Post date: May 08, 2012 12:10:50 AM
Hello Vets, welcome to another issue of The Bleat. In this week’s issue;
· Racing this Week – Stromlo Criterium.
· Apollo Rd – Race Director’s report.
· From the Desk of the Handicapper – Road Grading changes
· Community Feedback – ACT Government wants to hear from you.
· In this week’s Member Profile we look at Ian Downing.
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton.
Where: Stromlo Forest Park
Sign on: 15 mins before your grade's scheduled start time wearing your registered number.
When: (approximate start and race times): A/B at 1:30pm for 55/50 mins+2; C/D at 2:30pm for 45/40 mins+2; E/F at 3:20pm for 35/30mins+2; G/Tandems at 4:00pm for 25 mins+2.
Race Description: Stromlo Graded Criteriums.
Race Director: Andre Swenson
Contact:; Email: aswenson@tpg.com.au Ph (02) 6251 3780
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.
Ok another summit finish race at Honeysuckle has been run and won. With over 70 riders it has to be one of the largest fields for this race that the club has ever seen and the standard of racing was very high.
A grade was not the one horse race that most punters would expect. Although Ian Downing took the win in the end Brendan Byatt came in a close second. Patrick McNamara brang in third with the bunch coming in on mass.
The B grade, the biggest bunch on the day, finish was almost a bunch sprint with four riders fighting for line honours. Marc Vroomans taking the win followed by Andrew Terracini and Peter Young (at least there was one name in the results that I could pronounce).
Henry Thomson put some distance into his competitors to take out C grade with Andy Willis and Jason Parkes rounding out the podium.
D grade was taken out by Adrian Keough followed by Bob Harlow. Rico Finch just missed out on the line to Des Brown in a sprint for third.
Andrew Douglas, Bob Kent and Doug Widdup made up the E grade podium.
Justine Kennedy has a few problems finding the finish line before the race, but no problem finding it in the F grade taking out the win in style. Marianne Geoghegan and Belinda Wren both showing strong finishes.
Polly Templeton, who found her number in the end, took the win in G grade. Bob Miller Adrian Pridden came charging up the hill with smiles on their faces.
Thanks again to all the marshals who helped out on the day and apologies to everyone’s name that I butchered at the presentation.
Thanks to James Jordan for Race Refereeing.
Full race results on the RMS: http://rms.actvets.cc/
ps James is enjoying the stash of good stuff left in his car after Saturday’s race. Anyone wanting to retrieve any of their property will need to contact James with an appropriate amount of grovelling to get it back…
Road Grade Changes;
· Justine Kennedy – Road – F to E grade
· Marianne Geoghegan – Road – F to E grade
· Henry Thomson – Road – C to B grade
· Andy Willis – Road – C to B grade
The cycle bridge over Yarralumla Creek (north of the Yarra Glen/Melrose Drive/Yamba Drive roundabout) in Curtin was washed away during a severe storm in December 2011. The ACT Government is now consulting with the community on the preferred solution which redirects cyclists along the traffic bridge over Yarralumla Creek, adjacent to the Yarra Glen/Melrose Drive/Yamba Drive roundabout. This will require the construction of a 42 metre long cycle lane to connect Melrose Drive with the adjacent off-road cycle path.
People can go to the following website for more information and a map, then complete the feedback form if they want.;
In our next member profile we look at we look at Ian Downing;
How long have you been a member of ACT Vets?
I believe it was the beginning of the winter 2001 road season. Tired of caning (abusing?) myself I decided to ‘get it together’ again.
What is your favourite course in the ACT Vets racing calendar and why?
Orroral Valley . . . mmmm hilly.
What Grade did you start in with the Vets?
C grade. I said: Bill, are you sure? I then skipped B grade.
How long have you been cycling?
Since 1974, racing on & off since 1977 . . . mostly ‘on’ again since 2001.
What got you interested in cycling?
Well . . . It all began when I was around 8 or 9 years old. I started hanging around bike shops & as a child soaked up all of what was bicycles. The look, smell, colours & ambience of what is bikes & all that is bikedom. I was enamoured, hooked for life.
What was your most memorable ride?
Screaming down Umbrail Pass into Santa Maria, Switzerland September 2010 on my Specialized Roubaix with ‘Campy’ on it (NOT Shimano) while racing & beating down Paul Crake driving in his fire breathing Audi RS6 beast.
What is/was your favourite bike?
My Llewellyn road fixie: A bicycle named ‘Passion’.
Where do you work?
At home. My real job is being a dad (2x daughters, Beth 14yrs & Evie 11yrs).
However, I am a deeply passionate Freelance Performance Bicycle Mechanic and I have a palatial workshop at my residence. I spend my days & nights educating those who wish to come forth & learn about the details of cycling & their machines. I endlessly mechanically micro-tune modern & vintage bicycles. Generally speaking, its all just a great big bike party, not work . . . a hobby that’s gone out-of-control!
I löve what I do.
How do you find the time to train?
HuH? . . . dunno what you mean.
Do you have a special training regime?
I just shut-up & ride-on.
What does your family think of your cycling?
I think they think I’m ‘out there’.
An interesting fact about yourself;
I am a complete & total bicycle bastard for life..
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
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.
If you are prepared to take on this role, please contact James at handicapper@actvets.cc