Ok, this is the final of the backdated ride reports, covering 27th of December 2007 to 2nd of January 2008.
27th December 2007 - Northcote > St Kilda > Port Melbourne > Northcote
Distance: 34km
Description: Flat
Weather: Slight headwind
We took an easy ride in the afternoon.
PDL and I rode down to St Kilda pier where Lisa had a flat. Sheesh… I’m getting sick of these.
We rode back via Port Melbourne, along the bag trail and up under the Westgate to the Yarra and back via Southgate.
The ride was nothing spectacular, just a roll of the legs after a bit of a break from the bike.
29th December 2007 - Ocean Grove > Point Lonsdale > Queenscliff > Ocean Grove
Distance: 34km
Description: Flat with some hills
Weather: Very hot with headwind on the way back!
Today was a gentle training ride with Dad for Amy’s ride, with Sara coming along for the ride as well.
After setting dad’s bike up with SPD pedals and a computer, followed by a fairly unsuccessful lesson with the pedals against the wall, we took to the road figuring actual riding would be more effective. One minor cleat fall later and dad had the swing of them and we set off.
Riding towards Point Lonsdale was easy with a slight tail wind. PDL had a flat but being at the back, Sara didn’t look behind for a while and when she did Lisa was no where to be seen. I turned around and rode back and of course- she had a flat- again! Found a nail in the tyre and changed the tube quickly and were back on the road.
Turning right we had a small hill to climb and Sara was not dealing with it at all but she made it after some encouragement.
Stopped at Point Lonsdale, and then rode onto Queenscliff where we stopped for a cold drink in the shade.
Riding back it was even hotter with a section of road melting and sticking to our tyres.
I suggested to dad we take the short way home but after a miscommunication we turned off towards a hilly way back. Before we got very far, Sara had a meltdown. We all stopped on a shady, grassy spot on the side of the road and I volunteered to ride back and get my car to pickup Sara. Dad and PDL would wait with her then ride back once I arrived.
Riding solo, the headwind was really bad and the heat was a shocker. The road was mostly uphill and I was trying to keep a good pace up. I’ve never been so hot in my life. Every sip of water from my bottle was hot and my mouth was bone dry 20 seconds after each sip.
As I rode up the highway, I doubted Dad’s instructions as I couldn’t find Banks Rd where I had to turn. Finally I saw a sign appearing slowly from behind a tree - first the “S”, then the “K” and so on. Whew! Apparently as Dad was reclining in the shade he mused that he probably should have suggested the other route with less hills! Grrr…
Finally I made it back to the house and I was wobbly on my legs with slightly blurred vision. Lots of cold water and my head under the cold shower cooled me down, and Dad’s wife Judy and I both drove back in our cars to pick everyone up as the temperature was too extreme. As luck would have it, whilst driving back the cool change came through!
I was pretty stuffed for the day after doing what amounted to a 10km time trial in 38 degrees into a headwind, uphill!
30th December 2007 - Northcote > Frankston > Northcote
Distance: 107km
Average Speed: 26
Description: Flat with some hills
Weather: Cool at first, warming up into the high 20’s for the return trip
After the ride yesterday in the heat, we decided to go for a ride down to Frankston to get some serious k’s under our belts.
The ride started surprisingly cool and we originally intended an easy pace but once on Beach Road we found ourselves behind some guys riding too slow for us (27kph) so we passed them all, only to have then tag onto the back of us.
We kept up a good pace and as I passed another large guy riding just out of Black Rock. The other large guy picked up his pace to repass me, so I clicked it up again to pass him back! Take that! LOL! Then he turned off.
PDL blew me away over the rolling hills around Rickets Point then waited up and again blew me away again. Ah well, she’s just faster than me. I hate holding her back.
Our pace was consistently in the high 20’s, low 30’s the whole way down, except of course up Hopes Rise where I drop down to a paltry 10kph.
On the way back we tagged onto a Triathalete who was doing mid to high 30’s with a slight headwind. When I was finally able to pull up next to him at a set of lights I thanked him for the wheel and said I would be happy to take a urn but I doubted my strength to hold his pace up front.
At one stage at a set of lights, I had the momentum to take the lead but I wasn’t able to keep up a 37kph pace for long so dropped back again and wheel sucked. At least I thanked him. LOL
At Mordi, a guy pulled up and said- “you must be the famous Vidman”. Turns out he is a BV forum lurker and he said he recognised me by my bike. He said he really liked the BV jersey and was considering joining up and posting a bit so he could get one. Cool.
Heading back I suggested to PDL that she should just ride off at her pace so she’s not always being held back by me.
PDL was waiting for me in Black Rock, where she bought a pack of socks at Le Knicks. 5 for $10 - bargain!
The ride back was good, rolling together with only a minor cleat incident for PDL. Doh!
Back in St Kilda we were stuck behind a triathlete woman who was very tentative in making a move in the traffic. In the end, PDL and I overtook her and went past all the cars banked up at the lights.
Our average speed for the ride to this stage was my best yet at 26.8kph. Awesome!
Breakfast was great- had fancy porridge at the Grocery Bar which went down a treat!
