Monthly Archives: September 2012

Abbrev. Flutter Ride Report

Afternoon all

Just the 10 loitering with intent at 5.30am opposite Pattisons this fine morning:

Schleck
WBA
B1M
B1C
Admin
Dobbo
Tony
Stealth
CCChris
with me taking the minutes

Simba wasn’t there despite threats otherwise on the return route last night. Next time mate.

B1C wanted the itinerary firmed up there and then in terms of the route – whether the boys go left and do Akuna and the others turn right, whether we take in the beaches etc etc. B1M concluded matters by stating “we’ll sort it out at the bottom of Akuna”. Great to see everyone heeding that direction…..

Having not seen our Stealth for a few weeks I thought best to ensure he was awake by “locking up” the TSS 3P Shamal rear on the slalom run into Akuna – thankfully our boy was indeed awake and didn’t contribute any additional forward momentum that could have resulted in me seeing the landscape at close vicinity. Overestimated my own ability after seeing Schleck disappear from site off the front. Lesson learnt.

Rolling regroup in advance of the climb out of Akuna – young fella up the road in front of us provided target practice. All executed a perfect ascent with little huffing, puffing etc.

A great spin through the Church Point sector onto Pittwater Road – eyes eagerly peeled for our Capt aboard the L90 – how rude of us to consider, he was of course on the OTP.

Great tempo along PWR notwithstanding red lights aplenty. Through the Spit, Parriwi etc, and onto the B&T without incident, in time to see our OTP brethren. Apart from learning afterwards that Tony lost 2 phones in transit – no, one wasn’t his xylophone. Dobbo tracking said phones via Latitude.

Strava at breaking point from all the PR’s recorded – great effort all – sings the praises of getting into a decent tempo that everyone can live with.

Schleck has tabled a motion for the Flutter to be a permanent fixture on Wednesdays….all those in favour. Unanimous.

Have a good one all.

Mark / Satnav

Rider of the Week #8 – Gordon

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1. Tell us a bit about yourself
When I was young I was not allowed to have a bike but was allowed to have a scooter. So on weekends off I went on what I thought were long rides down to the bush at Chatswood Golf Course. I was gone for 3 – 4 hours and my parents never really knew where I was. That is where I learnt one is not a lonely number.

Later in life took myself off on day walks in the Blue Mtns. One day just stopped myself short from falling over a 30m cliff. After that thought bushwalking alone was dangerous. So took up solo skiing for 20 years. Then started to go with others but decided that was too dangerous also when one trip I lost my skiing buddy in a whiteout! I rang my sympathetic wife Annette (Mrs Newell for some of you) to tell her I will not be home as lost my ski buddy and need S&R to find him dead or alive. She said don’t be silly you are parked outside the house. The Doctor in the medical centre flirting with the nurse did not help my cause. Annette heard the giggling in the background. it was only when I rang the second time did she believe me that I was not coming home that night.

2. What got you into cycling?
Hating to drive in Sydney traffic and staying fit for skiing. Meeting this guy called Nick who was my inspiration15 years ago who made me work a little harder than just going at my pace. He also said there will be a group forming in the near future and they will be wearing egg and tomato kits.
If you think riding on the cycle way over the bridge is something special you should try the actual deck which I used to do every morning going to North Sydney pool from Clint territory. Till one fog bound May I almost ran into a broken down car. Thought if I cannot see the car then how could a driver see me!

3. How did you come to join the Easy Riders?
25 years of cycling generally on own got to me one February at lights on Pacific Highway at Roseville. Saw a group of guys wearing egg and tomato. Jumped the lights and landed next to SatNav who promptly gave me the hard sell. The rest of the ride home was a bit of a flogging for me but joined the group the next day at Gordon and have not looked back since.

