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In addition to organised club rides. Regular member training rides will be posted here. If you are going on a regular training ride. Please contact Justen O'Connor to let me know about it. I will post it up so others can join. I need the time, place, approximate difficulty, average speed, length of time and which coffee shop you will visit afterwards. |
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Week 5 of Skill Cycle - Darnum Coffee |
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Ride Report / Newsletter |
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Week SIX 
the skill cycle bunch of 06 at Darnum
After a brief chat about nutrition, hydration and climbing the group again set off for Darnum. This time two groups made the journey and enjoyed coffee at the end. A chance for a chat and a discussion about where to from here ensued and then it was down the road to the corner to practice cornering at speed. At first there was some tentative cyclists but in no time they were flying around the bends like the sprinters in the final 1km of a stage. The group finished off the program with a leisurely ride back to the club rooms. Next week the Skill Cycle group join the Ride It group at 8:30 am at the velodrome for a ride out to Darnum again. Following the holidays, Lawrence will again meet the group for some further skills and thrills. A big thank you to the coaches (Dave, Lawrence, Geoff, Phil, Justen, Travis, Roy etc.) and participants who made this program an outstanding success. Well done.
They descend upon the tea rooms
A chance for a caffeine fix
Some words of encouragement
Time to fly
Proposed Changes to Ride It Program
The area of the club with the most potential for growth remains the Ride-It group. Cycling is for most people a social activity and statistically very safe when performed in groups. The Ride-It program provides access to training, insurance coverage, expertise in bike handling, repair and maintenance, local knowledge, added safety and a social support group. Despite a strong start to the Ride-It group it became a challenge to meet the needs of everyone involved.
Issues of concern included:
The Ride-It sub committee have been working hard to address the issues and change the way the program is delivered to better provide for the Ride It membership. In early February, the club will start the first of its Skill Cycle programs.
The Ride-It group also plans to change scheduling so that there is no confusion. The group will leave from the Warragul Velodrome at 8:30am weekly to cycle to the Darnum Tea Rooms. Those that want to start at the Tea Rooms can meet the group at around 8:45 - 8:55 at the Tea Rooms. Finish with a coffee and a chat whilst reflecting on a great mornings ride, there is no better way to start your day.
Cycling Sensation
A total of eight riders from the Ride-It group met at the velodrome in fantastic weather on Sunday for a perfect ride to Ellinbank and return. The eight riders of varying abilities decided to ride together and adopted the 35 kilometre route.A Great Ride in Melbourne
Seven members of the Warragul Cycling Club Recreational Ride It group enjoyed a city trail loop in Melbourne on September 11. The rain in Warragul was left behind early on Sunday morning and by the time we reached Melbourne the weather had cleared. Led by Craig Stutchbury, the group left from the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and negotiated a bike path leading north west from Melbourne. It was not long before the bike path hooked up with the Moonee Ponds Creek and the group headed out to Westfield shopping centre at Tullamarine.
Despite the wind, the sun was shining and there was no sign of rain clouds. After a break for lunch the group returned to the city via the Western Ring Road bicycle path, Brimbank Park and the Maribyrnong River trail. The sun came out for the section along the Maribyrnong and made for great riding along a sand path with the river on one side and parkland all the way on the other. This section also was protected from the wind, making for a very pleasant ride. There also was the opportunity for a rest on the river’s edge while Peter repaired a puncture.
Everyone agreed the day was a great success with Melbourne bike trails promising to be a highlight of each quarter’s program. The round trip totalled about 65 kilometres with most of the riding along flat, but there were a few sharp inclines along the way to challenge the riders. It gave country riders an opportunity to see a side of Melbourne not experienced before.
Ride It Report
Ride-It Report - Sunday 28th August: Nine riders, including junior David deBruyne were greeted by beautiful spring weather on a delightful ride to Drouin and return. Five rode the novice route and four on the intermediate run with the obligatory coffee stop midway. Lets hope that the good weather will bring out more riders in the next few months to enjoy the green green hills of our lovely district which at the moment are beginning to look at their very best.The next ride will be on Sunday September 11th and will feature a trip to Melbourne to experience the western bike trail. See below for details:
Despite the foul weather last Sunday five riders made the effort for the ride from Longwarry and return via Bunyip, Garfield, Tynong, Cora Lyn , Bayles & Modella. The course was flat but both very wet and windy. After 49 ks the riders arrived back safe and sound albeit a little wind blown. Despite the refreshing dose of exercise, it certainly makes one appreciate the comforts of home on a bleak winters day. People often appreciate the experience more having bit the bullet and cycled in these conditions. It certainly beats sitting in the loungeroom thinking about exercise. The riders who braved the elements were Kath Hamilton, Coralie Tyrrell, Robyn Gray, Dave Ruskin & Roy Hammond.
The next ride day is Sunday August 14 commencing at 9am from the velodrome.