Rest of the ride home was smooth sailing.
2nd January 2008 - Northcote > Williamstown > Northcote
Distance 40km
Description: Flat
Weather: Fine and warm
Today we rode to Williamstown to watch the Bay Classic racing and to catch up with some friends who recently moved down there.
PDL slipped her foot off the cleat and jarred her back 200mts from home which left her in pain for a few hours.
Down Footscray Rd, we pretty much had a lane to ourselves but once we turned onto Whitehall St, it was a single lane with semis thundering past us. Most trucks were good and gave us plenty of room but 2 trucks went by us with what felt like only cm’s to spare. One of the trucks freaked PDL out and she had to stop to compose herself. I stopped to console her but by the stage we were past the worst of it and we rode the rest of the way trouble free.
We stopped at our friend’s new place and then the 4 of us rode down for lunch and to watch the racing.
Saw a crash at the end of the men’s support race where the winner had a brain fade and he slipped and fell into the fence in the roundabout corner. Ouch!
The four of us wandered around the crit course as the women’s race was on. Looked like hard work with headwinds just about everywhere.
We watched a bit of the men’s race from the roundabout and then moved on to finish stage where we saw Cadel Evans and Phil Ligget commentating. Everyone had their camera out and PDL took a photo of me with Cadel (ok - Cadel was 10 mts behind me but he’s in the same frame as me! LOL). Too bad we only had the camera on our mobiles!
Riding home we took a slightly different route to avoid the trucks but we still had to ride down Footscray Rd where the noise of the trucks intimidated PDL again. I feel bad for her in these situations as there isn’t anything I can do to help her.
Back home on the Capital City trail and we made it home incident free.
Next ride- Amy’s Ride.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Ride updates- 27th Dec to 2nd Jan 2008
Ride updates- 22nd Dec 2007 - Sacred Heart Mission Community Cycle
On the 22nd of December, we undertook the Sacred Heart Mission Community Cycle ride to donate food to the mission to feed the homeless. Unfortunately the weather wasn't so kind to us but it was a memorable ride all the same.
22nd December 2007 - Northcote > St Kilda > Frankston > St Kilda > Northcote
Distance: 106km
Description: Flat
Weather: Rain- LOTS of rain and plenty of wind!
Today was the Sacred Heart Mission Community Cycle ride day hat I was a bit nervous about- would many turn up? Would it work as intended?
I started the ride a bit overdressed and I had to roll down the arm warmers to cool down before we even got to St Kilda.
In St Kilda, PDL and I met up with Commi and Mikeyp and we rode south at a swift pace till Mordi. PDL and I were felling pretty sluggish after the MRR ride during the week. Those hills took a bit of a toll on us.
I slowed the pace down after Mordi as we were ahead of schedule and had a stop to put on our wet weather gear when it started to pour. Damn rain, I’ve had enough of rain riding to last me a while!
We arrived at Frankston early and mum (in the support vehicle) was already there so we started preparing with dress ups and tinsel on bikes.
In the end we had 14 riders turn up- all keen to brave the conditions and with backpacks filled with food.
We started ride with thunder overhead and black clouds. The rain started pelting down on us and the wind blew us from side to side. I lifted my fist to the sky, shook it and shouted “Is that all you’ve got!” LOL
As we passed the shops, I threw chocolate coins and candy canes to kids as we rode past. I think I need to work on my aim as they bounced all over the place! LOL
We had heaps of drivers tooting at us and waving. We made plenty of people smile and it was a great vibe despite the prevailing conditions.
After Mordi the wind picked up even more as we were riding next to the beach. Kathy was really scared of the winds so she jumped into mum’s car (sage wagon- thanks mum) and we rode on.
Somewhere around Mentone we picked up Marcel and he had blinking lights on his bike. They looked really cool!
After Black Rock we made a change to the route to get us out of the wind and headed inland, guided by Rudolph (Mikeyp). We zigzagging our way towards St Kilda via shopping strips so I could throw out the lollies to kids (some kids looked really excited).
As we were getting into St Kilda outskirts, Mikeyp had a slow flat so we quickly pumped it up and kept going.
Finally, after the rain and wind, we made it to SHM right on 11am (perfect timing) and after some confusion, we met with Sally from SHM who showed us around and made us all feel valued in what we did. It was a nice feeling to give rather then receive.
After dropping off the food, we had breakfast in St Kilda and then I had to ride home solo (PDL rode back in mum’s car as she was too cold to cop another soaking in the rain).
Being just me riding, I decided to ride the whole way down Punt Rd. It was bit scary under Richmond Station having to ride in the middle lane but no stress other than one green Ford Territory who wouldn’t give me any space when passing me twice (what is it with some Territory drivers?).
Made it home before PDL, soaked through again and shivering. Glad to be home.
Later in the day I had to go to mums to pick something up and on the way out, slipped on her steps and bruised my tail bone and shook myself up pretty bad. Crap way to end the day.
Ride updates- 15th Dec to 20th Dec 2007
More backdated ride reports including several wet and soggy rides to Sorrento, our first MRR ride and PDL's first crit pseudo race.