4. Tell us about your bikes.
Scooter (does that count as a bike – got two wheels) broke in two on a steep downhill run. Managed to run down the hill holding the handle bar and front wheel. Cannot remember what happened to the back section.
First real bike was a Raleigh bought from Grace Bros in Canberra and served by a Mrs Slocombe look alike of Are You Being Served.
Next went for a hybrid and used to be flogged by this guy called Nick.
Next was my SS that I still have and which has been rebuilt about 2.5 times.
My pride and join is my Colnago that was stored next to the good wife’s car for 3 months before she noticed.

5. If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Good question. Somewhere where there is a positive incline that goes for kms and kms without a downhill section.

6. Tell us a riding story.
Living in Canberra I was a only a few kms from work so used to go in opposite direction to add the kms on. Later on found some hills to also include in my commute. One day was riding up this hill, head down (as one does) and the next thing I know I’m in the middle of the road. No injuries to me or the bike, but there was some poor sod in the gutter and he looked like he had just been hit by a bike. I laughed but he was not impressed. He was walking up the hill because it was too steep!

7. Do you have any advice for the riders at the back of the ER peloton?
Stay with SatNav or get up front of peloton, but whatever you do, I repeat whatever you do stay away from Zlatko!

8. Lastly, tell us something we don’t know about you.
I don’t really like the cold but camp out in the snow and have a fear of drowning although I used to swim 4km each day at North Sydney pool religiously. I also don’t like needles, just like the nurses at the other end.

Rider of the Week #7 – Flash

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1. Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m short, hairy and don’t need any arm and leg warmers to get me through the winter months. I think I typify the real HMOTN.

2. What got you into cycling?
Being able to exercise and commute to work in the same time it would normally take me just to get to work.

3. How did you come to join the Easy Riders?
Teflon once said to for me watch out for a group in egg and tomato that will be coming your way sometime in the future. So for 15 years I ploughed Chippo’s back door in the mornings and Luton Highway in the afternoons looking for this illusive group. Then one summer night a shining light appeared at Roseville, it was SatNav! SatNav promptly took me under his wing and the rest is history.

4. Tell us about your bikes.
My work horse is the trusty Giant TCR that I use as my SS for rain, hail and shine commutes. My beloved Big C, The Colnago for those long rides on sunny, dry road days.

5. If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere there are no land locked boats

6. Tell us a riding story.
On a training run with Dominator and SatNav got flogged. Was determined to catch them up at Asquith and with head down (as one does) cycled as hard as I could but forgot about the boat that is always parked 100m north of the station. Lets say I came off second best!

7. Do you have any advice for the riders at the back of the ER peloton?
Look ahead and listen for the call “boat” as that means Flash is near by

8. Lastly, tell us something we don’t know about you
I don’t like hot weather.

Tuesday’s Commute with benefits

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Well the alarm went off at what felt like midnight, not a sign of Dawn anywhere, not even the quarry trucks to be seen or heard. YHC rolled forth into come what may..lights flashing, annoying no one but the kookaburras warming their feet on the high voltage power lines along Old Northern Rd.

Left turn into Dural, why ? because it’s there.. Galston, a scar in the landscape, a gash with a grin…chooks about the only company , and definitely the second best way to start the day. Chilly to start with but nothing like the bite of only a couple of weeks ago, it was a pleasure to be out and into it within about 20 minutes of riding. Tapping out into Hornsby Heights it was a toss up between the shorter direct route or a second bite of the Bobbo Gorge…the gorge won on a technicality. ( Strava , ego, the age since I last did the double, ) But now I would have to pedal a bit harder to make Gordon by the appointed hour. Managed to just hit the Gordon Wall at 6:43…and into cardiac arrest for an on time departure with the waiting crowds…

Did not count the crowds, but ball park was around 15 to 20…all the cracks had gathered for the fray. Hypoxia and aging memory prevents YHC from naming them, living like a goldfish it was heartening just to say, “oh look there goes the ER peloton….” ( Amongst our weapons ..VD, DT, Bullet, Comet, Andy Schleck McD, Chief, Simba, Clive, Phantom, B1, B2, Andy, Lunchie, WBA, ¼, Virgin, YHC, ….er er..it’s getting difficult now…amnesia, flea like concentration…gone )

A very gentlemanly pace ( or was it just YHC starting up front and slowly making a bee line for the rear of the peloton, ) almost instantly DT managed to blow out a tyre which chopped some off the back for the duration. A roll through the Archer St shredder and onto Tindale without a regroup put the main bunch into an unassailable lead..