Reports are also to hand that the magpie swooping season has commenced. Whilst they can be scary they generally just give you a little bit of a fright. Cyclists should remember that you have the protection of your bike helmet and it is probably best to just keep your head down and keep riding. Be careful of taking avoiding action at the expense of falling off your bike or running off the road, the magpie is the preferred option here.
There is one particularly friendly magpie on the top of the first climb towards Shady Creek from Warragul. If you know they are there then you can mentally prepare to be swooped.
Ride It Fees Reduced
In what should be a big boost for Ride-It members, the WCC committee decided unanimously to bring the cost of the Ride-It licence down to $45 (adult), 30$ (junior) and $90 (family). This is a fantastic result for the group and should see more bums on saddles this year. There is now simply no excuse not to join in.
Warragul ‘Ride-It’ Report
Despite the wintry weather the recreation riding group’s program continues unabated. Fortunately the weather conditions have not been bad enough for any cancellations. Provided the appropriate apparel is worn it is not really a problem (see below). Although last Sunday the strong windy conditions caused riders to be on the alert for the rogue gust that can catch the unsuspecting cyclist out. In addition the road litter caused by the strong winds meant riders had to be more vigilant than normal.In all seven riders rode the two Warragul ‘loops’, which were interspersed with the usual coffee break. However after observing the diet of two of the riders, (a chicko roll for one and an egg & bacon sandwich for the other) the coffee break degenerated into brunch. Carolyn Turner and Phil Drummond gave it away at the half way mark (that was far enough), Craig Stuchbery then joined in having had to fix a puncture before getting started. Ian deBruyne was resplendent on his new beaut bike, Bruce Campbell hung in the full distance whilst Peter Crump and Roy Hammond did an extra 12 ks, in checking out a possible route for the Commonweath Games warm up day recreational bike ride which is coming up on November 20th.
The next ride departs the velodrome on Saturday July 30th at 1.30pm and will be followed up with a ride on Sunday 7th August commencing from the vicinity of the Longwarry Hotel.
Earlier this month the Warragul Cycling Club held their annual meeting and the following annual report for the Ride-It group was presented.On August 2nd 2004 a public meeting was held in the Old Shire Hall, Queen Street, Warragul for the purpose of forming a Recreation Riding Group. Over 30 people attended and as a consequence the Ride-It group was formed.Over the next few weeks various administrative matters were sorted out and the inaugural ride of the group took place on October 3rd 2004.Since that date the group has gone from strength to strength and the membership has steadily increased to almost 60 members.The Ride-It group has been an outstanding success with rides being conducted on at least a fortnightly basis from October last year through to the present. A sub committee was formed and subsequently various activities were allocated to members of this committee to spread the work load. There are now nine members who meet on a bi monthly basis to organise the various activities of the group.They are Roy Hammond (Chairperson), Monique Hanley (Liason Officer), Craig Stuchbery (Ride Program), Carolyn Turner (Publicity), Coralie Tyrrell ( Membership), Michael Stirling (Education)Steve Jackson, Wilf Tampaline, & Bruce Horskins.A program was developed for a three month period the basis of which was a ride on every second Sunday morning and with one additional ride on a Saturday afternoon once a month. This format has proved satisfactory. Initially the rides all started and finished at the velodrome but as the program developed, rides starting at points outside of Warragul were introduced. These also have proved popular. Also now included in the quarterly program is a bike trail ride in Melbourne.
The group is still in the early stages of our establishment with many projects and ideas on the agenda for the future. These include subscriptions, day permits, first aid, uniforms, event management plans, two towns trail, weekend rides and the Commonwealth Games warm up day.A big vote of thanks goes from the Ride–It Group to the Warragul Cycling Club for their assistance in the establishment of the group. In particular to Justen O’Connor who has been very supportive of the whole concept and has encouraged us at every opportunity and has provided fantastic support especially through the WEB page of the cycling club. Also we are indebted to Monique Hanley for her efforts as liason officer for the cycle club. She was a tower of strength in the initial stages, guiding us in the right direction. Her endeavour in coming from Melbourne to attend our sub-committee meetings was also a fantastic effort.The Ride-It group can face the future with confidence. The sub-committee are very enthusiastic and the ride program gets better and more diverse every quarter. Recreational bike riding is still gaining momentum and the Ride-It group’s goal for the coming year is to see the membership reach 100.
An important step towards this was achieved at the meeting when the subscriptions were set at a markedly reduced amount for the coming year (January 1st). Junior membership will be $30, adults $45 and a family membership will be $90.
It can be very hard for some people to convince themselves to get out on the bike in the cooler weather. With a little planning and consideration for the elements, the shorter days don't have to be a barrier to achieving the fantastic benefits of cycling. Some ideas to help out include the following taken from: http://www.icebike.org/ If these people can do it in snow and ice then we surely can brave a little wind chill.