15th December 2007 - Frankston > Mornington > Sorrento return
Distance: 104km
Description: Flat with some hills
Weather: Rain, LOTS of rain!
PDL and I met up with Vicjane, Commi and RedZ61 around 8.00am and huddled under a shelter as we waited for everyone to get ready. It was raining non-stop and the flies were fierce (I thought the flies went away in the rain?).
PDL and I were hopelessly under dressed for the rain- no booties, no under layers, no rain jackets or vests. Doh! What were we thinking?
Up Hopes Rise and within a few km’s, Jane had a flat. A few km’s later Jane had a second flat and while waiting under the shelter of a servo fixing the flat, the owner comes out and tells us to bugger off. Nice! I finished changing flat in the rain and Stu rode past. We tried in vain to call out to him, but he didn’t hear us so Commi rode off to catch him whilst we finished off the flat.
We rode on and met up with Stu and Commi where Jane had her third flat (yes- third!). I helped fix it and gave her my tube so she could turn back for home (Stu had already 2 flats on the way down to Frankston).
PDL was shivering in the cold so we rode on, turning off for Mornington so we could get some garbage bags to make vests to keep PDL warm. They looked silly and felt icky to have the plastic against our skin (I put one on also- we wore them under our jerseys) but it kept the wind away from our skin and they achieved their aim.
Stu had to ride on as we were now so far behind schedule, so it was down to just the 4 of us. We rode on down to Safety Beach in pouring rain with water running over the road 3 inches deep in places!
Stopping for a break at Safety Beach, a guy hopped out of a car (with cycling jersey on) said we were tough for still heading out in this weather and I agreed. LOL
At Rosebud, RedZ61 had to turn back as we were running so late (he had a flat on the way home) while the 3 of us kept riding to Sorrento.
Riding past Arthur’s Seat, I pondered riding up it one day. I imagine it would make the 1:20 look easy. I’ll keep that challenge for another day.
Finally made it to Sorrento and stopped for late breakfast. We sat outside as we were soaked and dirty but this only made us even colder and PDL and I were shivering despite the warm drinks and food.
The waitress asked us where we rode from and after telling her, she thought we were very hardcore- damn right! LOL
Riding home apparently Commi and I had about 50 flies on our back. Damn freeloaders!
Into Mount Martha, I was getting hot in the plastic bag vest and tore holes into the chest area as I rode to try and cool myself down. Eventually, PDL and I stopped and ripped off the whole bag and we felt much better.
Back on Nepean Hwy I had a flat rear and had to wait for Commi and PDL to realise and ride back to me (I had no tubes now and no pump). I fixed my flat rear and as we were about to get going I found my front was now flat.
Now out of tubes between PDL and I, I borrowed one of Commi’s tubes and then found PDL’s rear was flat. We used Commi’s last tube (the 6th flat I had changed on the ride) and we limped back to the car - 7.5 hours after we started!
Whew! What a ride!
I spent the evening washing PDL’s bike and cleaning the drive train in preparation for the coffee crits in the morning.
16th December 2007 - Northcote > Port Melbourne > Black Rock return
Distance: 60km
Description: Flat with some hills
Weather: Fine, cool, headwind riding south
PDL and I rode down to Port Melbourne for the Women’s Coffee Crits today for PDL’s first crit. We got there a bit early with Sally (RedBike) turning up just after us.
There was a big turnout of Women for the coffee crit with plenty of nervous and apprehensive women standing about.
PDL was pretty nervous while I wished I could have given it a go myself. I will have to wait till I drop more weight and get a road bike. *sigh*
There were lots of nice bikes to look at all around me. I felt a bit feeble on my Kona flat bar next to all the nice road bikes.
During the warm up instruction session, PDL picked up plenty of skills, going around the corners faster and in the drops which was good to see as corners were her weakness.
I acted as a domestic for a few of the women we know, holding jackets, etc.
The women’s group was split into 2 groups- a leading group and a chasing group (PDL was in the chasing group). As PDL came around every lap, I yelled encouragement for her, urging her to go and chase the leading group but the pace was too high for her to mount a chase. At the end, PDL finished second in the chasing group without her even sprinting for the line. I was impressed. She even smiled for the camera as she crossed the line, hehe!
Afterwards we rode with Rey down Beach Rd to Mordialloc. We were behind some older guys at first who were all over the road and pretty slow so we eventually passed them and rode at a much faster pace, only to have them sit in our draft (it was a headwind). After a fair while of us leading the way we stopped at lights. One of the previous slow guys pulled up next to me so I cheekily said with a smile that he was “welcome to take a turn on the front” to which he replied “we were waiting for you to go up front earlier”. I don’t think he got my joke. Oops!
I wasn’t feeling it today so pulled out at Black Rock and sat down at Kennedys while PDL and Rey went to Mordi. On the way back they found Redbike and the four of us rode back to Pt Melbourne as a group for breakfast.
At home, PDL went and rode around the block to make it 200kms for the weekend. Nice work!