KOM I will call ¼ as the man most likely, I saw Schleck and Phantom kicking to the front, but I tucked in behind Lunchie for a tow up the Scaramanga..and ¼ was looking like a man on a mission.

The climb up to the top of Crow’s Nest, punctuated by an amusing dog, chasing a cyclist on the pavement..goes to show you are better off on the road..

North Sydney seemed to flash by, and Schleck saw green and pleasant lands where we saw red and hello officer …yes we know what an amber light means..hence the sprint to and arrival at B&T was delayed by a couple of turns of the lights. Virgin kicking up a bit to attack Bullets Lavender St KOM.

Once at B&T, 25 to 30 coffees arrived with style and panache, Pocahontas has returned for a stint on point at the B&T.

YHC will be crawling at snails pace home, departure in the region of 5pm, the 5:15 should be able to pass with ease, and even the 6pm may make the catch if they are going past Fox Valley..

Have a great day all

50 Shades of red – the Dirty Dozen (plus 1)

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Ride report for the event last Saturday. Short summary :

92 odd kms
3,300 odd meters of climbing
14 hills, lots of pills and no spills.

Saw this event posted on the wall at the Red Berry coffee shop a few months back and penciled it into the calendar. As with all “epic” rides it starts as..”this looks like fun”. Then as you get closer to the date some thinking creeps in. Most of these climbs have a gradient in the teens and the last one I know touches 20 degrees near the top.

I’ve climbed Pico Veleta (3,400 mtrs) which is the highest climb in Europe, but the altitude gain is “only” 2,650 over 40 kms with an average of 6.5%. If you exclude the downhill sections, the flat transitional sections across Montacute, this ride climbs higher and over a “shorter” period. Alternatively the well famed Three Peaks is 4,400 meters of climbing – but over 245 kms. Whichever way you looked at the Dirty Dozen – it is a fair challenge.

72 riders gathered at The Tower Hotel, Magill at 7am. This was a much bigger group than expected. In “my” sub group we had Tanya, Tim, Bill and myself. My prediction at the start would be that only 50% would finish the ride. My concern is which half I would be in.

As with all these rides, the plan was to start riding at a conservative pace and leave as much in the tank as possible for later. And as always the group is full of “Bon Amie” early and goes faster than the plan allows.

The first climb is pretty much in my backyard, a leg warmer up New Norton Summit then a sharp right up Teringie Drive – just shy of a kilometer long and an average of 11.5%. Being the first, there was no doubt most would conquer this challenge. As far as I know all did by some unfortunate guy that was riding his brand new Botacelli bike just in front on me. He rode over a very small twig of gum leaves which managed to get caught in his drivetrain. The rear deraiiler promptly snapped off, and his day was done. I heard later that he also cracked his frame. Maybe his pain was still less than what lay ahead.

The descent was well paced. I chatted to a truck driver that was just recovering from a broken collarbone (bike related) – one of those old tough guys you see out riding in the worst weather. The next “climb” should not have really been included. It took us a bit out of our way and Horsnell Gully Rd a 3 km hike at a mere 6% average.

Turning off the Old Norton Summit Rd after the descent, the next climb had a sting before it even started with a tough little pinch before turning left into Coach Rd. The bitumen in this road ends after 2.4 kms but rises at an average of close enough to 10%. If you kept going on the dirt, you almost end up in our back paddock. A grippy little climb towards the top, and my first chance to “post a few letters” across the road on the way up. I heard a sound from behind that would become more familiar as the day went on – a groan of despair and a click out of cleats as the white flag of surrender was waved. My group of 4 all travelling well though.

