Post date: Sep 01, 2014 11:55:36 PM

Hello Vets,

In this week's Bleat;

• Narrabundah Track Practice Session

• Fitz's Challenge – 26 October 2014

• 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

RACING THIS WEEK:

Saturday, 6th September – Dalton Graded Scratch

Where: Travel to Gunning, Left onto Dalton Road at Gunning, Approx 10Km to Dalton. Park in Quarry at left 100 meters before town.

When: 1:30pm

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

Race Description: Dalton - Gunning - Boorowa Rd ABCD do 2 laps Dalton to Gunning 1st Dalton U Turn at Start area. EFG do 1 lap. Then all head west on Boorowa Rd to end of bitumen (3k) and ret to Dalton then north on Rugby Rd to end of bitumen (5k) and return to finish in Dalton.

Race Director: Steve Schwenke

Contact: Email schwenkes@homemail.com.au Ph 0412485729 or 62829775

The nominated marshals for this event are;

• Russell Marsten

• Michael Carr

• Steve Crispin

• Owain Tilley

We will require 2 additional volunteers this weekend due to the configuration of the race course. Please contact the Race Director if you are willing to assist.

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:

Uriarra Club Championship – 30th August

What a glorious day for bike racing, the sun was shining, there was no wind and it was a mild 17 degrees. We had 62 riders turned up to take advantage of the conditions to participate in the club's Age Graded Championships.

The Men's Grades 1-5 started up Brindabella Rd for their first leg while the Women's 2-4 and the Men's 6-9 headed towards the short turnaround.

Most of the groups stayed intact for the first few legs. Ian Downing lead a break-away fairly quickly from the M4 Grade.

The Women's Grades all started together and by the first leg were mostly still maintaining a bunch. By the second leg a group of 5 had separated . Three of the Women, Lee Sheather, Angela Batup and Janet Facey then established a breakaway.

At the finish, there were a few tight sprints for the line;

• In M2, there was a 4 way sprint for the line Marc Vroomans taking the honours.

• Followed shortly by M3, there was another 4 way sprint with Sean Ifland taking gold.

• Lee Sheather led the women home with a strong finish over Angela Batup and Janet Facey.

Many thanks to the Marshals who helped to make this event possible, Kev Hennessy, Tom Hartley, Dennis Jessop, Bill Frost, Terry Merrigan, Daniel Grillo, Richard Gorrell and Rob Langridge.

Our regular stalwart Henry Beaverstock was sick on the day. The rest of us managed to work the system but we certainly missed Henry's slick organisation. Hope you get well soon Henry.

Thanks to Ian Morton for race refereeing.