20th December 2007 - Northcote > Canterbury > Mitcham > Doncaster > Canterbury > Fitzroy > Northcote
Distance: 50km
Max Speed: 75.3kph
Description: Hills
Weather: Warm and humid with rain later in the ride
Full of trepidation, today we did our first Mailing Road Ride, arrived at the start a bit early. I was feeling like crap on the way to the ride, and doubted my ability to complete the ride at the groups pace.
We rode down Canterbury Rd and I was dropped straight away. Jim and Barry rode with me which was nice of them but I really hate being a charity case and holding others up. Gotta get faster…
We were just about to catch back up to the group at Maroondah Hwy when lights changed and Barry and I were dropped again. Bugger!
We finally caught up in Nunawading and rode with everyone till Doncaster where me and another guy were separated from the group again by traffic lights (damn it!).
I took off down Elgar Rd, clocking 75kph (which was a total surprise as I didn’t know I was going that fast), however up Belmore Rd the guy I was riding with (forgot his name) rode past me as expected and I rode the rest of the way solo, with no one in sight. The final hill on Balwyn Rd after Whitehorse Rd had a kick to it that really hurt. I finally limped into the Mailing Room café knackered and a bit wet.
Apparently PDL took Queen of the Mountain points and she impressed many seeing as this was her first MRR. Not bad considering she was a fair way behind at the bottom of Col de Belmore and had to close the gap and then pass up the hill. I think she is starting to believe in herself now. Finally!
After a drink, PDL rode back to work but by this stage it was raining steady and we were wet and soggy.
Just near work we met Commi outside his work and gave him back his tubes from last Sat’s ride.
During the day I had to buy new socks to ride home in as my others were soaked through with no way to dry them during the day.
Ride updates- 1st Dec to 8th Dec 2007
Continuing on with the backdated ride updates, here is a few ride reports from 1st December to the 8th of December 2007.
1st December 2007 - Northcote > St Kilda > Frankston return
Distance: 109.5
Ride Description: Flat with some hills
Weather: Fine with a little headwind on the way down
Today’s ride was an especially early start as Polkadotlisa and Sara had to be at Hampton at 7am for the first Cogs Girls session. So we were out the door at 5.30am in the dark for the ride down.
This was Sara’s first ride in cleats so that was also something for her to come to grips with, but she took to them without any problems at all. She’s always good with picking things like that up and she doesn’t have much fear either. Good for her!
I was a touch concerned with Sara’s pace after last weekend so I wanted to allow plenty of time to make it there, however at the top of Brunswick St; Sara got a flat front tire. I jumped into mechanic action and was whipping through it all in no time at all.
However when it came time to reinflate the tyre, I discovered that the CO2 canister was empty (even though I DID put in a fresh one). Ok, no stress, so I put in the spare one I carry. But wouldn’t you know it as I screwed the new canister in place; it let all the air out of it before I could use it. SHIT!
Now I had to pump up the tyre by hand- which seeing as this pump only has that as a backup option; it was a very slow process and very hard work. By the time I had the bike back on the road we were really running late so I sent Lisa off ahead to let the others know we were on our way.
Sara and I kept pushing ahead as best as she could go, but we copped every single red light! Sheesh!
Finally we made the meeting point late and I immediately borrowed Marti’s pump and got Sara’s tyre up to pressure and we set off to Hampton. Once again I suggested to PDL to ride off ahead to Hampton to make it in time and I asked Dave if he wouldn’t mind pacing Lisa (he seemed to relish the challenge).
We all rode along at Sara’s pace and I did my best to encouraging her along. Up an incline in Brighton, I gave Sara a push along up the hill with one hand, accelerating as I did this. Sara played a joke on me and stopped pedaling and let me do all the work. Everyone who was behind us had a good laugh! Yeah… ha ha!
Eventually we made it to Hampton 15 mins late and there was nobody at the meeting point. I called PDL and found out they were 100mts away in a car park so we dropped off Sara with the group and the rest of us went on our merry way towards Mordi.
The group rode along in the high 20’s until Andy (53-11) took off a bit faster and I tried to keep his pace but I wasn’t feeling it that morning and I dropped back pretty quickly.
With everyone racing off ahead, Marti and I were dropped by Black Rock so we worked together towards Mordi. After one hill, Marti commented to me that I was a strong rider. I didn’t know what to say to that complement and said “um.. I guess?” LOL
Finally into Mordi, I was happy for the break as up until now my legs just weren’t feeling as strong as they normally are. So a drink and a bite to eat were well in order.
Several of the group headed back to St Kilda so it was just a few of us left- Ian (Parawolf), Dave (Percrime), Marti (Marti), Richard (rdk) and myself.
We set off south again in high 20’s, low 30’s and I was feeling a ton better. Along the way Marti turned back for home and it was just the 4 of us guys riding.
At the train crossing intersection, there was riders coming and going in all directions, as well as cars also going in each direction. There was a comic moment of mass confusion with no one quite knowing what to do. I got dropped at the lights and with one of the confused cars now next to me I apologised for the confusion, but they saw the humor of the moment and had a laugh with me.
I caught back up to the guys and we cruised along in the low 30’s, joining up with a bunch of triathletes with one guy in a futuristic looking Y framed, plain silver bike. I pulled up next to him and asked with a smile if it came with booster rockets which thankfully he took it with humor in which it was intended.