We descended only half way down the hill this time and took a sharp left onto Knox Rd – 1.4 kms at 9.4%. For some reason this climb felt pretty good and the group at the top was nearly full strength. The descent down past Penfolds was quick – hit 80+ kmph without trying.

No rest and short 500 mtr transition to the base of Kensington Rd – climb to the lookout 1.3kms at 11.5%. One of those climbs that gets steeper towards the top. More letters got posted on the way up.

By this stage the legs were well and truly warmed up – maybe even cooked. I suggested a quick refuel stop for our gang of four, so we descended early from the regroup and hit the Kensi Bakery. Fantastic fruit slice that added much needed fuel to the tank.

We picked up the tail end of the group at the base of climb # 6 – Ridgeland Drive (again off New Norton Summit rd). Short at only 700 mtrs in length but the sharpest average of the day – 12.5%. Can’t I remember much about this one – done and ticked off the list.

We rolled as a group (maybe down to 60 odd by now) into Norton Summit and through to Woods Hill Rd. 800 meters at 8.1% but really only a transition climb – no fears for us here. Climb #7 done. The problem was that the climbs were getting ticked off, but we were less than half way into the ride and well less than at half way point of climbing meters. IN racing parlance this was the softening up period.

Little Italy next on the menu and a good recovery roll down Pound Rd (soon to be climbed back the other way as #9). First though it was up Burdetts Rd 1.7% at 7% with a few short sharp pinches. The day and the scenery was so fantastic though that this was an “enjoyable” climb. Temperature was now in the very high teens and no wind.
Perfect.

Quick swing down past Camelot Castle, along the valley back into Little Italy and Pound Rd starts – 2.7kms at 8%. The group now numbering approx. 55 and the chat levels were drop inversely to gasping levels in the pack. Gaps opening everywhere and real pain starting to show for some. Our group still compacto. Tanya always leading our charge, Tim chasing, me cruising and Bill battling admirably.

A nice transition ride along the ridge followed as we headed for the dreaded depths of Cherryville. Another dead-end and not known by many riders from Adelaide Swampland, the descent needed a good two fists of brakes to keep your steed upright. Real fear in some eyes now at the regroup. The climb up was 2.1kms at 10.8% but with no relenting – it’s a climb “that keeps giving”. Photos reveal as many walkers up the steep bits as riders by now. Many riders posting letters and refusing to look more than 3 feet in front for fear of seeing what’s ahead. Our group all made it, but Bill had hired a key to his own hurt locker and suggested his day was down. After a brief negotiation we worked out a Plan B for him and we rolled on towards climb #11 the dreaded Corkscrew Rd with 2.5 kms at 8.9%. This climb is notourious in SA and will feature in the TDU 2013. Feared and avoided by many
our legs were in tune with Pink Floyd though – comfortably numb.
Finished, just two to go.

The penultimate climb was completely unknown to me. Running off the entry to Morialta Falls, Tay Rd goes 1.2kms at 8%. Regroup at the top showed the rider numbers now in the thirty’s. Lucky last to come.

The transition to the last climb took a different descent was the ascent, so Tim & I had to take a small deviation to collect Bill from the bottom – he was up for the last climb, although he had never ridden it.

Last climb is Coach-House Drive. A beast at 2.7kms and 10.1% average. The average does not do this climb justice as a few ramps in between sections that hit 20% near the top give not enough relief. I was in a mixed mood – relief that it looked like I would complete the challenge, and frustration that the road was so busy I couldn’t post any letters on the way up. I passed so many cyclists slumped over bars or trying vainly to click in and roll on, when gravity was working against a standing start. More morale to keep rolling on.

