6.4 June 25 Bleat

Post date: Jun 26, 2012 10:36:17 AM

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

· Racing this Week –Lookout Hill

· Old Federal Highway – Race Director’s report.

· Centenary of the ACT and ACT Vets 20^th Anniversary – We are looking for ways to celebrate.

· In this week’s Member Profile we look at new member, Andrew Simpson.

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

Ian Morton.

RACING THIS WEEK:

Saturday, 30^th June: Lookout Hill Graded Scratch

Where: Lookout Hill, Tidbinbilla Road.

When: 1:30 pm.

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

Race Description:

Lookout Hill - Tharwa Short Turn - Pt Hut- Apollo Rd.

Race Director: Doug Widdup

Contact: Email: widdup@homemail.com.au Ph (02) 6241 8665

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

Don’t forget to bring your helmet with you when you signon

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.

Old Federal Highway Race Report

Ninety-eight starters, stacks of DNFs, a very chilly wind, and some great racing was had at the Old Fed North course on Saturday. You can see the results to know who triumphed over whom, but one finish I did enjoy was watching Damien Clark nonchalantly pedalling in for a B grade victory while the B grade bunch were sprinting madly behind. Although separate bunches left at the start, it was quite surprising to see the amount of carnage by the time "groups" returned for the left turn to Lake George. And this was the case for every grade. I'll be better able to describe the races when the club buys a red car and I'll follow the race with my head stuck out the sunroof.

Mike Hayes and Des Brown established their own 46-km-is-not-enough club by despite marshals wearing high-vis vests, holding lollypops and standing next to witches hats (a subtle hint to turn around) still wanted to ride off into oblivion! Mike's probably ridden on this course a dozen times, yet the lure of a beer at the Gundaroo pub was too much perhaps. Special thanks go to Graham Hendrie for bringing out the van, setting up the computer and recording all the results in addition to much, much more. He showed his versatility by also winning his grade. Henry Beaverstock once again put in a faultless performance as race timer. Alex O'Shea showed me how you can remove a dead fox from the road armed with only a piece of polystyrene, and did a great job on the turn and the chute. Owain Tilley must have been better at marshalling than Alex, however, as he was successfully able to turn around all riders, and thereby stopping them from plunging into Lake George. Malcolm Patterson and Laurie were also indispensable at the turnaround and the neutral corner. Jing Huang and Tom Hartley no doubt had the toughest jobs of the day in the lead and trail cars. Ian Morton did a splendid task in putting out signs at the turns.

Thanks to Robert Langridge for Race Refereeing.

Race results on the RMS: http://rms.actvets.cc/

For anyone who wants the detailed times, you can get them from http://www.actvets.cc/results/2012-winter-season-results

Do you have any good ideas for next year?

Next year marks the 20^th Anniversary of the ACT Veterans Cycling Club (21^st August to be precise). It also happens to be the Centenary of the ACT.

We are looking for suggestions as to something we could do next year to celebrate the anniversary of the club with a tie in to the Centenary celebrations.

The ACT Government is already handing out grants for events for next year so if you can think of a good idea, any suggestions will be gratefully received.

ACT Veterans Member Profile

In our next member profile we look at we look at new member, Andrew Simpson;

How long have you been a member of ACT Vets?

This is my first year as a Vet

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

Well I can’t say I have raced on too many different courses, however every race has been a good challenge in different ways. Overall I have just enjoyed the racing different formats-road, TT, crits

What Grade did you start in with the Vets?

B Grade.

How long have you been cycling?

I can’t remember when I started riding however I do remember the sense of freedom that was gained from owning my first BMX and hence rode everywhere as a kid. That freedom led to a 6 month solo European cycling/pub crawl in the early 90’s and on return to Australia sparked a passion in cycle racing and triathlon which continues 20+ years later (don’t hold it against me).

What got you interested in cycling?

As I eluded to earlier, the freedom of owning and riding a bike was always something that appealed to me.

What was your most memorable ride?

Southern Ireland, while the weather, narrow roads and crazy lorry drivers were challenging the local hospitality, sights and Guinness.

In cycle racing terms – Northern Territory Top End Tour.

What is/was your favourite bike?

The current bike I own, oldie but a goody – Torelli stiletto – 10 years old now , while I have upgraded to the newer version and planned on putting her into retirement, it has been too hard to bring myself to do it.

Where do you work?

The Canberra Hospital.

How do you find the time to train?

I get up early to train and fit in sessions when I can around family. I have a home trainer and rollers in front of the TV for those times when time is limited, not the favourite session but you have to do what you can. I try to commute to the hospital at least one or two times a week and if time permits add a few extra k’s on at the end of the day.

Do you have a special training regime?

Fit in as much as possible without overdoing it, I can’t say I have mastered that yet- I do like Deek’s Mantra – train smarter not harder.

What does your family think of your cycling?

One of the best things about cycling with two young daughters in the family is that when I return from a long ride or race I am usually met with the request of “can we go for a ride around the lake dad” . I must say I am lucky to have a very supportive wife who knows what is needed to compete in sport which makes it easy to get those early morning rides in.

An interesting fact about yourself;

My ambition sometimes far outweighs my ability – but it never stops me from trying.

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.