All along I was NOT intending to do Hopes Rise but as I came into Frankston I changed my mind and said I would give it a go (as the legs were feeling much better now).
I made it up better then my last effort and got to the top with a gear to spare and not trashed. Dave looked surprised to see me up as fast as I was and I gave him the “bike lifted over the head celebration” routine that he ribbed me about last week, except I threw the bike so high I ended up almost letting go on it in the air, LOL.
Back down Olivers Hill I didn’t push it this time with an easy 63kph top speed, then stopped at the Frankston visitors centre for a drink refill and dunny stop where there was the Peninsular Toy Run (motorcyclists carrying toys for disadvantaged kids). As I came in someone was taking a photo of the assembled motorcycles so I rolled past the frame and waved at the camera. Would make a funny photo and I just hope they see the humor in it (tho with digital cameras, they will probably delete it straight away).
Back on the road after a very quick stop and we set a whip cracking pace with Ian and Dave leading the way with Richard and me bringing up the rear. We were passing everyone riding along at around 38kph. At one stage Ian looked back and asked if I was ok back there (which I was, for the moment anyway).
Then we caught up to a bunch of triathletes and they picked up the pace to around 40kph making it a pretty impressive paced peleton (I think we had a few others tag onto the back of us as well).
With only 2kms to go till Mordi, I wasn’t able to match the acceleration from a set of lights one last time and I didn’t have the legs to get back on, so I backed it off to the mid 30’s and me and a woman who was behind us rode in together.
At Mordi, Richard and I were feeling the fast pace a bit and we were both intending on taking it easy but somehow yet again, we were racing along in the mid 30’s (with Dave and Ian disappearing into the distance).
As this day was the Sub Women’s ride, the road was full of newbie women and some were very wobbly on the road, so we gave them a wide berth for safety.
On the last hill into Black Rock, a fly flew straight into my throat, hitting my tonsils in the process. This was the equivalent of putting my fingers down my throat and I was gagging as it buzzed down the back of my throat. I dropped right off the pace and tried to cough the fly back up, taking mouth fulls of water and spitting them back out but I think the bug went down instead of up. Yuck!
Back on the pace again and I was working hard to catch back up to Richard after my fly moment. On the hill out of Black Rock, I was abused by the passenger in a boat towing 4wd who leant out the window and yelled “get out of the way ya arsewipe” to which I raised my middle finger and returned a “Fuck you too”.
Now back with Richard, the two of us were cruising along at around 35kph when Richard suggests we back it off a bit. I think I was to blame here; I always end up pushing myself hard despite my earlier intentions.
We kept riding along and for some reason we never really did drop our speed. We passed so many riders it was incredible as for so long it was ME being passed.
At North Road, Richard had to turn off so I was left to ride the rest solo. I glanced down at my average and it was 26.7 kph which was fantastic considering I had the very slow start with Sara. Man we were pushing it and I was beginning to regret it now keeping in mind the following days ride I had planned. Gulp!
Finally I made it back to Fitzroy St and Dave looked stunned to see me there already. Apparently, he and Ian were flying all the way back, so to see me just a few mins after him surprised him somewhat. While I was happy to take the complement, I’m guessing that I just had a better run of the traffic lights to account for my great time *shrug*
I found a seat and slumped down, feeling really trashed from the days riding. I wanted lots of cold drinks and food and FAST, but the service this day was rotten and even a bit snooty!
Breakfast over and we rode home via the city. While stopped at a red light on St Kilda road, a fellow rider went straight through the red light, and then he stopped to pickup something he dropped. As we came up to pass him, we saw him finish eating an energy bar and just fling the rubbish on the ground! Nice…
The rest of the ride was uneventful except for a rather massive incident with a 4WD which I will make a separate post about.
2nd December 2007 - Brimbank Park > up Calder Highway before turning around > Riding around Port Melbourne
Distance: 40kms
Description: All uphill
Weather: Strong headwind
I was very tired from the previous day’s ride, with legs feeling weary and weak so I went into this ride a bit apprehensive. There were very strong winds and it was quite warm; a bad day to be on the roads.
After a bit of confusion on the start point, we eventually found the others and 6 of us headed out, however within 3km we lost one guy with knee problems.
Onwards we rode into the cross/headwind and never ending uphill which sucked (for me). Out onto Calder Hwy and it was a non-stop incline into a strong head/side wind. I was giving it my all but was reduced to 15kph as the rest disappeared WAY into the distance.
My saddle was causing me a lot of pain. The centre of it had gone soft and was sinking in the middle. Eventually the combination of wind, tired legs and buggered seat saw me throw in the towel. I felt really crap for giving in.
Johan, PDL and I turned back for the car (downhill, tailwind- whew!), leaving just Beatmasterbee and Marc to go on to battle the conditions.
Despondent, I drove back and decided to get a new seat at Freedom machine (we were a bit early so waited in crap café next door). I think the café next door to Freedom Machine would have to take the award for the worst eggs I have ever had. Microwaved- yuk!
