5.4 May 28 Bleat

Post date: May 29, 2012 11:50:0 AM

Hello Vets, welcome to another issue of The Bleat. In this week’s issue;

· Racing this Week –Orroral Road

· Dog Trap Road – Race Director’s report.

· Sunday Morning Rides – For the enthusiastic

· Cyclists with a Disability – Part of the DBA Tour

· First Aid – New arrangements

· In this week’s Member Profile we look at Ron Parrello.

Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc

Ian Morton.

RACING THIS WEEK:

Saturday, 2^nd June: Orroral Graded Scratch

Where: Orroral River Camp Ground

When: 1:30 pm.

Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number.

Race Description:

ABCD (58km) Start to Orroral Tracking Centre (OTC), to Glendale to OTC, to Glendale, to the Finish.

EFG (48km) Start to OTC, to Glendale, to OTC, to Boboyan Rd IC, to the Finish(48km)

Race Director: Phillip Coulton

Contact: Email: Phill.Coulton@essentialenergy.com.au Ph 62911911

Help Needed on Saturday: Phil will need 2 road marshals and a couple of helpers at the finish line to run the race. Please contact Phil if you can assist.

Reminder of the New Rules

To meet new AVCC rules, the club will be required to meet the following conditions for racing;

· Helmets – All members must wear helmets that meet Australian Standards. Competitors must present their helmet for inspection prior to the race to confirm it has one of the Australian Standards approval labels (shown below) and is in good condition.

· Bikes – Bikes must be roadworthy. Bikes will be checked for independent front and rear brakes and fitted with handlebar plugs.

· Racing Jerseys must cover upper arms and shoulders.

· Race Number: All riders must wear race numbers. To assist in an emergency, contact details should be recorded on the race number.

Dog Trap Road Race Report

34 intrepid riders turned up at Dog Trap road for the Barry Cole Family Trophy - a secret handicap of 38kms.

The weather had been threatening all morning but although cold and windy, the rain held off, leaving the course damp but otherwise 'excellent' for racing.

As a secret handicap we had a massed start so there was no waiting around in the cold to set off the riders. A quick roll call, race briefing and away they went.

As the start was neutral till they rounded the corner and passed the crossing we saw no jostling and attacking from the start line but it did happen because by the time the first riders returned the field had comprehensively split up. Three riders came through led by Ian Downing who ended up with fastest time but not victory on the day. At that stage Ian was being well challenged/supported by Nick Boylan and Brendan Byatt, but by the time they next returned Ian had broken away not to be caught again.

The handicapper had worked his magic though and despite the best efforts of the lead riders, Tom Hartley on 5'30'' won the day by 35 seconds over Ian Downing and Brendan Byatt. First female rider was Linda Banks followed by Rosemary Robinson.

The trophy and medal presentations were made by Barry Cole on behalf of his family. As a founding and now life member of the club Barry pointed out that trophies such as his were donated in the early days of the club to provide an incentive to riders to perform well in races. Barry also remembered what it takes to organise a bike race and was on the line at the finish calling out numbers to assist another life member, Henry Beaverstock, who was doing the timing.

There was no shortage of volunteers to marshal on the day and thanks go to Henry Beaverstock, Owain Tilley, Malcolm Tew, Ross Robinson, Kev Hennessy, James Meredith and Bob Kent.

This race also saw the commencement of a trial of First Aid support at our road races. Our first aider in his well equiped vehicle fortunately had to perform no medical tasks, however riders and officials were happy to have him there given the damp course and cold windy conditions. John Thorne and Chris Nolan did their best to give Gary some work, with a touch of wheels sending John on an excursion into the grass on the side of the road and leaving a few spokes on the tarmac. Fortunately no injuries except to bikes.

The only other matter to report is the bogging of the club van driven by Graham Hendrie on to some very damp ground under James Meredith's direction! Luckily we had 34 riders to push the van back onto solid ground..

Thanks to Rob Diamond for Race Refereeing.

