Alleycat 12 Dec

[Driver]

190

[j_young_80]

any more info. on this? looks pretty hilarious, am I safe on V-Maxx Sparky or will it disintegrate mid-race?

[Steven]

We'll update this announcement with details in the next day or so, but it's a fairly straightforward point-to-point race with three checkpoints, returning to start (and a barbie). And the flyer doubles as a postage stamp!

Jamie, how can we display images full-size? Special tag required?

[Driver]

any more info. on this? looks pretty hilarious, am I safe on V-Maxx Sparky or will it disintegrate mid-race?

Unlike your quads, it will not explode mid race.

Bring it.

Dwyer, I have one for you too, it's pink but.

Macca, we need to sort you out. I think you could take first female, you'll probably even give some of the boys a nudge with your years of AFL training. and I'm not talking about the footy.

[Steven]

Sparky was responding to my email at 2am last night (when I'd finished the artwork).

He said he was up looking after his new bubba, but I suspect that anxiety about his upcoming duel with The Dwyer was keeping him awake in a cold sweat.

[Driver]

but I suspect that anxiety about his upcoming duel with The Dwyer was keeping him awake in a cold sweat.

you are right, there is a fair bit of pressure here.

[j_young_80]

Unlike your quads, it will not explode mid race.


Mid race? pfft, They were exploding long before then.

Speaking of quad explosions - I heard you were breaking from tradition and packing a 12-27 for Bright - can you confirm these rumours?

What are the details for this race though seriously? I'll be hungover from an Xmas party the night before so if there really is beer at the checkpoints that might be the clincher.

[Startrek]

How much fun does this look ,any women coming?

[Startrek]

Simon C told me on monday at crit training that no one should use a 27 ,my Pinarello and i crawled away in shame ,thats all right i went home and cried into my Australian National champ's jersey Boo Yah.

[bosworth*]

If I ride Sparky's pink bike, will I be allowed into the female category?

[Steven]

Each checkpoint is beer-friendly, that's a guarantee, but locations will not be divulged till the start.

Lee, we can run a women's category if the ladies actually want one. In most events of this type it seems the ladies are keen to compete with the guys, but we're happy to go with the flow.

SS and fixed will have separate categories.

[Driver]

Jamie, although I don't advocate irresponsible drinking (of course) I would say that a hangover could in fact be positive attribute, it can only enhance your experience.

I also do not advocate drinking and riding, but, some unscrupulous riders may choose to hydrate pre, during and post ride.

Lee, I'm geeing up some BC-SC ladies for this too. I can see my pile of old sh*tty (I mean bikes with character) bikes increasing in a short time. I have also tipped them off that the weary of lycra based clothing is uncool, as is taking it too seriously :)

Jamie, I did sway on the cassette issue for a very short time, but thanks to a good tip from a V-M rider who shall remain nameleSD, I found out an 11 - 25 available in 105. PERFECT. It should arrive any day. That's what I'll be using and now with my sveldt 82kg, a whole kilo lighter than this time last year, I should FA-LI up the hills.

[Steven]

I'll be hungover from an Xmas party the night before

So you're carb loading? Hmmm so many tactics, so early.

[Hoops]

Haha, this is making me keen to source an old steed. I'd probably never use cept for these thingo's though.

[SimonD]

You're going down Sparkles!

Steven, is that frame still on offer?

I know W&P's out, but can we at least go Zierholz or something decent?

[Steven]

You're going down Sparkles!

Steven, is that frame still on offer?

I know W&P's out, but can we at least go Zierholz or something decent?

If you're gunning for Scotty, then yes, the frame is yours :D

I'll help with the conversion too if you cover the parts. This is an "Ian Downing"-style offer where you need to supply the sixpack and watch/learn/do. PM me anyways.

ps the checkpoints are already set, no correspondence will be entered into...

[Kano]

Haha, this is making me keen to source an old steed. I'd probably never use cept for these thingo's though.

well well well.....look who it is. the " geared Up" man himself.

[mikeyc]

Count me in, too good to miss. With a few minor modifications my Olmo will be perfect for this.

[j_young_80]

I have a Giant Bowery fixy that someone can borrow. I aint riding it to the race due the afore-mentioned hangover/still tanked state i'll be in and it's likely the "don't stop pedalling" rule may be overlooked.