In Freedom Wheels I brought a new Specialized seat and it immediately felt better. I could feel more power in my stroke and a ton more comfort overall. I should have done this age’s ago.
We decided to go down to Port Melbourne to watch the crit (had no idea where it was plus I think we were a bit late). After driving about for a while, we eventually just stopped in the industrial area and rode our own crit course just PDL and I.
After a few laps, the heat, wind and flies got the better of us so we went home.
8th December 2007 - Northcote > St Kilda > Frankston return
Distance: 106km
Description: Flat with some hills
Today PDL was supposed to do Cogs Girls but she had been moaning all week that she wanted to get in a good ride and didn’t feel like doing Cogs Girls. I kept telling her it was her call.
We met up with the others at St Kilda and rode down to Hampton. Kathy and PDL turned off at Hampton while the rest of us rode onwards south. Suddenly as I was chatting to Commi, PDL whizzes past us. HUH?
It seems the lure of a long ride was too much for PDL and she changed her mind when she arrived at the meet point with Kathy and chased after us. LOL
Into Black Rock I was determined NOT to go too early for the sprint. I sat on Dave’s wheel as he increased his speed heading towards Black Rock and he knew I was there the whole way. He could have tried to lose me harder but he was kind enough not to do so. As he got faster and faster, I decided that this was the moment, clicked up another gear, pulled out from him and gave it my all to power past him and finally take out a sprint. Woohoo! I was so knackered after that sprint but it was fun all the same.
Arount Mentone, a bunch of riders passed us pretty fast with some of then cutting past us a bit close and silly. Then as we rounded a corner, we saw the aftermath of one of these riders crashed on the ground. He was getting up and had mates with him so we kept on going. Then as we came into Mentone, a HUGE pack blew past us very fast, must have taken them a good 45 seconds for all pass me. WOW!
Down to Frankston as we cruised along, PDL was trying to tap her bar plug back in with her hand, but she lost control for a second and had to lean on me to regain her balance. Nice work.
On the lead up to Hopes Rise, I urged PDL to chase down Dave up the hill and after closing the 75 meter gap she wasn’t quite able to beat Dave up the hill. She getting better and better tho.
Back at Modi on our return, we saw the Cogs Girls and stopped to say hi. While at Mordi, the Drapac Porsche team went past at a great rate of knots as a BIG group, followed by the team car all done up in team livery. Very impressive!
We stopped at LeKnicks and I brought a Caisse D’Epargne jersey. It looks heaps better than the plain red one and I was pretty happy to be free of the plain red. At last I can fit into a decent looking jersey and I wore it for the rest of the ride.
I was caught behind the group trying to cross the road, and had to work flat out to catch up with the group, which I finally did when they were caught at lights and I zoomed past (they didn’t recognise me due to the new jersey).
We all stopped at Hampton to catch up with Kathy and others for breakfast where I dobbed Lisa in to Warren from Cogs Girls re the coffee crits and Warren agreed that PDL was ready.
As the group left breakfast, for some reason everyone followed my suggestion about which way to go, where I made a total mess of the directions. Doh!
We stopped in at Startline and had a look around and chat to Liz and Caren. Liz was amazed at my weight drop.
Riding back into St Kilda, I heard a spoke break, so once again we all stopped while I pulled it out. Dang it!
Stopped at BSC on the way home to book my bike in for a service and replacement of the spoke.
Ride updates- 10th Nov to 25th Nov 2007
Its been ages since I updated my blog so here is the first of several posts that backtrack on what's been happening. Some of it is simple point form while some is more detailed. Read on...
10th November 2007 - Northcote > Docklands > Werribee River
Distance: 83.55
Ride Time: 03:27:52
Average Speed: 24.10
Max Speed: 46.60
Ride Description: Flat, flat, flat!
Weather: Fine
- PDL and I met up with beatmasterbee (Andrew) on way down to the ride start where we had equal numbers of flat bar bikes as road bikes.
- The group was abused within the first 5 mins of starting the ride (for daring to ride on the road) down Footscray Rd.
- Along the way there were tons of stinky factories, green smoke, etc. We played guess that smell!
- Stu caught up with us along the way after changing his mind about his days ride and they riding in the general direction hoping ti catch us. Dunno how he found us- I would have been totally lost myself.
- The bike path was ok except for the annoying road crossings breaking up a good path surface.
- The path was mostly empty path except for the occasional slow casual riders.
- Eventually the path ended at Werribee River, where we boys relived ourselves against the trees. However with no toilet for PDL, we rode back to a servo so lisa could avail herself of the facilities.
- The ride back uneventful, but I did try to chase down Stu after he took off to no avail.
- At one stage, I found myself on the rough footpath and while trying to cross back onto the road, I rode over a sand patch and was lucky not to be thrown over the bars.
- Towards the end of the ride, the pa e picked up more and more, leaving Johan struggling to keep up.
- Back along Footscray Rd we passed heaps of cars into Docklands due to the road works. Love doing that.
- All back in the Docklands, we had a group photo taken for us by group of excitable women.
- We all sat down and had breakfast at Docklands; it’s always good to have a feed at the end of a good ride.