Full race results on the RMS: http://rms.actvets.cc/

Sunday Morning Rides

There’s a group of intrepid riders who set out from Lennox gardens on Sunday mornings at 7:30am. If you are looking for a recovery ride after Saturday’s race then you can get down there for a couple of hours riding finishing with a coffee in Civic.

Cyclists with a Disability

As part of the DBR Australia 2012 Junior and Women’s' Tour, the ACT Cycling Federation will be again conducting an Individual Time Trial for Cyclist with a Disability on Saturday 7 July 2012.

All cyclists with a disability aged 10 and older are encouraged to participate (boys, girls, women and men) are welcome.

All types of cycles and self-propelled cycle-like machines are welcome, including tandems and handcycles will be catered for. Participants will need to bring their own roadworthy cycle and helmet.

For more information please phone David 0419 414200 or go to http://canberratour.actcyclingevents.com.au/index.asp?IntCatId=29

New First Aid Arrangements

Our first trial of the professional First Aid took place on Saturday to test the effectiveness of the arrangements and enable assessment of the financial impact.

It is planned that we will still try to get enough qualified club members to be able to support events at the Criterium Track. Stay tuned for more information.

ACT Veterans Member Profile

In our next member profile we look at we look at new member Ron Parrello;

How long have you been a member of ACT Vets?

4 months.

What is your favourite course in the ACT Vets racing calendar and why?

Tuesday night crits. I love the adrenalin rush riding in a bunch at speed and the build up to the sprint.

What Grade did you start in with the Vets?

E Grade

How long have you been cycling?

44 years. My brother taught me to ride my first two wheeler.

What got you interested in cycling?

When my brother let go of the back of the seat without me knowing, and then realising I was riding by myself. Then I crashed!

What was your most memorable ride?

Amy’s Gran Fondo at Lorne along the Great Ocean Road in 2011. What a course! The best views in the world.

What is/was your favourite bike?

My current bike – a Giant. I had been riding my steel frame Malvern Star for 25 years. Then last year my mate and I were riding to work and I couldn’t believe that I could be that much slower than him. Then I bought my first carbon bike with bike shoes, lycra, etc and found Wiggle.com and haven’t looked back!

Where do you work?

Deakin, Canberra.

How do you find the time to train?

Time management! You can always find time to ride – it is just the motivation. I ride in the mornings before work. As long as I get at least an hour in, it is worthwhile.

Do you have a special training regime?

I have read the books – but ignore them all and do what feels right and suits me. I ride for fitness, fun and competition. I don’t know what took me so long to find this sport.

What does your family think of your cycling?

Very supportive. My wife reckons I have tight buns and look skinnier.

An interesting fact about yourself;

I smile, then laugh when it gets tough. I trick myself so that the adrenalin and endorphins kick in and then I never have a moment riding that I don’t enjoy.

Race Referees

The other change required by the AVCC is that all future racing must be conducted by club registered Race Referees. The race committee is asking for volunteers to take on the role. The Referee should be knowledgeable in the rules of the AVCC, and the club, and be willing to enforce those rules to the benefit of the club and its members.

These members will be put on a rotating roster to undertake their duties throughout the year, with consideration given to obligations. Each referee will receive their membership for the year that they are roster at the clubs expense.

As everyone has already joined for this year we will wave all future race fees for the rest of the year for all this years rostered referees in lieu. The need for volunteers is a matter of urgency and we must be able to meet this requirement before the start of the winter season when the new policy will take effect.

The important question to be asked is what happens if we don’t get the minimum number of referees. The race committee will be forced to reassess the calendar and reduce the number of races.

If you are prepared to take on this role, please contact James at handicapper@actvets.cc

First Aiders

One of the other items that the Race Committee need to follow up on are those members who are current holders of a First Aid Certificate who are will to register to aid the club in this role.

This does not preclude the rider from racing, or performing any other duties, but it is a requirement of the insurance that we know who these people are should we need to call on their services.

It is also important to note that should anyone wish to get their certificate the club will pay the costs involved.