j_young_80
22-10-2009, 11:37 AM
www.vikingscycling.org.au
Thursday the 22nd October, 2009
1. 2009 Australian Masters Road Championships - Wrap Up
2. Vikings/V-Mobile Forum Relaunch!
3. Vikings Forum Poll - Should Cyclists Wear iPods while on the Bike?
4. Canberra Cyclescapes
5. Stromlo Ladies Night and the Return of Women's C racing!
6. Race Report: Coast to Coast Challenge - PNG - Michael Milton
7. Race Report: Aust. Masters Champs - WM3/4 Criterium - Sue Powell
8. CCC racing this weekend: Tharwa to Apollo Rd Circuit 9 am
9. V-Mail Sponsor: Aussie Butt Cream and new Trivia Giveaway Coming Soon!
10. Brendan Johnston Fundraiser: Car Boot Sale Saturday 14th November
11. Sue Powell: World Champion AND ACTAS Athlete of the Year!
12. Masters Track Worlds Update
A big V-Mail after a big couple of months for the club. Read on for news of our new World Champions, the wrap of the Australian Masters Champs (our first major event in years), the return of Stromlo Ladies Night and the relaunch of the forum!
1. 2009 Australian Masters Road Championships - Wrap Up
Well this year's Masters Champs have been run and won with a large number of competitors making their way to Canberra to tackle one of the toughest cycling courses held in recent years for the event. Canberra did it's best to make the visitors feel unwelcome, with brutal conditions on display potentially helping many local riders walk away with the silverware. Vikings very own Club President Simon Claringbold managed to snare Gold in the Road Race and many other Canberra riders did exceptionally well on their home course. Results and links to photos are available from the Masters website (www.australiancyclingmasters.com) as well as direct from the CA website.
An event like this wouldn't get off the ground without the help of a large number of people, so Thanks must go to.. (Better get a coffee)
Peter Gough whose input and help during the event was invaluable, Mark S who gets a special mention because he fell off a ladder helping set up prior to his race, all the Vikings that pulled together to make the event possible (too many to list here!), Cycling Australia, ACT Cycling Federation, Paul Craft MC extraordinaire, SES Volunteers, Police, ACT Ambulance Service, Sports Medicine Australia, Jeff van Aust, Stromlo Forest Park, Phil Stanton at Computrainer.com.au, Dale Brede and National Capital Motors for supplying Commissaire vehicles, Con at the Greengrocer Goulburn, Brian and the Bikeshed, Granite Range Estate Wines, Skins, Aq'to Race Gear, Aussie Butt Cream, Sunsmart, Clint Deverson, Bilbys, Hartley Lifecare and Rotary for catering, the marshalls that donated their time and braved miserable conditions to help out, and finally the competitors and Canberra Cycling community for supporting the event and making it a success.
We have a post event survey that we'd like those that competed in the event to please take the time to fill out. We'll be passing the feedback on to next year's organisers, as well as using it to improve future events that the Vikings may hold (Once I forget the stress and work involved in this one).
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=gCzgj9lTK0MCR5a63AYMlQ_3d_3d
2. Vikings/V-Mobile Forum Relaunch
For those who haven't yet noticed - the Vikings/V-Mobile forum has been relaunched at the new address www.vikingscyclingforum.org.au. The previous site will exist for a week or so longer before it is redirected to the new address. If you have anything stored there you wish to keep then back it up asap.
As part of the relaunch, if any local squads, crit teams, weekend warriors or coffee crusaders want a private forum built within the existing forum - send me an email at j_young_80@hotmail.com and i'll build you up your own private area to discuss training rides, tactics or the latest cafe and give you Moderator access. Currently we have MACT, Valhalla, V-Mobile and the latest Novice recruits on board.
Vikings cycling teams: Just ask!
As part of the upgrade, we are reminding people that all you need to do to join one of the squads within Vikings is ask. Currently there are three club supported squads: MACT, V-Mobile and Valhalla.
-The Masters ACT Cycling Team is open to all Vikings members who are eligible to ride Masters (i.e. over 35, though they will accept younger riders who want to be MACT riders when they grow up). Visit their website for further information including team diary, photos and race program or email Simon Niemeyer at simonsky@mac.com.
-The V-Mobile squad is an independent team of Vikings members who wish to promote the aims of the club through club level road racing. If you share the V-Mobile philosophy and want to get involved in the squad, please contact us at squad@vikingscycling.org.au.
-Valhalla aims to develop riders starting with the crit season, then towards the Canberra Tour and beyond. Membership is open to anyone. Contact Milto at milto@optusnet.com.au to be part of the reigning crit series champion squad!
3. Vikings Forum Poll - Should Cyclists Wear iPods While on the Bike?
Should local cyclists keep the iPod in their pocket and out of their ears when out on the bike?
Have your say at http://www.vikingscyclingforum.org.au/forum/showthread.php?t=183.