At the top an elite group of approx. 25 or so had done the job. Vertical meters on Tim’s garmin was frustratingly just shy of 3,000 meters though. Stupidly I suggested to our group that we do just one more climb to ensure the 3,000 metre mark was hit. We thanked Adam as tour organiser and went further up the hill to do Colonial Drive as a bonus climb. With just the four of us left, the pace was very subdued. No signs of cramp yet (gels had done their job) but legs were now like lead.

My Strava showed more meters climbed than Tim’s Garmin, but I’ll take mine as accurate.

I had put this ride up there as matching anything else I had achieved on the bike. Did it deliver? I’m not sure how much more I could have delivered, but I had a bit left. How did it rate against 3 Peaks and Pico Veleta? I couldn’t say it was easier, but I couldn’t say it was harder either. Thos other rides are long epic climbs where it’s you versus “a” mountain (or three) whereas this ride was short sharp efforts of smashing yourself in the head with a baseball bat but with regrouping times and descents to aid recovery. In summary – not easier or harder, just different.

To see the face of pain though – have a look at fellow rider Tim’s picture here:

Salutes to Tanya – now a true legend. Finished the whole ride in very tidy style, and showed most blokes (including me) up. Tim also looked comfortable at the end, but the most courageous award to Bill who did all but two climbs and I gather has not trained much lately and weighs at a guess 40 kgs more than Tanya!
Cheers

N BB

Rider of the Week #6 – The Captain

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1. Tell us a bit about yourself
I am Chief Foundation Member – Global of Easy Riders Inc (soon to listed on the ASX).

Ride name “Captain”, after Captain Merrill Stubing of the Love Boat: A nickname which I have had for over 25 years – and one that I was proud to have until Chippo pointed out its more modern meaning…

My day job is wander around the offices of Allens in the city looking important and waving my arms around.

I am a proud Queenslander who has now spent 15 years deep behind enemy lines. I am 25 years married this year (to Tennille – Love Will Keep Us Together)

and have two children – Simba and Nala.

2. What got you into cycling?
As I say, I am Chief Foundation Member – Global of Easy Riders Inc, hence I was commuting from Gordon as Adam and Eve were cavorting in the gardens of the Upper North Shore. In fact, they might have been seen around the pool at Coopz place on Burns Road.

3. How did you come to join the Easy Riders?
See the Book of Genesis.

4. Tell us about your bikes.
It is well known that I am not a Bike Worshipper. I pour most of my money into a hole in Pittwater which I sail on the weekends. Hence my daily (okay monthly) commuter is a very trusty (and cheap) Avanti Carbonio 1.0.

5. If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?
The Captain’s Route (we were into double entendres in the early days when it came to naming rides), since renamed The One True Path, but I am also looking forward to riding in France next year as part of the Easy Riders 100th Tour de France trip.

6, Tell us a riding story.
Now that you ask Drastic; one memorable ride home with Coopz and you was when you decided to take us via some circuitous route through the back streets of Pymble, including across a slippery wooden bridge in the crevasse which is at the bottom of Vista Street. You were riding at your usual break neck speed, with Coopz in hot pursuit and me in slightly luke warm third position. As we attempted to cross said bridge, you hit the deck, Coopz went over the top of you and almost over the guard rail and 20 minutes later I arrived. Hence you were named “Drastic” Measures. [editor’s note – it is said that the shouts of “clear” at the top of Vista Street were when they attached the defibrillator to the Captain’s heart].

7. Do you have any advise for the riders at the back of the ER peloton?
Keep pedalling – I need the wind break.

8. Lastly, tell us something we don’t know about you.
I am incredibly secretive…

Il Capitano

Rider of the Week #5 – Simba

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1. Tell us a bit about yourself
Aside from hanging out with a bunch of old blokes with pony tails (Le Bullet – it is truly an honour) I am studying a Doctor of Physiotherapy and I am trying to tackle the German language in my free time. Most in the peloton will know me only as Simba.