Just pack a spare tube in your jersey for me Sparkles, that way, as you mock me on Hotham with pump in hand, I can strangle you with my spare tube.

Sounds like you know the watering holes already steven...hook us up - need to get some practise in!

[Hoops]

well well well.....look who it is. the " geared Up" man himself.

Easy on tiger. Still a long way from switching sides. Just call me curious.

[Kano]

Easy on tiger. Still a long way from switching sides. Just call me curious.

we do......

[Hoops]

What! You and the singlespeed crew? Wasn't that just you in the end?

[Kano]

well apparently not!!

[mikeyc]

Easy on tiger. Still a long way from switching sides. Just call me curious.

http://www.cubenightclub.com.au

[Steven]

Jokes aside, here are some more details about Drop Zone:

Rock up at 4ish with your fixed or SS bike. Marshals will have first aid kits, but this is classed as an unsanctioned social/training ride so join us "at your own risk" and take reasonable precautions ie. wear a lid, carry spare tubes and bring a phone to call your mum/cab/sag wagon in an emergency.

To get to Duntroon Park from Civic:
1. Follow Constitution Avenue to Russell.
2. Turn right down Russell Drive.
3. Turn left at Morshead Drive roundabout.
4. Turn right through roundabout at Staff Cadet Ave towards lake.
5. Follow the bike path parallel to Morshead for about 1500m to the second foreshore carpark opposite Plant Road.

Riders will be provided with target cards for each checkpoint and wear a coloured wristband depending on their category to make the marshals' job easier. There will be a sausage sizzle at the end and riders will get a free sausage sandwich in exchange for their wristband when they return to the park.

Should be some amusing prizes to the category winners as well - details on the day (I'm lobbying for a cog and lockring to the SS category!)

It should be a great day with around 50 riders already showing strong interest.

[j_young_80]

Steven, I also heard a rumour that the last race entry fee was a six-pack thrown into a huge esky, which competitors all drank at the end of the event? Is this true? I may turn pro in this type of racing if this is the case.

I am hella keen for this - are those that were teetering on the edge coming?

[Steven]

There will be at least one mossive esky, and Sparkles will be presenting an informative tutorial on correct hydration and magnesium intake.

From past experience there should be some nice bike p0rn on display, old and new. Not that we're about to turn this into some kind of urban hipster show-n-shine.

[Hoops]

I won't have found a steed by the 12th. Should be good for future events.

[Driver]

I won't have found a steed by the 12th. Should be good for future events.

I can hook you up.

I did have a special set aside for SD, but he's apparently sorted.

If you are willing.

[SimonD]

I did have a special set aside for SD, but he's apparently sorted.

I think so. Did I also mention that I am going to take you down?

[Hoops]

I can hook you up.

I did have a special set aside for SD, but he's apparently sorted.

If you are willing.


I am!

Just as a loaner right? And I'm hoping the 'special' additions meant for Dwyer will be removed?

[Driver]

OK.

I will turn some spanners. Yes... I don't think you'll want to buy it.

Just don't damage the paint.

It's special. Very special.

Some quick questions to help the build process;
Your saddle height - two choices 60cm or 65cm? from pedal platform not BB.
Do you prefer side saddle, two pommel or reverse?
And lastly, bars - flipped or swept back?

The rest I'll wing.

[j_young_80]

I also still have a fixy available for use - you break it, and after I stop laughing you have to get me a new one.

[Hoops]

Okay, I'm way out of my league here. All I know about fixies/singles, is they have 2 wheels and are a distant cousin to my roadie.


"Your saddle height - two choices 60cm or 65cm? from pedal platform not BB."
I'm a lot shorter than you. If you're a 65, run me at a 60.

Do you prefer side saddle, two pommel or reverse?
Is there a 3rd option - Normal?


And lastly, bars - flipped or swept back?
Lets sweep 'em back.


Anyone want to clue me in the ways of the Alleycat. I hear lyrcra and race helmets are out. And plenty of mummerings about beer consumption.

[Steven]

To paraphrase Wikipedia, an alleycat is a social ride that resembles some aspects of a bicycle messenger's typical working day. This may or may not include enjoying a beverage before, during and after the ride.

Drop Zone consists of three undisclosed checkpoints, with the location of the next checkpoint revealed at the start and each successive checkpoint. By happy coincidence, the checkpoints are social venues scattered around central Canberra.