Final Poll Results will be published in the next V-Mail!
4. Canberra Cyclescapes
This week's Canberra Cyclescape's features last years victorious Criterium Champions Valhalla hoisting the trophy high. Back row: Jez, Matthew, Mark, Kano, Bosworth, Leigh, Phil and Mikey.
Front row: Lisa, Deciana, Frances and Kate. If you'd like to be a part of this year's squad Contact Milto at milto@optusnet.com.au. Membership is open to anyone.
For more of Greg's work, check out www.heymabel.com
5. Stromlo Ladies night and the return of Women's C Racing!
Following on from the success of last year, we will celebrate the start of the summer season and the CCC crits with the second annual Stromlo Ladies Night on 29th Oct at Stromlo Forest Park 2009. This will be an evening for ALL women, including a come 'n' try session for beginners and criterium racing for ALL women's grades.
Schedule:
5.30pm: Come 'n' try (All skill levels, no experience needed, mountain and hybrid bikes welcomed!)
6.00pm: Women C - 20 minutes plus 2 laps
6.25pm: Women B - 25 minutes plus 2 laps
7pm: Women A - 25 minutes plus 2 laps (sunset at 7:30pm)
All participants should arrive at least 15 minutes before their race time to register so that all races can run on schedule. The come 'n' try session costs $5 while race entry is also $5. Both include a drink voucher from the kind folks at Funky Brew.
For more information on SLN contact Dan Foo: daniel_foo@hotmail.com.
WEEKLY WOMEN'S C GRADE CRITS RETURN!
Weekly WC crit racing will subsequently be held every Thursday evening 6pm at Stromlo Forest Park from 5 Nov onwards till 17 Dec 09 (and may be extended further if the response is good). The format will be 20 minutes plus 2 laps.
For more information on SLN or WC racing, contact Dan Foo (daniel_foo@hotmail.com).
6. Race Report: Coast to Coast Challenge - PNG - Michael Milton
Our schedule was always going to make this a tough trip for me but I am always up for a challenge. The plan was to ride from the north coast of PNG at Buna where the Japanese fleet landed, Ride to Kokoda, Walk the track and then get back on the bikes and ride down to Port Moresby. The bikes would be flown from Kokoda to Moresby and then driven up to Owers Corner for the end of the walk. We had 8 days for this schedule which meant that we had only 5 days to walk the Kokoda track. Most of the commercial trips do the walk in 8 or 9 days so we would be walking long hours and pushing the pace.
Day 1 - A magnificent sunrise over the ocean and a night in what is called a guest house saw the start of our trip. The guesthouse is a wooden frame with a thatched roof and some walls. This one had the end of it over the water and was an amazing place to stay. A real mattress and mosquito net meant that I had a good nights sleep. The ride was 80km and about half rough dirt and half potholed bitumen. It was hot and open but a swim in a creek every couple of hours felt good and cooled things down. The highlight of the day was crossing the kimuzi river where the bridge was washed out in a cyclone in 2007. We crossed with all our gear and bikes on tyre tubes with local guys swimming them across. A night in the village of Pisa and another swim and wash was the end of our day.
Day 2 - Early starts are always in order when sleeping in a tent. Pancakes for breakfast and we were off again. Some 25 river crossings for the day with about half of the bridges washed out meant we were in for some fun. A swim in Eora creek meant that we were now in water coming straight off the Owen Stanley ranges and we felt the difference in temperature. 40 km's on dirt and we were in Kokoda. On the way a long drop toilet that collapsed just as I was preparing to do my business was a lowlight for me. We also had a 2 hour stop in Oivi where we went looking for Sam Templeton's remains after some new information was uncovered during an interview in Japan. Lunch in Kokoda and we started the walk. I always knew this would be the hard part for me on crutches but hard is not a bad thing. 2 hours gently climbing and then 1.5 hours steep climbing and we were in camp at Deniki.
Day 3 - Porridge for breakfast by torchlight and we were off with a schedule to reach the village of Eora Creek. Mostly due to some gastro problems we made camp around 4pm in Alola. It was a tough day walking a long day while sick. Not too many highlights for me this day. We did however stop at Isurava where one of the key battles was fought in WWII. You can't help but feel solemn respect and thanks for our soldiers who helped make our country at a place like this. The motto of the track is on 4 large stone pillars at Isurava. Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice.
Day 4 - We all woke up feeling better and made a plan to try and get over the top of the range at 2190m and down to camp at 1900. We were trying to travel light and didn't bring sleeping bags so sleeping higher meant that we might have a cold night but we couldn't do anything about that now. We saw a few other groups this day but didn't do more than say hi to them. We walked into camp right on dusk at around 6:15pm after walking for 12 hours with about 1 hour breaks all day. It was long and tiring and finishing for the day felt great. A very cold swim and wash by torchlight was another interesting experience as was sleeping in all my clothes including my rain jacket with hood up.