Layering is a outdoor clothing strategy that is probably already familiar to you, using layers of clothing that can be added and subtracted as the temperature and your activity change.
The problem with Layering in Winter Cycling is that it just doesn't work very well. Many cyclists on the report that they just don't use the layering method at all. Some are loath to stop and change layers because it is often the under layers that must be changed, seldom the top layer. If you are getting too warm, you will still want your wind proof layer (the top layer), so what you have to do is remove that, then remove one of the under layers, find some place to stash it, then get back on the bike and get moving before you get too cold.
I'm not about to suggest you enroll in a meteorology class, but there is a great deal to be said for just paying attention to what works for you. If one ride is too cold, learn to think of what you wore as something that need the assistance of another layer. This almost implies that you will make a few mistakes along the way, and over dress or under dress a few times till you get it all figured out. Clothing you might consider when the temperature gets below 10 degrees: Thermal undergarment, additional pair of knicks, polyprop ear warmer (doesnt have to cover your whole head), booties for your feet, wind stopper gloves, wind proof vest, arm and leg warmers.
One of the great boons to winter cycling, especially below freezing temperature, is the advent of wicking fabric (polypropelene). Sold under various trade names (Thermals, Capilene, Thermax, etc) these are usually a blend of polyester and perhaps up to 10 percent lycra thrown in for fit. With these fabrics it is not unusual to go out for a fast ride on a very cold day and have your outer layer be wet (not from rain) but the layer next to your skin be quite dry. The polyester fabric wicks the moisture to outer layers where it condenses. The important thing is that you are warm and dry.
The general advice is to avoid cotton next to the skin.Avoid over dressing. Start out a little cold.
Twenty three riders from the Ride-It group journeyed down to Melbourne last Sunday to negotiate the Capital City Trail Ride. Following the nasty weather in the early morning the possible ride conditions were a real cause for concern however the weather forecast proved spot–on with the elements moderating and a fine and sunny day being the result. Eighteen of the group went down by mini bus accompanied by a trailer load of bicycles and met up with another five at a reserve in Glen Iris.
Departing at 10.20am the group road down the Gardiner’s Creek trail and then linked up with the Capital City trail which proceeded up the Yarra Valley, past Dights Falls, the Collingwood animal farm, Princes Park, the zoo and finally arriving at South Bank via Docklands at 12.45pm for lunch. After threading their way through the milling crowds along south bank the return trip to Glen Iris was via the north bank of the Yarra river alongside and underneath the South Eastern Freeway (no E-tag necessary). For those riders who had not riden this trail before it was a real education to see our great city of Melbourne from such a completely different perspective.
The day was a great success part of which was attributed to the volunteer driving of Wilf Tampaline and the donation of the bus hire by Drouin Cycles. The organisation of the ride proved effective and so a further Melbourne trail ride will most certainly be included in the next quarter’s program. However our next ride is on May 15tt, the Darnum cuircut, departing the velodrome at 9.00am.
Ride It Day - Best Ride Yet
The next ride is on Saturday April 23, a leisurely pedal to Darnum and return from the velodrom
Ride It Day - Wet and Wild
Ride Report
Sunday
April 3rd
Finally the ‘Ride-it’ group struck it unlucky with overcast skies and falling rain as they contemplated their programmed ride. A break in the weather was enough encouragement to pedal off however the roads were covered in tree litter following the passage of a blustery front which passed through earlier. Cyclists had to be alert to the larger twigs which can easily unseat a rider. A number of stops along the way were taken as riders dismounted and removed small broken off branches from the roadway. There were other dedicated riders out on the road, despite the weather, when in the opposite direction the group passed the 8 o’clock Cycle Club bunch on their return from Yarragon some of whom had ridden up Mt Baw Baw the previous day. The group continued on, managing to get thoroughly rained upon before returning to Warragul from Ellinbank via Lardner’s track and roads in-between. I’m sure we all felt better for the experience – I think.
The next ride is in a fortnights time (Sunday April 17) and will commence at the Tetoora Road Pubic Hall on the main Korumburra-Warragul road (near the corner of Lardner’s Track) the main feature of which will be the ride along the Grand Ridge Road & McDonald’s Track. Riders should particularly note that this ride is not suitable for road bikes – hybrid, off road, or mountain bikes will be the order of the day. This is due to the rough gravel surface along part of the ride.
Ride It Day - Warragul Loops
A small but dedicated bunch set off on the ‘Warragul Loops’ on Saturday12th March. Conditions were warm to hot which caused the group to ride straight through with out the usual mid ride stop. Wilf Tampaline was really feeling fit having ridden to and from Drouin to participate in the ride (an extra 16 kilometres). After a couple of false stops a coffee shop was eventually found to be open in Warragul at 4.oopm on a Saturday afternoon and a convivial social end to the day was enjoyed.
