+ Experienced riders can tune up the machinery & motor;
+ All riders can express their preference for events & races;
+ The practice session will be around 1hr 30 mins;
+ There is no formal structure to the practice. You can do your own thing.
+ We hope all riders will later adjourn to the Rendevous Cafe to discuss the coming track season.

A few basics on track etiquette for the practice session:
+ If you are cruising around the track, ride high (next to the rail);
+ Tempo riders use the centre of the track;
+ Use the inner track if you are circulating fast or sprinting;
+ Hold your line - don't make any sudden changes of speed or position;
+ Be very careful if you are crossing or moving on / off the track;
+ Start from the fence and be aware of riders approaching;
+ Be careful braking on road bikes. Remember the track bike on your arse has no brakes!

Regular track racing will start on Thursday 13 October.

Track News: http://www.actvets.cc/track and a news page http://www.actvets.cc/track/tracknews
There is a mailing list for track riders. If you would like to be added to this list please reply to track@actvets.cc

Saturday, 8 October - Stromlo Time Trial
Where: Stomlo Forest Park.

When: Sign on by 1:15 pm. Start in order of signing on from 1:30pm.

Race Distance: Out and back on SFP-Urirarra Road course = 20km.

Race Director: John Thorn
Contact: jpthorn@gmail.com, (02) 6226 8023
Help Needed: John will require at least 2 turn marshals and two others to assist at the start and finish. Please contact him early this week to offer assistance.

Directing Next Month?: Please Confirm
Please check the list below and notify Graham (webmaster@actvets.cc) if you are unable to meet your obligations or provide a substitute director in your absence.

Sue Powell (Stromlo Crits – Tues 4 October).

John Thorn (Stromlo Time Trial - Sat 8 October)

John McGlynn ( Stromlo Crits - Tues 11 October)

*Director Required (Old Federal Hwy Hcp – Sat 15 October).

Christophe Barberet (Stromlo Crits - Tues 18 October)

Jan Koehler (Lookout Hill Time Trial – Sat 22 October).