Day 5 - 1900 to Menari. Another long day with some stomach discomfort for me. Through the village of Efogi and up what I thought last time I walked the track was the toughest climb of the trip. The hills on the track are constant, they are hard and rough and relentless. They are not much easier down as it is slippery and steep. Chocolate donuts at lunch was a great surprise and went down well.
Day 6 - Menari to Iorbaiwa. I was really starting to fatigue and started to have some hand problems this day. Numbness in some parts and bruising in others made walking on them hard. We caught at group this day that had left 2 days before us so that was a boost to the ego. Spring rolls filled with 2 minute noodles and canned vegies actually taste good in this environment. This day also had the longest single hill on the track up the Maguli range. 2 hours constantly up hill rising over 500 vertical metres. They call it the 9 false peaks as there are 9 flats that all look like you are at the top. A huge thunderstorm at Ofi creek meant we only had a quick swim to minimise the risks of being washed away in a flood.
Day 7 - The last day walking. Doesn't it feel good to know that you are going to make it and the hardest part is over. The whole crew was betting on what time I would arrive at Owers corner with the spread of bets from 2:10 till around 3:30 in the afternoon. I wanted to beat the first bet so I tried to keep an even but fast pace for the day. In the first 2 hours we crossed over 20 creeks. Sandals were the order of the day. The final hurdle is a 45 minute climb up from Goldie river to the finish. Last time I was there Goldie was chest deep and murky brown and we crossed hooked onto a rope line. This time it was a beautiful creek about knee deep and clear. You can imagine this place would have been heaven to the diggers coming off the track. The salvo's were there and a nice wash. The atmosphere of this place was great and that combined with knowing you are nearly done made me a happy camper. 2:01 across the finish line and I won the bet too.
The walk wasn't the end of the day though as we got to the top, had some lunch, put the bikes together and got riding. It was nice to be back on the bike for me but some steep hills kept us working hard. Camp at 5 meant that we would have a short next day to the finish. Another thunder storm just after the tents were up gave us a nice sunset, the way the guys got the big tarp set up on poles in about 5 minutes was a very impressive bit of teamwork.
Day 8 - 15km on dirt road before another 45km of sealed road and a swim in the ocean. From the start of the bitumen we had a police escort. Lots of people beside the road supporting us lifted our spirits for the day. The road had some potholes to keep us awake but the trip had lots of fast descents and was lots of fun. A 1 hour stop to look around Bomana cemetery added a solemn touch but then it was off to the finish line. Some games were played on the bikes for KOM points but it was about the challenge and we all crossed the finish line together where some of the guys on borrowed bikes rolled into the sea while we dropped bikes on the bank and jumped in. Beers were had by many and it was then off for a nice shower and an afternoon eating as much as possible and lazing around the hotel pool.
All in all an awesome trip that I would highly recommend to anyone after a challenge. The trip was run by Kokoda Spirt (www.kokodaspirit.com) They are keen to run it again so send Wayne an email if you are interested.
7. Race Report: Australian Masters Champs - WM3/4 Criterium - Sue Powell
A wet track greeted the riders on Monday morning for the combined WM3 and 4 crit race. At least it wasn't raining.. Well it wasn't when we started anyway. Lining up there was some concern from the visitors about a slippery track so the locals showed the way on the first couple of laps at a pretty gentle pace. Once the interstaters were confident of the lines and traction, the action started with attempts at breakaways by Bicisport riders down the back straight but it didn't look like anyone was going to get away. Not content with the slow pace and with the rain starting to fall, Terry Moore from Vikings attacked and put the pace down to get things moving but was quickly marked by riders from Bicisport, Parramatta and Wellington CC. Numerous attacks were launched with Vikings riders threatening to get away at one point, but the bunch was onto everything. Last lap and no-one wanted to lead it out, but a decisive move by Trudy Van der Straaten (Bicisport) on 'collarbone corner' saw her gap the chasers and hold the advantage for a great win. With her breakaway win in the road race, Trudy also snapped up the Champion of champions jersey for the WM3. Lee Sheather (Vikings Cycling Club ACT) was the first over the line for the WM4, also snaring the Champions jersey after a win in the ITT on day one of competition.
8. CCC racing this weekend: Tharwa to Apollo Rd Circuit 9 am
Plan to make this one which is the week before both clubs have there road championships. With warmer weather, this is a good circuit in which to stretch the legs and should make for some good bunch racing as riders head over Mount Tennant and the long run to the Apollo Road intersection. Riders then turn with the finish near the model airplane field. One lap is approximately 18 kilometers.
NOTE that the race starts at the intersection of Smiths Road and Naas Road, about 1 km south of Tharwa, over the bridge, near the model airplane field. Registration will be near the entry to the model airplane field.
Course Map can be found here.