None of us need a reminder that Australian Road Rules require all cyclists to wear an approved helmet, and I can't imagine anyone being heckled for wearing lycra. You may have the last laugh depending on the weather.

[Driver]

Okay, I'm way out of my league here. All I know about fixies/singles, is they have 2 wheels and are a distant cousin to my roadie.


"Your saddle height - two choices 60cm or 65cm? from pedal platform not BB."
I'm a lot shorter than you. If you're a 65, run me at a 60.

Do you prefer side saddle, two pommel or reverse?
Is there a 3rd option - Normal?


And lastly, bars - flipped or swept back?
Lets sweep 'em back.


Anyone want to clue me in the ways of the Alleycat. I hear lyrcra and race helmets are out. And plenty of mummerings about beer consumption.

okay okay I was just joshing, i'll make it as normal as possible.

[Oliver]

So where do I get a single speed from?
Word on the street has it I should talk to you Steven

[Frances]

Macca, we need to sort you out. I think you could take first female, you'll probably even give some of the boys a nudge with your years of AFL training. and I'm not talking about the footy.

I missed the excitement of this thread last week. Goodness knows how :D

Most excited at the prospect of my new steed as discussed yesterday, Sparky. Thanks!

Um, not quite sure what you mean by the quote above though! :o

[Steven]

So where do I get a single speed from?
Word on the street has it I should talk to you Steven

Local bike shops have singlespeeds in stock, sizes and prices to suit. Or you could convert an old ten-speed using a threaded BMX freewheel and instructions from Sheldon Brown (http://sheldonbrown.com/singlespeed.html).

[Hoops]

So where do I get a single speed from?
Word on the street has it I should talk to you Steven

Just borrow Jamie's.

[Oliver]

Just borrow Jamie's.

He makes it sound fragile...

[bosworth*]

Jamie is quite fragile.

[Hoops]

If it's that black bike JY has then it's probably not the coolest single speed. Too modern for the purists.

[j_young_80]

it's a fixie with a flip flop hub. And it was once owned by Dale Brede - it doesn't get any cooler than that.

You can ride V-Maxx if you think it will get you more respect, just try to stay at least 10 metres away from everyone and the flaws in my rattle can job aren't so obvious.

[Driver]

Hoops, the special is ready to rock.

It is nothing like Jamies.

[Hoops]

I have a feeling there'll be no hiding on this ride.

[j_young_80]

Get me on a downhill and V-Maxx will take all comers to the cleaners.

[Driver]

I dunno Jamie....
Hoops ride is at least a kilo or more heavier than yours, although he does have some aerodynamic issues.

I nearly put my back out re-racking it.

And Brad's beast - a fixie with a rollout of 102 inches (!) also doubles as an anchor for a small ship.

[Startrek]

Picture please.

[j_young_80]

I am very glad to hear this. I thought you'd built him some light racing steed, and i'd be left to my own devices trundling V-Maxx along the road, drunk and alone, a stranger in a strange land.

[Driver]

I am very glad to hear this. I thought you'd built him some light racing steed, and i'd be left to my own devices trundling V-Maxx along the road, drunk and alone, a stranger in a strange land.

I guarantee you will not be alone.

[Driver]

Picture please.

.... just can't.

I will say that YOU should ride this at the next one ;P

[Hoops]

I will say that YOU should ride this at the next one ;P

A Sheather styled bike... you're killing me Sparks.

[Startrek]

Bling it

[Driver]

Bling it

be careful what you wish for....

[Steven]

Oh dear.

[Driver]

I think when it comes to weight, my latest acquisition (which I will be riding in the Alleycat) really takes the cake.

Haven't actually weighed it yet, but it's a two-man lift and I think I may have slipped a disc.

boooya!

237

[satac]

And it is so Homo

[SimonD]

And it is so Homo

...sapiens?

[satac]

...sapiens?

Monkey riding it on the 12th :D

[j_young_80]

Are you coming Breedles with your pimped Single?

[SimonD]

Maybe Driver can bring some of his friends from CRC. They can sit in the basket and pass the beers.

[satac]

Are you coming Breedles with your pimped Single?

Yeah JY im coming on the pimp my Fixie. Bringing Paul Senior from OCC

[Startrek]

Monkey riding it on the 12th :D

12 Monkeys .

[Driver]

Monkey riding it on the 12th :D

'A' grade monkey at least. Sonny.

