Post date: May 15, 2012 12:38:14 PM
Hello Vets, welcome to another issue of The Bleat. In this week’s issue;
· Racing this Week –Lookout Hill
· Stromlo Criterium – Race report.
· In this week’s Member Profile we look at Kevin Wells.
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton.
New Parking Arrangements: Rangers have requested that we do not park along the sides of the road at Lookout Hill. Additional parking space is available around the back of the car park (through the gate). Please ensure you move your car following the race so the gate can be locked.
Where: Lookout Hill
When: 1:30 pm.
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number.
Race Description: Lookout Hill - Tharwa Short Turn - Tidbinbilla Space Tracking Station (Short Race to Turnoff, Long Race to Carpark) - Pt Hut - Finish.
Race Director: Mick Donaldson
Contact: Email: mdonaldson@netspeed.com.au Ph (02) 62418294
Help Needed on Saturday: Mick will need 5 road marshals and a couple of helpers at the finish line to run the race. Please contact Mick if you can assist.
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.
It was a cold and windy afternoon at Stromlo as the riders took to the track for the Criteriums. The track was well festooned with duck droppings so it was fortunate it wasn’t wet otherwise we all would have come away with the taste of duck soup in our mouths.
In A Grade, Paul Conner took the race from Paul Angelatos and Brendan Byatt. In B Grade, Marc Roberts came in first ahead of Aaron Sedgmen and Andrew Simpson.
In C Grade, Michael Langdon came in ahead of Alex O’Shea and Brian McGlynn. In D Grade, Braham Hart got up over Jim McLean and Bradley Sellwood.
In the E Grade race, Gary Waldron was too good for Aaron Rockey and Mike Corke while in F Grade, Ray Hooper took the result ahead of Malcolm Tew and Phil Coulton. In the shootout for G Grade honours, Bruce Jones beat out David Gould for the win.
It was good to see the tandems out on the track with Brandie O’Conner and Kerry Knowler coming in ahead of Don Mankewich and Cameron Ermert followed by Peter Granleese and Elton Ivers.
Thanks to Andre Swenson for Race Refereeing.
Full race results on the RMS: http://rms.actvets.cc/
In our next member profile we look at we look at Kevin Wells;
How long have you been a member of ACT Vets?
January 2011, I turned 35 that year so I jumped aboard at the earliest possible race.
What is your favourite course in the ACT Vets racing calendar and why?
Unfortunately I just missed it, Apollo road, I like the climb and it seems to be the only true hill climbing race on the Vets Calender. I'm not really a good hill climber, I just like long tempo efforts.
What Grade did you start in with the Vets?
I started in C, and throughout 2011 I worked my way up to A. It was tough moving through the grades, but digging deeper at each race has made a big difference. Although at the moment I'm a little worried as after a couple of months of no racing and little riding will be a big test for me.
How long have you been cycling?
I did quite a bit when I was younger, but lost a little interest when I got a car and a job. I got back into it in 2004, where I formed a mountain bike team for the Mont 24 hour race. My first roadie was a few years later in 2008 when I decided commuting and training would be much easier on a road bike.
What got you interested in cycling?
The variety of riding there is always something different to do on a bike it never gets boring. But racing wise it was really again the MTB 24 hour thing, it keeps me pushing my mental and physical limits. I did my first solo 24 in 2005 and have been in 13-14 solo 24's since. I got interested in road racing really as part of my training, but waited till I could join the vets as it was the club that seemed right for me and have enjoyed every race, although I still can't get use to the taste of an alloy handlebar, the good news is my new bike has a carbon one, maybe that will taste better.
What do you like about racing with the Vets?
What's not to like? The people, the different course's, the close racing, it is all good fun and close to home.
What was your most memorable ride?
I'll apologise now as it is my first Solo 24 hour MTB race. It hurt and I was in the box for about 15 hours, I was lucky enough to have some good work mates that came out through the night that really kept me going. If it was not for them I think I would have pulled out, it was raining, cold, and I had injury's. I remember pulling into the pit after a lap (at around 2am wishing it was over) and I had 2-3 guys cleaning the bike, swapping light batteries, my wife Kendra feeding me, and Gordon McMenemy massaging my legs (A bit queer I know). Although I was far from a PRO, I felt a bit like one and I just could not stop riding and did another 10 hours.
What is/was your favourite bike?
It has always been a mountain bike until recently. I now have a Trek Madone 5.9, and lovin it. The frame has a great feel, Di2, Quark, Garmin 800, it is a fantastic combination that has been putting a grin on my face this past week. It just has that special feeling about it. I can't wait to get back my full fitness, as the bike is definitely outperforming me at the moment.
Where do you work?
I'm thinking most would have givin up reading this by now thinking he is from the dark side and they might not want anything to do with me now, so whoever is still left reading may dislike me even more, as I work at Tidbinbilla at CDSCC.
How do you find the time to train?
Usually it is commuting to and from work, or the trainer, or weekends. Otherwise it is mostly early mornings if I have a big ride to do, but like to be home by lunch.
Do you have a special training regime?
When I joined the vets, vets was a big part of my training regime. I did some long rides to and from the races, but as I have moved up the grades I have slowly reduced this, I think I'd struggle to hang onto the A bunch if I did the hours before a race. So yes with the Madone being the favored bike and having to change my training hours for the road racing I am slowly developing into a roadie, but I don't think I will shave my legs.
What does your family think of your cycling?
Kendra is a great support for me, and she has been a big part of it. I would not be able to do the 24 hour racing without her, and she does give up alot for the bike.
An interesting fact about yourself;
I keep a blog: http://crankin-kwells.blogspot.com.au/ I started this to keep updates on how I was going in the 24 in Canada for family and friends, now it seems part of my riding plus I enjoy it.
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