Grades/Distances
Grade
Distance
Laps
A
72 km
4 laps
B
72 km
4 laps
C (WA)
54 km
3 laps
D (WB)
36 km
2 laps
E (WC)
36 km
2 laps
Details:
· Racing will commence at 9am on Saturday, 24 October 2009.
· Registration will open at 8.15am and close just before the race start time.
· Entry is $5 (please bring correct change if possible).
· For safety, riders must have a current Cycling Australia licence. Day and general licences can be bought at the time of registration, for details and prices see here. To allow time for processing licences, please arrive early.
The scheduled marshals are: David Cohen, Bronwyn Ryan, Joel Ryan and Dale Percival. Please contact the Race Director, Jason Parkes by email jpparkes@three.com.au for further information.
9. V-Mail Sponsor: Aussie Butt Cream and new trivia Giveaway Coming Soon!
That's right - Aussie Butt Cream (www.aussiebuttcream.com.au) has jumped on board to sponsor the new Trivia Giveaway section to be held monthly in the V-Mail. I'll send out a trivia question or challenge, and the first person to send the correct response to bulletin@vikingscycling.org.au will win the highly sought after tub of Aussie Butt Cream!
Aussie Butt Cream also supported the Masters event, and were the first prizes to disappear from the prize tables!
Save your butt with our new chamois cream. That's the way to stay healthy, fit, strong and confident especially where it counts - on the Butt.
Whether you're on your bike, your motorbike, your horse, or being active such as running - Aussie Butt CreamT gives you comfort and protection where you want it.
Aussie Butt CreamT gives comfort for cycling, riding and running. Our cream aims to prevent and reduce abrasions, and prevent bacterial and fungal infections that may lead to saddles sores and more. This cream helps avoid boils, sebaceous cysts, abscesses and the like.
Among the ingredients is Australian Tea Tree Oil which gives antiseptic and aromatic qualities. We believe this is the best value product of its type available.
Try the down under cream. You'll come back for more.
10. Brendan Johnston Fundraiser: Car Boot Sale Saturday 14th November
CORC club member and 2009 Australian Junior representative, 17 year old Brendan Johnston has recently been diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma cancer. 16 days after surgery to remove the cancer he raced at the World MTB Championships in Canberra!
Brendan had another round of major surgery three weeks ago and is scheduled for further surgery in mid-October. This will be followed by 42 weeks of chemotherapy. The majority of his treatment will be in Sydney and Canberra with (hopefully) some treatment at his local hospital in Moruya.
The courage and determination that Brendan has shown since his diagnosis will hold him in good stead for the many challenges the next year will hold.
Please support Brendan and his family by holding a stall at the 'car boot sale'. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of unwanted new and used cycling clothing, parts, bikes etc. Many people will be looking to stock up on Christmas presents or just to upgrade gear for themselves.
Afterwards bring your mountain bike and test yourself on the Stromlo Forest Park trails, home of the 2009 World MTB Championships. Bring your road bike to do a few laps of the crit course or bring the whole family and let the kids ride around on the newly developed kids playground area.
BBQ and coffee will be available too.
Cost of stall is $20 with ALL funds raised going to Brendan
A gold coin donation will be collected at the gate.
If you wish to reserve a site please check the Vikings website for the required form or contact Leanne at leannehenderson@grapevine.com.au.
11. Sue Powell: WORLD CHAMPION and ACTAS female athlete of the year
The rise of Sue Powell on the paracycling stage continues. Since being classified in the LC2 category, Sue has one gold in the ITT and road race at both the Australian and Oceania road championships, among other achievements. These stunning results led to her selection as one of the few Aussie paracyclists to head to the world championships in Italy this year. In the biggest race of her short career, Sue stormed the ITT to take the gold with an average speed approaching 40km/h! She backed up in the road race for a silver, only narrowly missing out.
To cap off her amazing year, Sue was this week crowned the ACTAC female athlete of the year. Alongside her, Glenn Doney won another coaching gong which he attributed to the hard work of his fellow coaches John Forrest and Sian Mulholland.
12. Masters track worlds update
Many of our masters racers, including Sue, are currently in Sydney competing in the World Masters Track Championships. Some exciting results so far including a World Championship for Jim Veal! We'll have the full wrap of ACT results in the next V-Mail but in the meantime check out http://www.cyclingmasters.com.au/ for all the results!
Upcoming Events
- October 24, 2009: CCC Tharwa Graded Scratch
- October 29, 2009: STROMLO LADIES NIGHT 2009
- October 31, 2009: VCC/CCC Road Championships
- November 1, 2009: Fitz's Challenge
- November 7, 2009: CCC IBM Corin Classic
- November 21, 2009: CCC Hill Climb Championships
Any Items for the V-Mail?
Thanks to Simon Dwyer, Henry Thomson, Sue Powell, Aussie Butt Cream, Michael Milton, Leanne Henderson and Greg Long for the content this week. No Thanks go to Lee Sheather and Lyn Vasudeva who didn't send in Masters Race Reports.