2. What got you into cycling?
Unfortunately I have had a mid-life crisis at the ripe old age of 22. A series of injuries including stress fractures in the back, shoulder surgery and a broken leg, combined with a slightly worrying new interest in Kenny G albums and red wine have led me to embrace the transition from 22 to 47 years old and take up cycling in the process.

3. How did you come to join the Easy Riders?
Many may be unaware that I am actually a direct descendant of one of the original FM’s (Captain). Dad’s constant incorporation of cycling terms such as ‘rolling’, ‘car back’ and ‘runner up’ into everyday life provided the initial spark in seeing if the morning roll along the One True Path truly was the second best way to start the day. Having an Egg and Tomato of my own was also a large incentive.

4. Tell us about your bikes.
I ride an Avanti Giro 3. It is a great first bike to start out on and I’m loving every km spent on it.

5. If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Places like Alpe d’Huez, Mount Tourmalet and the Stelvio would be amazing however I can’t go past a casual stroll out to Palmy and back (maybe throwing in Akuna Bay and West Head) and finishing at the Bilgola beach cafe for an Egg & Bacon Roll and a coffee.

6, Tell us a riding story.
Having only had 3 months in the saddle I don’t think I’ve had the time to develop any good riding stories. I’ve enjoyed getting to know everyone in the ER so hopefully a few memorable stories are to come.

7. Do you have any advise for the riders at the back of the ER peloton?
Well I think a lot of the guys at the back of the peloton (a.k.a. Sat Nav) seem to be the best riders in the pack so I’m not sure I’m going to be much help there. If I have one piece of advice for Sat Nav it would be to lose some of that calf size. Those things must weigh him down on the hills.

8. Lastly, tell us something we don’t know about you.
I spent 3 months last year in Africa doing surgery and lived for a week with David Livingstone (the Great Great Grandson of the David Livingstone). Dad obviously thought it was funny for me to ask “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” It didn’t get quite the reception that Dad believed it deserved.

Tuesday’s Spring has Sprung Commute

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How many superlatives does it take to describe how perfect the conditions are at this time of year for a ride to the office…? Just enough of a chill to make putting in the effort seem like a great idea, and judging from the enthusiasm on display this morning there are a few ERs who agree…30 odd looking gents in lycra, hanging about at Gordon waiting for the balloon to go up..our very own paparazzi stationed across the street to record this daily event for posterity.

YHC has given up counting, ( as I have said many times once it gets past 21, it gets too difficult to track )

A superb sunny morning, much jocularity, and camaraderie on show, the peloton even slowing to a stop to let people cross on the pedestrian crossing en route. Spring has sprung, moods lifting as bright and breezy seems to be order of the day…pace perfect for a natter, even the greyhounds could not find the gas to take off up front. Regroups working well to ensure all aboard and only going as fast as the slowest rider…( or so the song sheet says )

Turning through the Boundary /Archer chicane, the fat controller managed to secure enough red lights to fracture the peloton into groups of 10, and turning through to Tindale a very unusual event occurred which was a cyclist going the other way…( who gave anyone permission to ride up the north shore at that time of day ? ) ( actually great to see more cycle traffic in any direction )

Into the KOM as a disciplined considerate blob of egg and tomato, encountered more oncoming traffic, damn it is getting busy on the SUP…must be spring.

Crow’s Nest, North Sydney SHB stretched the peloton into a long thin line, all the usual suspects sitting around with their coffee before YHC arrived, one day I might take a podium position but not today…Coffee over but lunch..booked …Red Oak…it is an ER red letter day on the calendar where we can actually get to see what the peloton looks like with their clothes on..

The return ride should be interesting, beer and skittles over, back to business as usual..a 5:15 social, and 6 o clock thrashing

Have a great day all
BT

Chapeau to SatNav again, galstoned and bobbo’d ( commitment, style and panache, mate that halo is looking very shiny ) , and the Flutterers arriving steamed and pressed before 7:50.