- On the way home I saw Saw 53-11 (Andy) in the city and yelled hi as we zoomed past.
- After the ride we drove to Le Knicks (picked up a second pair of bib knicks and a cap), tried on jerseys- still don’t fit me. Damn!
11th November 2007 - Northcote > Black Rock return
Distance: 53.30
Ride Time: 02:36:56
Average Speed: 20.40
Max Speed: 49.80
Ride Description: Flat
Weather: Fine, Practice ride with Sara
- Today was a test BBC ride for Sara.
- We did an OK pace all the way, the hills hurt Sara but it reminds me of myself when I started.
- Met up with an older bloke I met ages ago, so I rode off from Sara and Lisa to chat with him as he was trying to keep up with his group.
- After riding ahead, I dropped back for Sara to encourage her along.
- Later on, I raced off ahead to chase down some road riders on the long incline before Black Rock (did it easy).
- Sara bumped into a woman she knew from music course at Uni on the road, and I think Sara was happy to see so many women on the road.
- We stopped at Kennedys for a drink, then a look at LeKnicks (Lisa bought Bojour jersey).
- The older bloke saw us again as we rode up the Black Rock hill (I was going slow for Sara, wanted to race off to show I really wasn’t slow hehehe).
- Lisa and I raced each other along the flat for a little while- I got to 48kph but it left me stuffed.
- After the foolish sprinting above, I backed off and worked with Sara all the way back, stopping in St Kilda for breakfast at The Grocery Bar.
- After breakfast, we rode home up Collins St, a really hard hill for Saz but she never gave up. Good for her.
- In the end Sara finished the ride with a decent average speed; impressed.
11th November 2007 - Northcote > Boulevard return
Distance: 20.74
Ride Time: 00:57:15
Average Speed: 21.80
Max Speed: 49.70
Ride Description: Hilly
Weather: Warm
- PDL and I hit the Kew Bouli for an extra workout later in the afternoon after the mornings BBC ride.
- It was still hard work but I find the Kew Bouli a bit easier every time I do it.
This time I was able to ride up all the hills in the middle ring.
- Interestingly, I discovered I only use the brakes just the one small moment on the entire bouli.
- At the Richmond end we waited for Sally and Bryce.
- We all set off for Chandler Highway together with me leading the way down the first hill, but everyone passed me on first up hill. Bugger!
- I tried to keep Sally in sight but lost her half way around the Bouli.
Lisa apparently was keeping Bryce honest the whole way (she really is good on the hills).
- Rode home having done our first full lap of the Kew Boulevard (there and back).
13th November 2007 - Northcote > Boulevard return via Fairfield boatshed
- PDL and I took Sara on the Kew Bouli for her first time. Credit where credit’s due to Sara for giving it a go.
- An unknown rider fired a pretend gun at PDL and me as we rode up the first hill (he was riding down)- WTF?
- I stopped to wait for Sara at top of the first hill, where I was bailed up by the unknown gunman (a BV forum member it turned out). I was so pissed off after he talked AT me, that I hammered along the Bouli as hard as I could, so much so that PDL couldn’t catch me until the final hill.
- Sara made it all the way- a top effort on a tough road.
- On the way back we took the short cut through the Kew boatsheds and headed home feeling rather shite.
17th November 2007 - Anaconda > 1:20 > Sassafras > Skyhigh > Kalorama > Sassafras > Anaconda
Distance: 47.70
Riding Time: 02:21:27
Average Speed: 20.20
Max Speed: 67.60
Ride description: Hill climb
Weather: Warm
- There was a big group for this ride, with about 30+ riders joining in.
- I lead the way from Anaconda, with everyone treating me as the group leader (which felt pretty strange).
- We regrouped at The Basin where some riders were already waiting.
- Everyone (I thought) passed me within 100mts of the climb, leaving me with a long and lonely ride up (which I always expected).
- Along the way up I was able to pass just the 2 riders on mountain bikes.
- Sette came back down twice to me after reaching the top which just served to highlight my lack of hill climbing ability. *sigh*
- I finally made it to the top with no rest stops, so I achieved my aim for this ride (I still collapsed on the grass at the top though!)
- After a rest, we all headed to Sky High, where Louisa and I rode together at the back, urging each other along up the hills.
- I flew down a long downhill and turned off to Sky High (where several riders were waiting at the intersection, looking a bit lost). I was passed again up the hills, but I kept pushing up some really steep hills that had me in my lowest gear- ouch!
- Finally I made it to the top, where someone (an angel perhaps?) took my bike from me when I got to the top- thanks!
- It turned out that Dave, Shane and Richard took the wrong turn and went the long, steep way up to Sky High.
- On the way down, I was group leader again, leading the way down a very steep fast downhill with a sharp turn and stop sign at the bottom. You could smell my disk brakes at the bottom I was working them so hard!
- Back to Sasafrass was hard work again. Glad to make it as I was getting pretty weary legs by this stage.