Thursday the 22nd October, 2009
1. 2009 Australian Masters Road Championships - Wrap Up
2. Vikings/V-Mobile Forum Relaunch!
3. Vikings Forum Poll - Should Cyclists Wear iPods while on the Bike?
4. Canberra Cyclescapes
5. Stromlo Ladies Night and the Return of Women's C racing!
6. Race Report: Coast to Coast Challenge - PNG - Michael Milton
7. Race Report: Aust. Masters Champs - WM3/4 Criterium - Sue Powell
8. CCC racing this weekend: Tharwa to Apollo Rd Circuit 9 am
9. V-Mail Sponsor: Aussie Butt Cream and new Trivia Giveaway Coming Soon!
10. Brendan Johnston Fundraiser: Car Boot Sale Saturday 14th November
11. Sue Powell: World Champion AND ACTAS Athlete of the Year!
12. Masters Track Worlds Update
A big V-Mail after a big couple of months for the club. Read on for news of our new World Champions, the wrap of the Australian Masters Champs (our first major event in years), the return of Stromlo Ladies Night and the relaunch of the forum!
1. 2009 Australian Masters Road Championships - Wrap Up
Well this year's Masters Champs have been run and won with a large number of competitors making their way to Canberra to tackle one of the toughest cycling courses held in recent years for the event. Canberra did it's best to make the visitors feel unwelcome, with brutal conditions on display potentially helping many local riders walk away with the silverware. Vikings very own Club President Simon Claringbold managed to snare Gold in the Road Race and many other Canberra riders did exceptionally well on their home course. Results and links to photos are available from the Masters website (www.australiancyclingmasters.com) as well as direct from the CA website.
An event like this wouldn't get off the ground without the help of a large number of people, so Thanks must go to.. (Better get a coffee)
Peter Gough whose input and help during the event was invaluable, Mark S who gets a special mention because he fell off a ladder helping set up prior to his race, all the Vikings that pulled together to make the event possible (too many to list here!), Cycling Australia, ACT Cycling Federation, Paul Craft MC extraordinaire, SES Volunteers, Police, ACT Ambulance Service, Sports Medicine Australia, Jeff van Aust, Stromlo Forest Park, Phil Stanton at Computrainer.com.au, Dale Brede and National Capital Motors for supplying Commissaire vehicles, Con at the Greengrocer Goulburn, Brian and the Bikeshed, Granite Range Estate Wines, Skins, Aq'to Race Gear, Aussie Butt Cream, Sunsmart, Clint Deverson, Bilbys, Hartley Lifecare and Rotary for catering, the marshalls that donated their time and braved miserable conditions to help out, and finally the competitors and Canberra Cycling community for supporting the event and making it a success.
We have a post event survey that we'd like those that competed in the event to please take the time to fill out. We'll be passing the feedback on to next year's organisers, as well as using it to improve future events that the Vikings may hold (Once I forget the stress and work involved in this one).
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=gCzgj9lTK0MCR5a63AYMlQ_3d_3d
2. Vikings/V-Mobile Forum Relaunch
For those who haven't yet noticed - the Vikings/V-Mobile forum has been relaunched at the new address www.vikingscyclingforum.org.au. The previous site will exist for a week or so longer before it is redirected to the new address. If you have anything stored there you wish to keep then back it up asap.
As part of the relaunch, if any local squads, crit teams, weekend warriors or coffee crusaders want a private forum built within the existing forum - send me an email at j_young_80@hotmail.com and i'll build you up your own private area to discuss training rides, tactics or the latest cafe and give you Moderator access. Currently we have MACT, Valhalla, V-Mobile and the latest Novice recruits on board.
Vikings cycling teams: Just ask!
As part of the upgrade, we are reminding people that all you need to do to join one of the squads within Vikings is ask. Currently there are three club supported squads: MACT, V-Mobile and Valhalla.
-The Masters ACT Cycling Team is open to all Vikings members who are eligible to ride Masters (i.e. over 35, though they will accept younger riders who want to be MACT riders when they grow up). Visit their website for further information including team diary, photos and race program or email Simon Niemeyer at simonsky@mac.com.
-The V-Mobile squad is an independent team of Vikings members who wish to promote the aims of the club through club level road racing. If you share the V-Mobile philosophy and want to get involved in the squad, please contact us at squad@vikingscycling.org.au.
-Valhalla aims to develop riders starting with the crit season, then towards the Canberra Tour and beyond. Membership is open to anyone. Contact Milto at milto@optusnet.com.au to be part of the reigning crit series champion squad!
3. Vikings Forum Poll - Should Cyclists Wear iPods While on the Bike?
Should local cyclists keep the iPod in their pocket and out of their ears when out on the bike?
Have your say at http://www.vikingscyclingforum.org.au/forum/showthread.php?t=183.
Final Poll Results will be published in the next V-Mail!
