Post date: Sep 22, 2014 9:43:48 PM

Hello Vets,

In this week's Bleat;

• Narrabundah Track Practice Session

• Fitz's Challenge – 26 October 2014

• Interstate Events

• Racing this Week

• Race Report

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

Ian Morton.

ps A reminder that if your EMail address is not correct please go to the IMG system, login and update your contact details. Use this link. Same login details when you renewed your membership

NARRABUNDAH TRACK PRACTICE SESSION

WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 6.00 PM

ALL WELCOME - DONT MISS IT !!

This year the club’s track racing season will utilise the refurbished Narrabundah Track. Please note that this is a high-banked, oval track suitable only for conventional track bikes with a high bottom bracket. We will be unable to accommodate road bikes on this track.

The track racing season will kick off with a Practice Session on Wednesday 8 October. 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:

+ Narrabundah track is located off Goyder Street in Narrabundah;

+ Only track bikes are acceptable;

+ Many of the club’s track riders will be trying a high-banked track for the first time;

+ New riders can get practical advice on gearing, bunch riding & track etiquette;

+ Interested riders can try out a track bike (bring your own pedals and shoes);

+ 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. We will arrange some introductory training;

+ You can do your own thing, if you prefer.

A few basics on track etiquette for the practice session:

+ Use the designated track positions for cruising, tempo or fast pacing;

+ Hold your line - don't make changes of speed or position unless you are clear of other riders;

+ Be very careful if you are crossing or moving on / off the track;

+ Start from the fence and be aware of riders approaching;

+ All riders will need to be cautious as there will be many novice riders at the practice session.

If the practice session goes well, regular track racing will start on Wednesday 15 October. If riders are having difficulty adapting to the new track, we may schedule an additional practice session on 15 October and start racing a week later.

More information has been posted on the club website at http://www.actvets.cc/track

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

Interstate Events

• 2014 Jones Winery Flat Chat Challenge! - 25th October 2014

more information at http://www.joneswinery.com/events/2014/flat-chat-challenge-2014.html

• Fantastic weekend at Cootamundra! - 8th-9th November

more information at http://www.cootabikefestival.com.au/

• 2015 Riverina Rush Cycling Classic - Narrandera

- 28 Feb - Twilight Criterium

- 1 Mar - Road Cycle Classic

for more information contact Gerry Daly

RACING THIS WEEK:

Saturday, 27th September – Lookout Hill M & H Age Standard Time Trial

Where: Observation lookout on Tidbinbilla Road about 2.5 km towards Tharwa from Point Hut / Tidbinbilla Rd intersection.

When: 1:30pm

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

Race Description: Start, A, B, Finish (Lookout, Tharwa, Pt Hut, Lookout)

Race Director: Nick Boylan

Contact: Email paddlepower@grapevine.com.au Ph 0450962680

The nominated marshals for this event are;

• Simon Milnes

• Kev Hennessy

• Dale Teddy

• James Meredith

• David Gunther

• Jan Koehler

• Charles Nicoll

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.

RACE REPORT:

Old Federal Highway Handicap – 20th September

The weather was perfect, probably the best that I have seen at Old Federal Highway, warm with light winds. Despite the good weather, the numbers were a bit on the low side with only about 50 riders registering. Maybe the others were out watching the National Capital Tour trying to emulate the success of Barbara, Mary and Sue who managed to get themselves on Cycling Central last year. Fortunately though each grade was well represented, with maybe the exception of A grade who only had three riders.

I dare say that it was a memorable race for Stjepan Hirsler who managed to stay out the front for most of the race, and on his own for most of the time. This achievement is best noted when put in the context that many of the grades had started to come together already after the first lap of Shingle Hill. By the start of the first lap to the tulip farm E grade was catching the back of F grade, shortly followed by C and D grades. There was a bit of a gap to B and A grade. At the end of the first lap Stjepan was still some way in front. There was no obvious ordering of grades with most of the riders that followed, just a few small bunches. B and A grade were catching up, and had made up a large chunk of time.

I should also mention that Christophe Barberet predicted with some confidence that C grade was going to win the race. With the top ten positions being filled by 9 C grade riders I am sure he will be happy to let everyone know that he was right.

Congratulations to John Thorn, David Stewart-Thomson, Rob Diamond, Robert Langridge and Ian McVay for getting the first five places. Also to Brendan Byatt with the fastest time of 01:15:41. And well done to Stjepan who managed to get a very high place, coming in with some impressive company.

I would like to thank the marshals; Mary Lovett, Marc Vroomans, Adrian Rollins, Christophe Barberet, Sally Thomson and Rowan McMurray. I of course relied on their help a lot, it was great to have their support. Also thank you to Ian Morton for putting the signs out and Graham Hendrie and James Meredith for helping with the time keeping and setting up the equipment.

Thanks to Linda Stals for race refereeing.