[Frances]

I'm gunna get smashed on this. Think I'll go for the prize for my outfit rather than any riding ability - there's a category for best dressed, right?? ;)

[Steven]

Dwyer's new weapon, fresh off the slab... "Brick":

http://cyclebucket.com/images/brick0001.jpg

[Startrek]

Dwyer's new weapon, fresh off the slab... "Brick":

http://cyclebucket.com/images/brick0001.jpg

What in the hell is he wearing .

[Steven]

Maybe he thought it was for Tweed Ride ...? ;)

[SimonD]

Sorry, I'm not really in the leather mini-skirt set, Sheather.

I love my new bicycle. Just tossing up names for it. I was tossing up between The Monk because it has had a long history, but it's full potential was only realised today, the day of Abbott's ascension to Liberal leadership. Or maybe Immanuel because on this day I realised the modern world pays no heed to Kantian ethics.

[Bean]

I would have thought a name like "The Doctor" covered all the bases on many levels for you Simon.

[SimonD]

Well, perhaps it should be the Tardis then.

[Bean]

No, it should be The Doctor.

[Kano]

again can i just say.

great to see the hype around riding fixies/singles

[bosworth*]

Maybe you could start a fixie/single bunch ride, Kano?

[Driver]

OMG SD, I'm not sure if I need to laugh, cry or vomit.

Great stuff.

You and Breedy have very similar fashion sense.

[SimonD]

You mean class?

[Driver]

I'm gunna get smashed on this. Think I'll go for the prize for my outfit rather than any riding ability - there's a category for best dressed, right?? ;)

Mac, your steed is rockin.

ATM it is actually the highest performance single in the stable.

Has... a lot of character I gotta say.

[Driver]

Steven, what the most reliable way to secure a track cog to an older screw on hub - without the use of a lockring (no room).

Brad's beast keeps on undoing itself when I 'attempt' reverse thrust. Latest method is several drops of the 'never to be undone' locktite and screw it on dam tight. Any other ideas?

[Steven]

Maybe you could start a fixie/single bunch ride, Kano?

Ouch :D

Scotty, short of a welder there's not much...

One idea - and it's a total bodge, if it even works (seriously kids, don't try this at home!) - could be to use a threaded spacer ring from the off-side of an old-school bottom bracket. Screws on in the same direction as the track cog, and from recollection is the same inner diameter.

Use locktite on both and pray to sweet Jeeezus whenever you skid.

[Driver]

well, there no room for a BB lockring at all.

I'll retest said masterpiece after the locktite has cured but also leave on the state of the art (cough) brakes, and if all else fails bung a freewheel on it.

[Steven]

Brakes.

Phht.

[SimonD]

Brakes.

Phht.

You gave me at least one and a half.

[j_young_80]

Dwyer's new weapon, fresh off the slab... "Brick":

http://cyclebucket.com/images/brick0001.jpg

Dwyer - this looks like it came from a dating site in the 1950's.

I think it should be called "The Guvna".

[SimonD]

Well, I'm not getting much in the way of consensus here. Brick, The Monk, Guvna, The Doctor, Immanuel.

[Steven]

"What this country needs is a Doctor."

[j_young_80]

The Brown Baron? With that outfit you could flick a white scarf round the neck, throw on some Biggles goggles and make plane sounds complete with rat-a-tat machine gun fire down the highway.

[SimonD]

Still not inspired by these suggestions. I think I'm going with The Monk, which is doubly relevant for a brewery bike. I'll save my Kant references for a more educated audience, such as when I'm PMing BikeKultcha.

[Andrew]

Can Unicycles enter? It's technically a fixie

[Hoops]

Well, I'm not getting much in the way of consensus here...

+1 For the Baron.

[satac]

'A' grade monkey at least. Sonny.

Ah true, but my relationship with certain people gave me some options. I look forward to watching your performance in A grade, because if you do well i can beat you, as last time we raced thats what happened.

Still love ya Sparky (not) :D

[j_young_80]

Hey Breedy - awful quiet this morning bro?

C grade Supercrit's on tongiht - you stepping up?

[SimonD]

http://www.vikingscyclingforum.org.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=243&stc=1&d=1259797694 (http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=33530&tmpl=61&event=366277&action=viewphoto&photo_id=24841914&album_id=366279&pcount=45)

[Driver]

What crack are you smoking Simon?