4. Canberra Cyclescapes
This week's Canberra Cyclescape's features last years victorious Criterium Champions Valhalla hoisting the trophy high. Back row: Jez, Matthew, Mark, Kano, Bosworth, Leigh, Phil and Mikey.
Front row: Lisa, Deciana, Frances and Kate. If you'd like to be a part of this year's squad Contact Milto at milto@optusnet.com.au. Membership is open to anyone.
For more of Greg's work, check out www.heymabel.com
5. Stromlo Ladies night and the return of Women's C Racing!
Following on from the success of last year, we will celebrate the start of the summer season and the CCC crits with the second annual Stromlo Ladies Night on 29th Oct at Stromlo Forest Park 2009. This will be an evening for ALL women, including a come 'n' try session for beginners and criterium racing for ALL women's grades.
Schedule:
5.30pm: Come 'n' try (All skill levels, no experience needed, mountain and hybrid bikes welcomed!)
6.00pm: Women C - 20 minutes plus 2 laps
6.25pm: Women B - 25 minutes plus 2 laps
7pm: Women A - 25 minutes plus 2 laps (sunset at 7:30pm)
All participants should arrive at least 15 minutes before their race time to register so that all races can run on schedule. The come 'n' try session costs $5 while race entry is also $5. Both include a drink voucher from the kind folks at Funky Brew.
For more information on SLN contact Dan Foo: daniel_foo@hotmail.com.
WEEKLY WOMEN'S C GRADE CRITS RETURN!
Weekly WC crit racing will subsequently be held every Thursday evening 6pm at Stromlo Forest Park from 5 Nov onwards till 17 Dec 09 (and may be extended further if the response is good). The format will be 20 minutes plus 2 laps.
For more information on SLN or WC racing, contact Dan Foo (daniel_foo@hotmail.com).
6. Race Report: Coast to Coast Challenge - PNG - Michael Milton
Our schedule was always going to make this a tough trip for me but I am always up for a challenge. The plan was to ride from the north coast of PNG at Buna where the Japanese fleet landed, Ride to Kokoda, Walk the track and then get back on the bikes and ride down to Port Moresby. The bikes would be flown from Kokoda to Moresby and then driven up to Owers Corner for the end of the walk. We had 8 days for this schedule which meant that we had only 5 days to walk the Kokoda track. Most of the commercial trips do the walk in 8 or 9 days so we would be walking long hours and pushing the pace.
Day 1 - A magnificent sunrise over the ocean and a night in what is called a guest house saw the start of our trip. The guesthouse is a wooden frame with a thatched roof and some walls. This one had the end of it over the water and was an amazing place to stay. A real mattress and mosquito net meant that I had a good nights sleep. The ride was 80km and about half rough dirt and half potholed bitumen. It was hot and open but a swim in a creek every couple of hours felt good and cooled things down. The highlight of the day was crossing the kimuzi river where the bridge was washed out in a cyclone in 2007. We crossed with all our gear and bikes on tyre tubes with local guys swimming them across. A night in the village of Pisa and another swim and wash was the end of our day.
Day 2 - Early starts are always in order when sleeping in a tent. Pancakes for breakfast and we were off again. Some 25 river crossings for the day with about half of the bridges washed out meant we were in for some fun. A swim in Eora creek meant that we were now in water coming straight off the Owen Stanley ranges and we felt the difference in temperature. 40 km's on dirt and we were in Kokoda. On the way a long drop toilet that collapsed just as I was preparing to do my business was a lowlight for me. We also had a 2 hour stop in Oivi where we went looking for Sam Templeton's remains after some new information was uncovered during an interview in Japan. Lunch in Kokoda and we started the walk. I always knew this would be the hard part for me on crutches but hard is not a bad thing. 2 hours gently climbing and then 1.5 hours steep climbing and we were in camp at Deniki.
Day 3 - Porridge for breakfast by torchlight and we were off with a schedule to reach the village of Eora Creek. Mostly due to some gastro problems we made camp around 4pm in Alola. It was a tough day walking a long day while sick. Not too many highlights for me this day. We did however stop at Isurava where one of the key battles was fought in WWII. You can't help but feel solemn respect and thanks for our soldiers who helped make our country at a place like this. The motto of the track is on 4 large stone pillars at Isurava. Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice.
Day 4 - We all woke up feeling better and made a plan to try and get over the top of the range at 2190m and down to camp at 1900. We were trying to travel light and didn't bring sleeping bags so sleeping higher meant that we might have a cold night but we couldn't do anything about that now. We saw a few other groups this day but didn't do more than say hi to them. We walked into camp right on dusk at around 6:15pm after walking for 12 hours with about 1 hour breaks all day. It was long and tiring and finishing for the day felt great. A very cold swim and wash by torchlight was another interesting experience as was sleeping in all my clothes including my rain jacket with hood up.