The next Sunday (March 20th) eight riders left from the Burke Street Tennis Courts for the round trip to Ellinbank and back in glorious autumn weather conditions. The mid way break was taken at the Daisy Patch where the group got into a deep and meaningful discussion about insurance and work care. Having solved these important problems the group continued on to Warragul after an extended ride via Cloverlea.
Bruce Campbell brought up the rear having slightly over extended himself but finished in good style with the satisfaction of a personal milestone in distance travelled (45 kilometres).
The next ride will leave as usual from the Warragul Velodrome at 9.00am next Sunday (April 3rd). Now is the optimum time for recreational riders to be out on the road as the countryside is looking magnificent and the weather is superb!
RideIt Day - Warragul to Ellinbank and Return
On Sunday March 20th the Rec group heads off on a wonderful ride to Ellinbank. It is expected a large turn out will make their way down for the 9:00am depature. Get active and get on the ride.
The Warragul Cycling Club’s recreational group also hosted a ride event around Warragul on the weekend. More than 15 cyclists from the ‘Ride It’ group had perfect conditions for a ride on Sunday morning. The cyclists split into two groups, catering for novice and intermediate levels for two loops of Warragul. The first loop was north of Warragul and took in some of the hilly country of Lillico, before returning to Warragul via Dollarburn and Pharaohs Rd. Both groups met up for coffee in Warragul before taking in a second loop south of Warragul. Great fun was had by all.
The Ride-It group is now starting to gain momentum. It is really important that the membership get in and support this wonderful initiative 100%. You can do this simply by turning up to the scheduled events and enjoying the fun, healthy lifestyle that is associated with cycling. Don't train once a year for a one-off ride. Ride all year round with the Ride-It bunch.
Michael Sterling has agreed to be education coordinator for the Ride-It Group. This is an excellent position and should add value to an already exciting bunch who are leading the way.
The Sub-Committee decided there would be no additional charges to members for organised rides (except special events). Whilst the cost of membership is significant this cost essentially covers insurance for the club along with administrational costs. We hope you enjoy your No-Charge events.
This night offers a great opportunity to unite both the competitive and recreational groups under the one social event. Presentations for Ride-It Regulars will be made along with the recognition of volunteers. Free food for members, BYO drinks. March 19th - venue to be decided.
A wonderful ride was had by all during the Rec ride on Sunday 6 February 2005. As can be seen from the photo at the coffee shop below many cheerful faces made the ride a wonderful success. Don't forget Rec riders that the Lilydale-Warburton Trail ride is coming up very soon, so contact Roy for further details.
Check the Recreational 'Ride It' Calendar by clicking the link on the top RHS of this page. Details of upcomming events are now available
Training for the Murray to Moyne? Cycling with a bunch is always a great way to get fit for such an event. If you can join in with a group your motivation levels will remain high. Why not check out the Rec Riders calendar and be part of the action.
Who are the people behind the new recreational cycling group? Everyone by now should be familiar with the person who nurtured the whole idea, Roy Hammond. Roy has taken on the leadership role to develop the group and done an outstanding job so far. He is supported by a sub committee comprising of Monique Hanley, Greg Mitchell, Wilf Tampaline, Coralie Tyrrell, Magret Rea and Michael Sterling.
For general membership queries (ride-it license, becoming a member) you are directed to Phil Gallagher at Bike Land Queen St. Warragul, ph. 5623 2398
For general club enquiries speak to Karin Jones, club secretary on 56268386
For anything to do with the recreational group, you can contact Roy Hammond on 56220919
Ride it Calendar
See the ride it Calendar by clicking under the menu on the top RHS of this page. As the sub-committee get a chance to establish themselves the recreational group will begin to host some more exciting rides that will supplement the regular Sunday jaunts. A number of one day, two-day and depending upon demand, mini tours will find their way into the calendar. Whilst the Sunday ride will constitute the bread and butter you should be looking forward to indulging in some excellent group rides. These bigger club events, where possible, will be distributed around other major events such as the Murray to Moyne, the great Vic bike ride and the Around the Bay in a Day. This will mean there is no excuse to put the bike in the shed. On top of this you can expect some great social events to appear.
What can you offer?
Becoming a member of a club is a two-way relationship. It requires a tremendous amount of work to keep a club operating successfully and it is important to remember that no one is getting paid to do the organising. If the job is left to too few committed people they will get burnt out and it could all disappear. By offering to help out where possible, doing your turn on the committee and contributing thoughts, skills and time you can spread the load and make your own cycling a much more enjoyable experience.
It would be a good idea to get familiar with the code of conduct for CSV. Whilst much of this is associated with racing, there are aspects such as discrimination and harrassment that the club wants all members to be fully clear on.
Cyclists Code of Conduct (Acrobat .pdf file)