- After breakfast in Sassafrass, we headed back down the 1:20. I left after most (I was busy jabbering to Dave) and I pushed all the way, finally catching and overtaking our entire (now smaller) group before the end. I was dubbed the “Red Flash” afterwards! Hehehe
- We rode back as a group to Anaconda in the high 30’s which was fun (a bit of a tail wind).There was HEAPS of fast traffic on Bayswater Rd; loud, scary, and not fun at all.
- We drove home stuffed and hot and sweaty, but it was a great day’s ride all the same.
24th November 2007 - Northcote > Hampton return + Bouli return + Brunswick St > Northcote
Distance: 71.35
Ride Time: 03:42:23
Average Speed: 19.20
Max Speed: 51.6
Ride Description: Flat + hills
Weather: Warm
- Today’s ride was a very slow ride to BBC- Sara struggling bad- not sure what the problem was.
- Lisa chain came off- again! Getting frustrating.
- Matt turned up with his new bike- finally! Wish I was on a road bike, but I need to wait for A- more money, and B. more weight loss.
- On way down with the group, Kathy and I stayed back with Sara.
- The group stopped outside Startline to wait for us (which was nice), but they then passed us straight away as Sara struggled up an incline.
- Sara was finding it harder and harder- and eventually we turned around and I told Kathy to go ahead and let them know what happened to us.
- On way back was I was buzzed by a big fast group and tapped on shoulder by a rider at speed. It turned out to be Andy so I waved hi back.
- Along the way we were passed by many of the fast 7am group.
- Back at the BBC, breakfast was back to normal after last months poor effort. Good.
- After breakfast, PDL, Sara and I rode to Spoke(n) to have a look around. Lots of nice stuff in there, and very friendly staff who even parked our bikes for us in the store.
- As we rode back up Nepean Hwy, we were was buzzed by a Wattle bird. Never been swooped before.
- We rode back via Swanston St, up past Melbourne Uni, and took the Rushall Station way to avoid hills for Sara.
- I really felt for Sara- she was just having a really bad day on the bike and she was crushed I think.
- After the ride we all voted and John Howard lost. Finally! Very happy.
- Later PDL and I went to do the Kew Bouli via The Pipe bridge. It was a steep climb and I pushed too hard and gulped too much water which made me feel sick.
- PDL’s chain came off two more times on the way back, so I cracked the shits and we rode to BSC to have it fixed properly.
- They could make it jump proof but it was a “lazy shift” (double click to move the big ring). PDL didn’t like this so we took their advice and paid for a Shimano 105 big ring to be fitted- fixed the problem and now shifts better than it ever has!
25th November 2007 - Northcote > St Kilda > Mt Eliza return
Distance: 116.31
Ride Time: 04:34:21
Average Speed: 25.40
Max Speed: 70.30
Ride Description: Flat with some hills
Weather: Fine with some low headwind on the way down
- A cool morning start to the ride.
- An idiot in car on Gertrude St screamed out at us as we were crossing the intersection (with a green light)- “FUCKING CYCLISTS” *shrug*
- PDL and I made the meet point with time to spare for once.
- The group was made up of- Dave, Matt, Richard, Rey, Katrina, PDL and me.
- Dave and I lead a fast pace on the way down. I tried to out sprint Dave into Black Rock but I still went too early but i beat Richard. hehe
- We kept the pace up into Mordi, where Dave took off, so I encouraged PDL to chase him down (she didn’t quite make it).
- We backed off the pace to Frankston, and we saw a woman in a group in front of us almost crash in front of us- lucky save.
- One guy that passed us had a Brumbys Bread jersey on and the back had French bread sticks printed to look like they were sticking out of the rear pockets- very cool!
- The woman who almost fell earlier, was walking up Hopes Rise as I rode towards her. She looked back and upon seeing me she started running up the hill in cleats. Very strange.
- I made it up Hopes Rise without walking for the first time. Woohoo!
- Apparently PDL passed Dave up Hopes Rise for a while- wow!
- Katrina made it up on her first attempt- VERY impressed!
- The ride towards Mt Eliza was hard work and my legs were a bit wobbly by the end.
- At the coffee stop in Mt Eliza, we stopped for a rest and I had a choc mud muffin served to Dave with a birthday candle for his birthday.
- After the stop, Dave took off so I pushed really hard down Olivers Hill to catch him and topped 70kph for the first time!
- As I was riding down at 70kph, a car slowly passed me and the kids in the back seat were all staring at me, mouths wide open in amazement; funny stuff!
- The ride back towards Mordi was fast and in the mid 30’s. After Mordi we were supposed to back off the pace a bit but Richard and I got carried away and we were sitting in the mid 30’s again.
- Dave and Lisa took off, from the rest of us and I was passed by everyone by the last hill around Ricketts Point, but I passed Katrina and Rey back into Black Rock, caught up with Richard and we rode the rest of the way north together.
- Into St Kilda I saw my average was 25.9kph so I pushed hard the rest to get up to 26kph (made it).
- Turns out that Dave and PDL had been waiting for a while at the cafe as they were really flying the whole way.
- I really enjoyed lunch as I was starving by the time I made it back. I really worked hard this ride.
- After breakfast, PDL discovered that some kids had cleared her computer while messing about- damn them!
- The rest of the ride home was uneventful.