Day 5 - 1900 to Menari. Another long day with some stomach discomfort for me. Through the village of Efogi and up what I thought last time I walked the track was the toughest climb of the trip. The hills on the track are constant, they are hard and rough and relentless. They are not much easier down as it is slippery and steep. Chocolate donuts at lunch was a great surprise and went down well.
Day 6 - Menari to Iorbaiwa. I was really starting to fatigue and started to have some hand problems this day. Numbness in some parts and bruising in others made walking on them hard. We caught at group this day that had left 2 days before us so that was a boost to the ego. Spring rolls filled with 2 minute noodles and canned vegies actually taste good in this environment. This day also had the longest single hill on the track up the Maguli range. 2 hours constantly up hill rising over 500 vertical metres. They call it the 9 false peaks as there are 9 flats that all look like you are at the top. A huge thunderstorm at Ofi creek meant we only had a quick swim to minimise the risks of being washed away in a flood.
Day 7 - The last day walking. Doesn't it feel good to know that you are going to make it and the hardest part is over. The whole crew was betting on what time I would arrive at Owers corner with the spread of bets from 2:10 till around 3:30 in the afternoon. I wanted to beat the first bet so I tried to keep an even but fast pace for the day. In the first 2 hours we crossed over 20 creeks. Sandals were the order of the day. The final hurdle is a 45 minute climb up from Goldie river to the finish. Last time I was there Goldie was chest deep and murky brown and we crossed hooked onto a rope line. This time it was a beautiful creek about knee deep and clear. You can imagine this place would have been heaven to the diggers coming off the track. The salvo's were there and a nice wash. The atmosphere of this place was great and that combined with knowing you are nearly done made me a happy camper. 2:01 across the finish line and I won the bet too.
The walk wasn't the end of the day though as we got to the top, had some lunch, put the bikes together and got riding. It was nice to be back on the bike for me but some steep hills kept us working hard. Camp at 5 meant that we would have a short next day to the finish. Another thunder storm just after the tents were up gave us a nice sunset, the way the guys got the big tarp set up on poles in about 5 minutes was a very impressive bit of teamwork.
Day 8 - 15km on dirt road before another 45km of sealed road and a swim in the ocean. From the start of the bitumen we had a police escort. Lots of people beside the road supporting us lifted our spirits for the day. The road had some potholes to keep us awake but the trip had lots of fast descents and was lots of fun. A 1 hour stop to look around Bomana cemetery added a solemn touch but then it was off to the finish line. Some games were played on the bikes for KOM points but it was about the challenge and we all crossed the finish line together where some of the guys on borrowed bikes rolled into the sea while we dropped bikes on the bank and jumped in. Beers were had by many and it was then off for a nice shower and an afternoon eating as much as possible and lazing around the hotel pool.
All in all an awesome trip that I would highly recommend to anyone after a challenge. The trip was run by Kokoda Spirt (www.kokodaspirit.com) They are keen to run it again so send Wayne an email if you are interested.
7. Race Report: Australian Masters Champs - WM3/4 Criterium - Sue Powell
A wet track greeted the riders on Monday morning for the combined WM3 and 4 crit race. At least it wasn't raining.. Well it wasn't when we started anyway. Lining up there was some concern from the visitors about a slippery track so the locals showed the way on the first couple of laps at a pretty gentle pace. Once the interstaters were confident of the lines and traction, the action started with attempts at breakaways by Bicisport riders down the back straight but it didn't look like anyone was going to get away. Not content with the slow pace and with the rain starting to fall, Terry Moore from Vikings attacked and put the pace down to get things moving but was quickly marked by riders from Bicisport, Parramatta and Wellington CC. Numerous attacks were launched with Vikings riders threatening to get away at one point, but the bunch was onto everything. Last lap and no-one wanted to lead it out, but a decisive move by Trudy Van der Straaten (Bicisport) on 'collarbone corner' saw her gap the chasers and hold the advantage for a great win. With her breakaway win in the road race, Trudy also snapped up the Champion of champions jersey for the WM3. Lee Sheather (Vikings Cycling Club ACT) was the first over the line for the WM4, also snaring the Champions jersey after a win in the ITT on day one of competition.
8. CCC racing this weekend: Tharwa to Apollo Rd Circuit 9 am
Plan to make this one which is the week before both clubs have there road championships. With warmer weather, this is a good circuit in which to stretch the legs and should make for some good bunch racing as riders head over Mount Tennant and the long run to the Apollo Road intersection. Riders then turn with the finish near the model airplane field. One lap is approximately 18 kilometers.
NOTE that the race starts at the intersection of Smiths Road and Naas Road, about 1 km south of Tharwa, over the bridge, near the model airplane field. Registration will be near the entry to the model airplane field.
Course Map can be found here.
