7.5 July 30 Bleat

Post date: Jul 30, 2012 9:11:22 PM

Hello Vets,

In this issue of The Bleat;

· Racing this Week –Gunning Graded Scratch.

· Lookout Hill – Race Director’s report.

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

Ian Morton.

RACING THIS WEEK:

Saturday, 4^th August: Gunning Graded Scratch

Where: Summit of hill about 1.5 km NE of Gunning. Park off the road at top of hill adjacent to the start finish.

When: 1:30 pm.

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

Race Description:

ABCD: Gunning – Breadalbane - Finish

EFG: Gunning - Poplars - Finish

Race Director: Michael Fawke

Contact: Email: mjfawke@internode.on.net Ph 6223 2291

Help Needed on Saturday: Michael will need a two road marshals, lead and trail car drivers and helpers at the finish line to run the race. Please contact Michael if you can assist.

Reminder about the Rules

We need to comply with the rules of the road when racing. If we are not obeying road rules, we could find our approvals being withdrawn for future races.

It’s also important to remember that we need to comply with the rules set down by the National Veterans Cycling body. This applies to rules such as helmets, clothing standards, bike safety requirements. These are important because they can affect our insurance liability in the event of an accident.

So please treat all of the rules seriously as they could affect our ability to continue with this sport.

Old Federal Highway Handicap Race Report

The F & A Tonelli Trophy was held on a sunny day with a light breeze that bought out a big turnout. 92 riders came out to enjoy the pleasant conditions and challenging course.

The trophy is in memory of Frank Tonelli, a long time active member of the club, who passed away last year.

After the first leg along Shingle Hill Way, the grades were holding their positions. Mike Spoljaric and Jing Huang from G Grade were valiantly leading out while the following grades were starting to break up. Last to complete the leg were A Grade but it was clear they were making up time on the field.

After the first lap out to Lake George and back, Mike and Jing were still holding on to their lead followed by most of F and E Grade but closing fast behind was A Grade who had already overtake three other grades.

By the time the race was on its way back from Lake George on the second lap, the call had come over the radio from the lead car that A Grade had reeled in the leaders.

As the leaders came over the hill, it had come down to a shootout between the top three in A Grade. Graeme Allbon took the final sprint over Stephen Blackburn and Ian Downing.

The Tandem pair of Don Mankewich and Ashley Carruthers came in a strong 5^th place after having been handicapped ahead of C Grade.

Thanks to Mike Hayes and Chris Short in the escort cars and Michael Carr, Elton Ivers and Polly Templeton on turn marshal duty. Special thanks to the ever reliable Henry Beaverstock and James Meredith for helping out at the start and finish line.

Thanks also to Carol Coulton (Phil’s wife) who filled in as First Aid officer when the scheduled first aider was unavailable.

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

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.