Post date: Apr 22, 2013 9:17:29 AM
Hello Vets,
In this issue of The Bleat;
· AIS Open Day.
· Cycle Queensland 2013 Tour
· Racing this Week
· Race Reports
· The helpers who made Gunning possible
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton.
Ever wanted to dip your toes in the waters that Michael Klim trained in as he chased Olympic gold? Run on the track Kyle Vander Kuyp notched up countless miles on in pursuit of greatness? Walk the hallowed halls that saw Lauren Jackson grow into Australia’s greatest basketballer?
The AIS is holding an Open Day on Sunday 28 April 2013, where visitors will have the opportunity to delve deeper than ever before into the lives of Australia’s high performance athletes.
More details can be found here.
Looking for a holiday with a difference? This two-wheel adventure holiday will take you from the palm fringed coastline at Mission Beach to the tropical paradise of Port Douglas via the spectacular Atherton Tablelands.
Why do it? For some it’s a challenge, for others it’s an adventure but for many it’s simple – life is better on a bike.
Entries close 2 August 2013. Enter before 31 May and receive a free event jersey.
Visit www.cycleqld.bq.org.au
Where: Stromlo Forest Park
When: Starting 1:30 pm
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number.
Race Description: Stromlo Forest Park – out onto Uriarra Rd – return (approx 20km)
Race Director: Malcolm Paterson
Contact: Email hhim@tpg.com.au Ph 0478 225 350
Help Needed on Sunday: Malcolm will need 2 turn marshals and finish line helpers. Anyone who is prepared to assist, please contact him before the weekend.
A total of 68 members decided that the day was not too cold or windy for the graded scratch at Old Federal Hwy on Saturday afternoon. Despite the wintery conditions in town, the conditions at the Gravel Pit were relatively mild. Fortunately there was a good contingent of helpers on hand, most of whom had volunteered their services during the week. It is very reassuring for a race referee to receive offers of assistance well before an event as it avoids the worry of what to do if there are not enough marshals. Missing, due to a bout of the lurgy, was our regular time keeper and general organiser Henry Beaverstock, so there was some reallocation of tasks to those present.
The race description was for all grades to ride the long course ie; Shingle Hill Way then out and back to Lake George twice, which meant that E, F G grades had to ride a bit further than they might have preferred but there were no complaints or suggestions from them to ride the short course which was commendable given the significant headwind on parts of the course. The usual start order was followed and, as expected, A grade was well in front by the time the first riders turned off Shingle Hill Way and headed out to the lake for the first time. As following grades came through it was evident that pressure had been applied on the first leg and gaps were appearing. There was plenty of competition in B grade in particular as they had 21 riders out of a total field of 68 on the day. There was even more separation by the time the first leg to the lake was completed. This is normally when a few riders call it quits and decide to DNF but surprisingly there were only three who took this option with one other having previously punctured.
Steve Crispin had a convincing win in A grade in a time of 1:10:05. Christophe Barberet took out B grade beating the other two in a breakaway group of three comprising Nick Boylan and tandem pair of Don Mankewich and Ashley Carruthers. Wayne Pettet won the small C group and Mark Taylor triumphed in the 14 strong D grade bunch. Most of E grade finished together but Liz Lowe, always hard to beat in a sprint, got to the line first. F grade had an exciting close finish with Terry Merrigan edging out Gordon Hollonds and Barbara.
Special mention must be made of the G grade group. For some reason, perhaps the thought of the longer distance, none of the usual G graders apart from Polly Templeton turned up to race. No problem there, Polly brought along the FoPs (Friends of Polly) who she must have convinced to try the fun and excitement of cycle racing. Along with Ian Albrey, another first time rider, they set off together but gradually separated while tackling the hills and headwinds. Those of us at the turn point / finish line were highly impressed when everyone these new riders, although being on their own and looking somewhat exhausted, turned and headed out for their second leg to the lake while the higher grades were already finishing.
They all completed the race and congratulations all round. Hopefully they enjoyed it (and hopefully they are still friends with Polly) enough to join the club and ride regularly is yet to be confirmed, hopefully they will, it only gets better as the rest of us know.
Many thanks to all the marshals who contributed to the success of the event. Pauline Thorn and Damien Clarke at the turns, Mary Lovett and Mike Hayes in the cars and Richard Gorrell, Paul Robey and Owain Tilley at the finish line and chute.
Thanks to Graham Hendrie for Race Refereeing.