Judging by the height of the sun, the crowd and the crook in Breedles neck, he's actually saying;
"crap, I'm just about to be lapped by C grade"

[Kano]

dont worry im just stoked that when i was next to Breedy at the start, he just assumed i had been promoted.

Thanks for the confidence Breedy!!!

[satac]

Yeah well that was a **** up. It was a little bemusing, im thinking these cats aren't the usual suspects. But at least i won it, would have been embarrasing not to.

[bosworth*]

quon are having a dig too:

http://teamquon.blogspot.com/2009/12/you-know-who-you-are.html

lol drama

[j_young_80]

I also noted a false mechanical on the first lap of A Breedy - please explain.

[Driver]

Ah Breedles.... just gold.

That's one we can get some mileage with. Add it to the collection. :)

[bosworth*]

A very cunning trick.

[satac]

I also noted a false mechanical on the first lap of A Breedy - please explain.

No false mechanical, the chain slipped, i was in the small ring and wnet to shift up and it threw itself off, got wrapped around the crank and it forced it back on, i did drag bling across to the break in that race, and was hanging on fine after two races and an hour of crits and being on the limit after i drove the front in A grade with about 8min to go id had enough.

[satac]

Im also now stuck in A grade so well have to race and hang on now.

Big shoulders needed in this time of humbleness, the quon site is very entertaining reading, even if its directed at me. Although the supposed teachers didnt do me any favours, i ended up a used car salesman

[j_young_80]

You know you've made it when you hit the Quon blog.

[satac]

**** yay!!!

[Steven]

Meanwhile, in the Land of On-Topic:

Just finished my new bike. A pity I'm officiating!

http://cyclebucket.com/images/candy01.jpg

[Startrek]

Thats very pretty .

[Andrew]

/wants

[Kano]

Steven, that is pimped!

drink bottles on a Fixie?? i was told that this was very uncool, mind you the coolness of the person that gave me this advice may not be a reliable source.

[Steven]

Thanks Kano.

This is the bike I'm taking with me to Japan next year, so I'll forego the cool factor and stay hydrated.

The Ritchey Breakaway is a folding frame by the way :)

[Steven]

CALL FOR MARSHALS

Hi folks,

DROP ZONE has three checkpoints to man between 4.45 and 6.15pm, simply to check and issue location cards. All checkpoints are located at friendly venues where you can relax outside with a drink and enjoy the sight of the fixies as they come through.

So far we have one marshal confirmed and require two more. If you're not planning to ride yourself, but would like to participate in some way, please contact me as soon as possible.

In addition to the accrued good karma, marshalling in DROP ZONE will credit you with free entry into the fixie event of your choice in the new year, and a free sausage sandwich and drink back at Duntroon Park at this event's conclusion.

Thanks heaps!

[Oliver]

I would be happy to marshal

[Steven]

I would be happy to marshal

Thanks Oliver, welcome aboard.

In addition we have fellow fixie fanatic Damian, and Scotty's better half Fi, so a full complement of marshals to cover the checkpoints.

[Hoops]

It's this Sat. Time to Pony up!

[Steven]

It's all happening today! Meet at 4pm for 4.30 at Duntroon Park.

My number if you're lost or have any questions is 0418 600 936.

Hope to see you all there :)

[j_young_80]

Stay tuned, should be some cracker videos/pics from this. Thanks Steve and all the marshals!

No thanks to the leaders who didn't stop at the drink stops and made it a hard day out!

[Frances]

The Video needs a thread all of its own. Stand by...

[Kano]

so what,

Beers and balance are not friends?????

could have told me earlier

[j_young_80]

I'm pretty sure we did tell you earlier. I believe the statement was "You are the only one here that thinks this isn't a bad idea...."

[Driver]

I'm still recovering from this, mentally and physically.

[j_young_80]

So is F-Mac apparently, she is struggling to post Kano's self-back slam.

[Kano]

no rush

[Ross]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wb8bAl1P-N0/SzDcfEX_swI/AAAAAAAALxw/OrVN4oEyuKo/s400/PezCycling+News+-+What_s+Cool+In+Pro+Cycling-2.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wb8bAl1P-N0/SzDnPcJZfhI/AAAAAAAALx4/4-DJb6IACaA/s400/PezCycling+News+-+What_s+Cool+In+Pro+Cycling-3.jpg

[Driver]

A single speed is a great training tool to have in the stable.