Grades/Distances
Grade
Distance
Laps
A
72 km
4 laps
B
72 km
4 laps
C (WA)
54 km
3 laps
D (WB)
36 km
2 laps
E (WC)
36 km
2 laps
Details:
· Racing will commence at 9am on Saturday, 24 October 2009.
· Registration will open at 8.15am and close just before the race start time.
· Entry is $5 (please bring correct change if possible).
· For safety, riders must have a current Cycling Australia licence. Day and general licences can be bought at the time of registration, for details and prices see here. To allow time for processing licences, please arrive early.
The scheduled marshals are: David Cohen, Bronwyn Ryan, Joel Ryan and Dale Percival. Please contact the Race Director, Jason Parkes by email jpparkes@three.com.au for further information.
9. V-Mail Sponsor: Aussie Butt Cream and new trivia Giveaway Coming Soon!
That's right - Aussie Butt Cream (www.aussiebuttcream.com.au) has jumped on board to sponsor the new Trivia Giveaway section to be held monthly in the V-Mail. I'll send out a trivia question or challenge, and the first person to send the correct response to bulletin@vikingscycling.org.au will win the highly sought after tub of Aussie Butt Cream!
Aussie Butt Cream also supported the Masters event, and were the first prizes to disappear from the prize tables!
Save your butt with our new chamois cream. That's the way to stay healthy, fit, strong and confident especially where it counts - on the Butt.
Whether you're on your bike, your motorbike, your horse, or being active such as running - Aussie Butt CreamT gives you comfort and protection where you want it.
Aussie Butt CreamT gives comfort for cycling, riding and running. Our cream aims to prevent and reduce abrasions, and prevent bacterial and fungal infections that may lead to saddles sores and more. This cream helps avoid boils, sebaceous cysts, abscesses and the like.
Among the ingredients is Australian Tea Tree Oil which gives antiseptic and aromatic qualities. We believe this is the best value product of its type available.
Try the down under cream. You'll come back for more.
10. Brendan Johnston Fundraiser: Car Boot Sale Saturday 14th November
CORC club member and 2009 Australian Junior representative, 17 year old Brendan Johnston has recently been diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma cancer. 16 days after surgery to remove the cancer he raced at the World MTB Championships in Canberra!
Brendan had another round of major surgery three weeks ago and is scheduled for further surgery in mid-October. This will be followed by 42 weeks of chemotherapy. The majority of his treatment will be in Sydney and Canberra with (hopefully) some treatment at his local hospital in Moruya.
The courage and determination that Brendan has shown since his diagnosis will hold him in good stead for the many challenges the next year will hold.
Please support Brendan and his family by holding a stall at the 'car boot sale'. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of unwanted new and used cycling clothing, parts, bikes etc. Many people will be looking to stock up on Christmas presents or just to upgrade gear for themselves.
Afterwards bring your mountain bike and test yourself on the Stromlo Forest Park trails, home of the 2009 World MTB Championships. Bring your road bike to do a few laps of the crit course or bring the whole family and let the kids ride around on the newly developed kids playground area.
BBQ and coffee will be available too.
Cost of stall is $20 with ALL funds raised going to Brendan
A gold coin donation will be collected at the gate.
If you wish to reserve a site please check the Vikings website for the required form or contact Leanne at leannehenderson@grapevine.com.au.
11. Sue Powell: WORLD CHAMPION and ACTAS female athlete of the year
The rise of Sue Powell on the paracycling stage continues. Since being classified in the LC2 category, Sue has one gold in the ITT and road race at both the Australian and Oceania road championships, among other achievements. These stunning results led to her selection as one of the few Aussie paracyclists to head to the world championships in Italy this year. In the biggest race of her short career, Sue stormed the ITT to take the gold with an average speed approaching 40km/h! She backed up in the road race for a silver, only narrowly missing out.
To cap off her amazing year, Sue was this week crowned the ACTAC female athlete of the year. Alongside her, Glenn Doney won another coaching gong which he attributed to the hard work of his fellow coaches John Forrest and Sian Mulholland.
12. Masters track worlds update
Many of our masters racers, including Sue, are currently in Sydney competing in the World Masters Track Championships. Some exciting results so far including a World Championship for Jim Veal! We'll have the full wrap of ACT results in the next V-Mail but in the meantime check out http://www.cyclingmasters.com.au/ for all the results!
Upcoming Events
- October 24, 2009: CCC Tharwa Graded Scratch
- October 29, 2009: STROMLO LADIES NIGHT 2009
- October 31, 2009: VCC/CCC Road Championships
- November 1, 2009: Fitz's Challenge
- November 7, 2009: CCC IBM Corin Classic
- November 21, 2009: CCC Hill Climb Championships
Any Items for the V-Mail?
Thanks to Simon Dwyer, Henry Thomson, Sue Powell, Aussie Butt Cream, Michael Milton, Leanne Henderson and Greg Long for the content this week. No Thanks go to Lee Sheather and Lyn Vasudeva who didn't send in Masters Race Reports.